Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of one of Europe’s cultural capitals. Cork city’s reign as European Capital of Culture 2005 may be over but it is still one of the top destinations in Ireland for visitors and for students doing English language courses. Cork offers an astonishing array of excellent restaurants, lively pubs and seriously good summertime festivals. Right now, Cork is cool and confident; the city is feeling good about itself and it shows; the streets are looking smart, the shops are looking stylish and the ‘craic’ (good fun) has never been better. With a population of around 190,000 people, Cork city is Ireland's third city (after Dublin and Belfast). The river Lee flows through Cork city so that you find yourself constantly crossing bridges. The people of Cork have a characteristic sing-song accent and are regarded as the most talkative of all the Irish! So you will have lots of opportunity to practice speaking English.
Language Travel Ireland offers a number of English Courses in Cork City & County. We offer intensive, one-to-one, homestay courses in Cork. We have several host families who would be delighted to welcome to you to study English in the Cork region. If you are interested in learning English in Cork, check out the many attractions that Cork has to offer below.
Cork City and county have so many highlights to choose from. So why not make the most of your time in this city of culture and see some of the sights. Here are just a sample of the highlights that we recommend!
Built by William Burges at the end of the 19th century, St Finbarr’s Cathedral is on a site that dates back to the 7th century. The present cathedral is within easy walking distance of the city centre and enjoys beautiful marble mosaics from the Pyrenees. St. Finbarr is the founder and patron saint of Cork city. Overlooking the river Lee, St Finbarr’s Cathedral is one of the most prominent features of Cork City whose fabulous architecture can easily be detected from all over town. St. Finbarr's Cathedral has three spires - the tallest central tower and spire reaching 240 ft. It is well worth a visit while in Cork city and is a great opportunity to experience some of Ireland’s history.
Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy. Millions of visitors have flocked to Blarney, making it a world landmark and one of Ireland’s greatest treasures. The number of visitors might have something to do with the legendary Blarney Stone which is found at the top of the castle tower. According to the legend, kiss it and you’ll never again be lost for words. It might be the fastest way to learn English in Ireland! But don’t take our word for it – everyone from a host of American presidents, world leaders, and celebrities have come to kiss the famous stone.
If you need a break from the city, then why not visit Fota Wildlife Park. This is not like an ordinary zoo. Wherever possible the Park has chosen animals that can live in a free range environment, which allows them to roam free, while mixed with other species and even with human visitors! In some cases, for example the giraffe, only a barrier separates visitors from the animals. The park tries to maximise the animal’s quality of life. Come face to face with over 90 species of exotic wildlife. Appreciate endangered animals such as cheetahs, oryx and lion tailed macaques and see conservation in action. Fota’s primary aim is the conservation and breeding of endangered species.
Kinsale is one of the most picturesque, popular and fashionable resorts of the south-west coast of Ireland. It is world famous for its beautiful yachting, sea angling, dolphin & whale watching trips, gourmet restaurants and art galleries. Kinsale can easily claim to be amongst Ireland’s most historic locations. The Town nestles between the hills and has a maze of narrow streets. You are never far from the water. This town has little changed in many hundreds of years. Perhaps, the best-known historical attraction in Kinsale is Charles Fort which is one of the finest surviving examples of a 17th Century fort.
Cobh was once called Queenstown and was the departure point for many of the Irish who left for a better life in America. Cobh was also the last port where the Titanic stopped before its final journey. These are just two of the reasons that people come to Cobh. Cobh is also close to fantastic beaches with loads to see and do. Located in the sunny south coast of Ireland, Cobh, is warmed, year round, by the Gulf Stream and has a climate that is comparable to Cornwall in England.
The English Market is a covered market for fish, fruit, meat, cheeses, spices, organic and luxury foods. The origins of the market can be traced back to 1610, and the present building dates from 1786. It is one of the oldest markets of its kind. Trading as a market since 1788, it predates most of the other markets like it around Europe. Barcelona's famous Boqueria market did not start until 80 years after the English Market first opened. It has survived the Famine, Revolutions, Wars, Fire and Economic decline. Today, this is still one of Ireland’s best known markets.
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My teacher encouraged me to talk and increased my confidence. My family was very friendly so I felt included in the family.
I was completely satisfied with my experience. It’s my first time I had an English language vacation but I am sure I will have another one.
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