Letterkenny Institute of Technology

Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) established 1971 (Irish: Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Leitir Ceanainn), formerly Regional Technical College, Letterkenny, is located in Letterkenny, County Donegal, Ireland. The college’s two campuses are based in Letterkenny, the commercial hub of the county, and in Killybegs, a picturesque fishing town and Ireland’s premier sea port. It is a third level institution serving County Donegal and the north-west of Ireland. The institute is usually known locally as the Regional. Today, it is one of the largest places of third level education anywhere in Ulster. LYIT is a lively and inspirational place that attracts a creative mix of 3,000 students both from the local area and from 31 different countries.  This gives us a vibrant array of cultures and activities on campus and a friendly, supportive and relaxed atmosphere where students and staff work closely together. Our modern integrated campuses in Letterkenny and Killybegs encourage strong academic learning and career-focused practical experience.

The institute offers courses in business, law, computing, engineering, nursing, veterinary nursing, design and science. The courses are offered at levels 6 through 10 on the NQAI framework. Courses are offered in a semesterised and modularised method. Specialist courses that may be found in LYIT include the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Fire Safety Technology which is the only one of its kind in Ireland, other specialist degrees also include Bachelor of Science (Hons) In Analytical and Forensic Science. The Institute is one of only two institutes in Ireland to offer degrees approved by the King's Inns. The BA (Hons) in law has been approved degree status by the society. The Institute also co-operates closely on many courses and much research with Magee College, part of the University of Ulster, in nearby Derry. The institute also offers support for businesses through specialised short term courses, collaborative research and the Co-Lab.

The SU Accommodation List provides a comprehensive list of third-party accommodation (LYIT does not have on-campus accommodation) available in the area; this list is made available to all registered students as soon as CAO offers to students become available.  The list is also circulated to returning students.  All accommodation providers on the accommodation list must be registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB). 

The Institute provides services from two campuses, Port Road, Letterkenny and Shore Road, Killybegs. We are fortunate to have very new and modern campuses in central locations. 75% of our facilities are less than 10 years old and most of the remainder have been updated in the same period. The standard of design and maintenance is exceptionally high.

There are many teaching rooms specifically designed and equipped for particular purposes. For instance, clinical skills suites for nursing that mimic a hospital situation, design and audio visual studios, science, engineering, computer and language laboratories. We have state-of-the-art equipment and audio-visual projection facilities in all general purpose teaching areas, lecture theatres and the library.

Outside of the teaching spaces, students will find other useful facilities, including meeting spaces, performance areas, chill-out space, recreation rooms, and several restaurant areas, serving different types of food. Other useful facilities include a bank branch with ATM, oratory, shop, vending, reprographics and postal facilities. The on-campus sports facilities are excellent and comprise an all-weather, floodlit pitch, a hall equipped with retractable seating and gear for all sorts of sports – including a climbing wall. There’s also a large, airy, fully equipped gym, changing and shower facilities, etc.

Letterkenny is a thriving town in Co Donegal in Ireland’s North West and the major commercial and cultural hub of the region.  Its population of 12,000 enjoys a great mix of fun, heritage and leisure, ranging from excellent shopping and nightlife to well-established music and theatre venues, a multiplex cinema and several cultural centres.

LYIT’s second campus at Killybegs is located on Donegal’s stunning south coast, 25 minutes from Donegal Town. This picturesque fishing town has a population of 2,500 and with a recent €55 million pier development, it is Ireland’s premier sea port. The fine restaurants and pubs also make for a lively nightlife, full of music and storytelling. Killybegs also has many festivals and cultural events throughout the year and a well known Maritime & Heritage Centre.