Brought to you by Iarnród Éireann.

Already thinking of your next trip away?

There's nothing better than a weekend trip away with your buds during college, and when better to take one than now? Before the heavy workload comes crashing down. With so many great spots in Ireland, it's sometimes hard to decide where to go. So we've put together a list of our four fav places to visit around the country. Whether it's activity, culture, or just a good night out you're after, there's something here for everyone.

1. Galway city

Galway is THE student city. Once late September/October rolls around the place fills with students and there's no lack of social spots to accommodate them. It's the perfect getaway because by day, you can enjoy the beautifully picturesque city and take a trip around the shops (the Penneys is huge), and by night, there's a a great array of pubs and clubs to choose from. Visit Electric, Carbon, or Róisín Dubh for some drinks and a good damhsa, then take a stroll along the Salthill prom to walk off your hangover the next morning (or swim it off, if you're feeling brave). It's great at the weekend too but there are a lot of weekday student deals around the place, so if you're planning your trip around reading week or you have a few days off class, it's worth a mid-week trip.

2. Surfing trip to Strandhill, Sligo

Strandhill is Ireland's very own little surf village. Ireland is on the up and up in the international surfing world these days. Up until relatively recently it was a bit of an unknown with non-Irish surfers, but its big Atlantic swells couldn't stay secret for very long, and now it's a popular surf destination for big-wave surfers worldwide. There are loads of surf spots along the West Coast and Strandhill is a great one to go to if you're looking for an all-round surf getaway. It's also great if you're not quite pro-level just yet. There's a bus right beside the train station in Sligo that will drive you the extra fifteen minutes to Strandhill. Grab a surfboard, book a lesson, and you're good to go.

3. Cycling trip to Killarney, Kerry

Grab your bicycles and hop on the train down to Killarney in Kerry. Take a cycle around the beautiful Muckross Gardens in the Killarney National Park. It is Ireland's oldest national park and includes the mountains, woods, and stunning lakes of the area. If you're looking for a slightly more challenging cycle, take a trip around the Gap of Dunloe. Cycle up to Kate Kearney's Cottage and around the Gap to Lord Brandon's Cottage. Load your bikes onto a boat that takes you through the three Lakes to Ross's Castle, then it's a short downhill cycle back to Killarney. Finish up the day with a pub crawl through the many pubs dotted around town.

4. Belfast

This city is filled will culture and history. Take your pick of trips into the past - visit the Titanic Museum, or Ulster Museum to see a real Egyptian Mummy, or take a trip to the Crumlin Road Gaol (a.k.a. The Crum) to learn all about Northern Ireland's worst criminals. If you feel like something even spookier, sign up for one of their paranormal tours which will take you to all the spots where paranormal activity has been reported. Not for the faint of heart but great fun. Spend your nights at the various clubs or bars around the city, like Limelight with its different rooms all playing different music, or Cuckoo, which is a mix between a bar and an arcade. Then the next morning, head to St. George's Market to pick up a Belfast Bap for your breakfast or to have on the trip back home. Best thing is that all these spots are easily accessible by train. Take advantage of those student travel discounts because the college years are shorter than you think. Brought to you by Iarnród Éireann. No matter where you want to get to in Ireland, Iarnród Éireann is there to help you on your way. They offer student discounts on all journeys, so you can explore the country in comfort and without breaking the bank. Follow Iarnród Éireann on Facebook and Twitter for all their latest news.