GoAbroad

Europe Gap Year; American Football in Ireland

by: Europe Gap Year

2026 Fall - September 27th start date / 2027 Spring - Feb 14th start date Cost: 11 weeks £13,500 / 8 weeks £10,000 - scholarships available 8 week structured program in Portrush on Ireland's north coast - Stay for 11 weeks and explore across Scotland - Train and coach with the Causeway Giants - Deliver football sessions in local schools - Experience Irish culture and travel around the island - After the 8-week program, you can continue your adventure in Scotland What You'll Do - Train with the Causeway Giants - Coach and mentor younger players - Deliver football sessions in local schools - Help grow American football in Ireland - Earn an official coaching qualification - Make a community impact - Explore Ireland and Scotland Life in Portrush - Live with students from our other programs in town centre, overlooking the ocean and opposite train station - Walking distance to beaches, cafés, shops and pubs - Surfboard, wetsuit and e-bike included - Friendly seaside town with a great community - Traditional Irish music and local nightlife - Built-in social life with other students - Portrush quickly feels like home, giving you the freedom to explore while making lifelong friends

Program Highlights

Live in Portrush town centre, sharing accommodation with other Gap Year students — 20 seconds from the train station and minutes from beaches, cafés, pubs, and shops.

This program is open to male and female students who have played high school football.

You’ll be treated as an adult, with plenty of free time and the freedom to explore. Staff are on hand 24/7 if needed.

Access to surfboard and wetsuit as well as an e-bike for the duration of your stay in Portrush.

Trips to Dublin, Belfast, Donegal and more!

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Derry, Ireland
  • Donegal, Ireland
  • Belfast, Northern Ireland
  • Derry, Northern Ireland
  • Portrush, Northern Ireland
  • Belfast, United Kingdom
Starts At: $1500-2000
Availability
Year(s) Offered: 2026, 2027Gap Year Timing:
  • Post High School
  • During College
  • After College
Age Requirement: 18-25
Types & Subjects
Types:
  • Adventure Travel
  • Experiential Learning
  • Self-Discovery
  • Sports
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Derry, Ireland
  • Donegal, Ireland
  • Belfast, Northern Ireland
  • Derry, Northern Ireland
  • Portrush, Northern Ireland
  • Belfast, United Kingdom

Types and Subjects

  • Types
  • Adventure Travel
  • Experiential Learning
  • Self-Discovery
  • Sports

Availability

Years Offered: 2026, 2027

Gap Year Timing:
  • Post High School
  • During College
  • After College

Age Requirement

18-25

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Couples

Starts At

$1500-2000

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Wifi Costs
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
  • In-Country Transportation To & From Project
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support

Refund Policy

Refund with conditions

Accommodation Options

  • Apartment/Flat
  • Group living

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • University Freshman (1st Year)
  • University Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • University Junior (3rd Year)
  • University Senior (4th Year)
  • High School Senior (4th Year)
  • No schooling completed
  • High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
  • Some college credit, no degree
  • Trade/technical/vocational training
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor’s degree

Application Procedures

  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Online Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I fly into?

You will fly into Dublin airport where you will be met by Europe Gap Year program leaders.

Where do we stay and where will we travel too?

The majority of the program will be based in the beautiful coastal town of Portrush in Northern Ireland. From here, you will visit Derry, Belfast, Donegal, Dublin, and more. 

What is the accomodation like?

The accommodation is apartment style where you will share a bedroom with a fellow gap year student. It is 20s from the train station and walking distance from everything in town including shops, cafes, bars and two beaches. 

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