The Institute plays a key role in contemporary Irish research. Scholarly research interests include parading, ritual and symbolism, St. Patrick’s day and wider policy engagements on urban space and conflict. The Irish Studies Initiative, a major five-year investment, will develop further Queen's world-class strength in Irish Studies research.

The Institute offers lively interdisciplinary teaching programmes in Irish Studies including history, politics, literature, anthropology, conflict resolution, language, folklore and archaeology.

These courses, offered at all levels, are very popular with students not only in Ireland but also in Europe, the US, Canada and Japan.

In addition, the Institute's International Summer School in Irish Studies, in partnership with summer programmes run by University College Dublin and Trinity College, offers a unique opportunity to examine Irish culture, history and politics in both the north and south of the island, enabling those who participate to witness the unfolding of history as it happens.