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Welcome to SPIRe

Welcome to SPIRe

UCD School of Politics and International Relations

Who We Are & What We Offer

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SPIRe Seminar Series

SPIRe Seminar Series

Autumn 2026

Wednesdays, 12-1pm

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World Top 100 by Subject 2026

World Top 100 by Subject 2026

SPIRe ranks in the QS top 100 in Politics

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What is Politics & International Relations?

What is Politics & International Relations?

Why Study Politics & International Relations at UCD?

Associate Professor Joseph Lacey and a current student Joey McDonald explain.

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Publications by SPIRe Staff

Publications by SPIRe Staff

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Open Day & Masters Week

Open Day & Masters Week

Meet our staff and current students.

  • Undergraduate Open Day: Saturday 14 November, O'Reilly Hall
  • Master's Week: Wednesday 25 November, 2:45pm, Online
Undergrad Open Day Masters Webinar

News and Events

Iseult Honohan Doctoral Scholarship 15Jan

Iseult Honohan Doctoral Scholarship

Applications for September 2027 are now open!
• Open to all EU and non-EU applicants
• Covers full tuition fees
• €25,000 annual stipend for up to 4 years
Closing date: Friday, 15 January 2027 at 5:00 pm (Dublin time)
2026 Basil Chubb PhD Prize for Dino Wildi

2026 Basil Chubb PhD Prize for Dino Wildi

Dino Wildi wins the Political Studies Association of Ireland's 2025 Basil Chubb Prize for the best political science PhD thesis in Ireland, titled 'Stepping Up to the Challenge: How European Parties Respond to Electoral Threats from a Growing Radical Right.'
Alumni Event Report | Ireland’s Place in the EU: A Panel of Practitioners and Academics Takes Stock

Alumni Event Report | Ireland’s Place in the EU: A Panel of Practitioners and Academics Takes Stock

What is Ireland’s role in Europe over 50 years after joining the European Union? An expert panel of practitioners and academics discussed this question during an alumni event organised by UCD’s School of Politics and International Relations (SPIRe) on 20 October.
Dr Dawn Walsh and Prof David Farrell Convene Major Conference Celebrating 20th Anniversary of St Andrews Agreement

Dr Dawn Walsh and Prof David Farrell Convene Major Conference Celebrating 20th Anniversary of St Andrews Agreement

The St Andrews Agreement, reached in October 2006, was a landmark moment in revitalising the Good Friday Agreement and stabilising the peace process in Northern Ireland.
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Alumni Interview | Austin Gregory

Alumni Interview | Austin Gregory

From the US to Taiwan, Dublin, and Vienna: Austin Gregory (MA International Relations 2025) shares why he chose UCD SPIRe and how his studies transformed his perspective on global affairs.
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New Article on The Conversation: Why Yemen Has Returned to Conflict by Dr Vincent Durac

New Article on The Conversation: Why Yemen Has Returned to Conflict by Dr Vincent Durac

Dr Durac examines the recent escalation in Yemen as Houthi forces seize control of key Red Sea locations, including the port city of Mocha. Click here to read the full article on The Conversation.
SPIRe Newsletter Summer 2026

SPIRe Newsletter Summer 2026

SPIRe Newsletter 2026 is out now! Packed with event recaps, details on upcoming events, and much more.
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SPIRe Seminar Series Recording | Europe in an Age of Insecurity

SPIRe Seminar Series Recording | Europe in an Age of Insecurity

Watch the recording of our first seminar, "Europe in an Age of Insecurity: Ireland's Presidency and the Politics of Leadership," featuring Professor Ben Tonra, Associate Professor James Cross, and Professor Karen Anderson, chaired by Dr Dawn Walsh
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UCD School of Politics and International Relations (SPIRe)

School Office: G301, Newman Building, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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