UCD Confucius Institute for Ireland

05/05/2026

We are pleased to share an exciting opportunity to join the UCD Chinese Summer Camp for Post-Primary Students at University College Dublin, fully funded by Languages Connect. The programme combines language learning with hands-on cultural activities, offering students a fun and immersive introduction to Chinese language and culture in a vibrant university setting.


Further details and application information can be found here:

Dates: 2–12 June 2026Time: 10:00–15:00 (including a 30-minute lunch break)Location: UCD Irish Institute for Chinese Studies (Accommodation is NOT included)Level: 2nd–5th Year Post-Primary Students Language of Instruction: English and Chinese (Beginner-friendly)

18/09/2024

🌕 Celebrate the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival & UCD Global Week with Us! 🌏

Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Chinese culture, where ancient traditions meet modern creativity. Discover the magic of the Moon Festival with hands-on cultural workshops. Dive into the art of paper cutting, master the intricate skill of Chinese knot making, unleash your creativity with ink blowing painting, and try your hand at calligraphy. And, of course, don’t miss the chance to savor the delightful flavors of traditional moon cakes!🌕🎨🖌️

Time: 1-3pm, Thursday 26 September
Venue: UCD Confucius Institute

19/07/2024

Don't miss this opportunity to witness the magic of Chinese folk music performed by the next generation of musical prodigies. Mini Summer Concert at UCD Confucius Institute , Tuesday 23 July. Reserve your seats now.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness the magic of folk music performed by the next generation of musical prodigies. Reserve your seats now

18/04/2024

Lion Dancing 舞狮

The resounding clash of cymbals and the steady beat of drums serve as auditory signals for the lion dance. While there are numerous enjoyable New Year celebrations, none quite compare to the exhilarating energy of lion dances. It's a celebration that truly awakens the spirit. Vibrant and thunderous, the lion dance is an ancient Chinese ritual believed to ward off evil spirits and bestow blessings upon businesses or homes.
Southern lions are thought to have originated in Guangzhou. Legend has it that they appeared in the dreams of the Qianlong Emperor during his Southern tour, leading him to commission their creation based on his description for use in festivals thereafter. However, it's more probable that they were adapted from the Northern lion, which has roots dating back to the Ming dynasty.

11/04/2024

Nezha 哪吒

Nezha, a deity in Chinese folk religion, serves as a guardian figure. His Taoist designation is "Marshal of the Central Altar" (中坛元帅). Following his deification, he acquired the title "Third Lotus Prince" (莲花三太子). Nezha features prominently in Chinese mythology and ancient literature, notably in Fengshen Yanyi (also known as the Investiture of the Gods). However, his saga of conquering the sea stands out as the most renowned among Chinese households. In Journey to the West, Nezha serves as a general under his father, "Pagoda-wielding Heavenly King" Li Jing.

04/04/2024

Mogao Caves 莫高窟

The Mogao Caves serve as the nation's primary institution for preserving cultural relics. Known as the Thousand Buddhas Cave, they are located west of the Gansu Corridor in Dunhuang. Renowned worldwide for their exquisite murals and sculptures, their origins date back to the former Qin dynasty and have been expanded and refurbished by subsequent dynasties including the Northern Dynasty, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, Tangut, and Yuan. The cumulative efforts of these dynasties have resulted in the vast scale of the existing cavern complex (735 caves), encompassing approximately 45,000 square meters of murals and 2,415 square meters of painted sculptures. This makes it the largest and most content-rich Buddhist art site in the world. In modern times, extensive archaeological work has uncovered Buddhist scriptures and over 50,000 ancient cultural relics, contributing significantly to the field of Dunhuang studies, which specializes in the study of ancient texts and Dunhuang art.

28/03/2024

海底捞 Haidilao

Haidilao is a well-known Chinese hot pot restaurant chain established in 1994. It is famous for its excellent customer service and interactive dining experience. Customers can customize their hot pot broths, select from a wide range of fresh ingredients, and enjoy various sauces and side dishes. Haidilao is recognized for its commitment to customer satisfaction, offering services like free manicures and snacks while customers wait. The restaurant's success has allowed it to expand globally, bringing its unique blend of Chinese hot pot culture and exceptional service to diners worldwide.

21/03/2024

瑞幸 Luckin Coffee

Luckin Coffee is a Chinese coffeehouse chain founded in 2017. It rapidly gained popularity for its convenient, app-based ordering and delivery services, challenging the dominance of traditional coffee giants like Starbucks in China. Luckin is known for its wide variety of coffee beverages, teas, and light snacks. The company experienced rapid growth, but it also faced a major scandal in 2020 regarding fabricated sales figures, which led to financial difficulties and regulatory penalties. Despite this setback, Luckin Coffee remains a significant player in China's competitive coffee market.

14/03/2024

粤菜 Cantonese Cuisine:

Cantonese cuisine, originating from the Guangdong province, is known for its mild, delicate flavors and emphasis on freshness. Steaming, stir-frying, and braising are common cooking techniques. Signature dishes include "Roast Duck" and "Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions." Cantonese cuisine highlights the natural flavors of ingredients, and the use of sauces is subtle, allowing the ingredients to shine through. It is highly regarded for its balance and precision in culinary art.

14/03/2024

Please register here if attending in person
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/iics-public-lecture-series-54th-confucius-phd-forum-tickets-861226109477?aff=oddtdtcreator
Hybrid Event, click here for zoom link
https://ucd-ie.zoom.us/j/62775868712
For more information:
https://www.ucd.ie/china/newsandevents/iicspubliclectureseries/professormsqianliu26march2024/