Taking breaks during a long-term course can significantly enhance the learning experience. Holidays offer students a chance to recharge, explore Ireland, and return to their studies refreshed and motivated.

At Cork English Academy, we encourage students to make the most of their holidays to enrich their overall experience while maintaining focus on their language goals.

Eligibility for Holidays

• Courses of 13+ Weeks: Students may take 1 week holiday during their stay.
• Courses of 25+ Weeks: Students may take up to 3 weeks holiday (15 working days + 3 weekends).

Holiday Terms and Procedures

• Holidays must be prearranged with at least 2 weeks’ notice.
• Holidays must align with a full week (Monday to Friday).
• Approved holiday weeks are added to the end of the course duration.
• As per Immigration policy, Stamp 2/Study Visa holders must have completed at least:
• 3 weeks of their course before taking 1 weeks holidays
• 6 weeks of their course before taking 2 weeks holidays
• 9 weeks of their course before taking 3 weeks holidays

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Steps for Requesting and Monitoring Holidays

• Request Submission: Get a Holiday Request Form from reception. Complete and return the form to reception.
• Approval Process: The Director of Studies reviews the request.
• Notification: The Director of Studies informs the relevant Class Teachers and updates the student’s file and the school management system. The student receives an email confirmation of the holiday request.
• Non-Adherence: Students absent without prior approval or taking longer holidays than permitted will be marked absent. Missed classes will not be added to the end of their course.

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For any questions or clarifications regarding holiday requests, please contact reception or the Director of Studies directly [email protected].

Public Holidays

Please also keep in mind the public holiday dates in Ireland. The school will be closed on the following public holidays. If a holiday falls on a Monday, courses will start on the following Tuesday:

2025 Public Holiday/School Closure Dates:

• 03 February
• 17 March
• 21 April
• 05 May
• 02 June
• 04 August
• 27 October

2025 Christmas Holidays:

• 22 December 2025 to 02 January 2026. The last day of class will be Friday, 19 December 2025.

Choosing holidays that coincide with public holidays can maximize your fun and allow you to explore more of what Ireland has to offer.

If you’re arriving at Dublin Airport and need to travel to Cork City, the best option is to take the Aircoach.

Ticket Booking

You can pre-book your ticket online via the Aircoach website or purchase one directly when boarding the bus.

Bus Features

• Comfortable seating
• Charging sockets for devices
• Onboard Wi-Fi
• Toilets

Journey Duration

The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours from Dublin Airport to Cork City.

Cork City Stop

The Aircoach bus makes one convenient stop in Cork City at: 1 Lower Glanmire Rd, Cork, T23 XWY9 (in front of Moody’s Cafe).

Host Family Bookings

If a host family has been booked, this single stop makes it easy for host families to pick up students upon arrival.

Communication with Host Families

• Students and host families should exchange WhatsApp numbers before traveling.
• The bus’s onboard Wi-Fi allows students to notify families of any delays.

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Suggested Travel Plan

1. Flight Arrival at Dublin Airport
   Allow at least 2 hours after landing to collect baggage and pass through immigration.
2. Aircoach Departure
   Book your bus departure 2+ hours after your flight’s arrival.
3. Aircoach Arrival in Cork City
   Expect to arrive in Cork approximately 3.5 hours later.

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Students are responsible for booking their own Aircoach tickets. For more information and to reserve your seat, visit www.aircoach.ie.

Here are some tips on how to make the most of your English language learning in Cork City. Use what you learn in class everyday while out and about exploring Cork. Our task-based English language syllabus focuses on real-life situations so you can use the English you learn in class everyday outside in the real world.

Places to Study in Cork City

• Cork City Library: Grand Parade – Free Wi-Fi, quiet study areas
• The Quay Co-op Library: Sullivan’s Quay – Library at the back of the shop
• The Bookshelf Café: Eglinton Street
• Alchemy Cafe: Barrack Street

Places to Study After 17:00 (school closing time)

• Bean and Leaf Cafe: Grand Parade – open until 21:00
• WebWorkHouse: Winthrop Street – open until 19.30
• Starbucks: Opera Lane – open until 21:00
• Cork City Library: Evening study rooms available
• Cafe Spersso: MacCurtain Street- open until 22:00

Places Open Before 08:30 (school opening Time)

• Cafe Velo: George’s Quay
• Bean and Leaf Cafe: Grand Parade
• Soma Cafe: Tuckey Street
• Filter Cafe: George’s Quay
• WebWorkHouse: Wintrop Street
• The Bookshelf Café: Eglinton Street
• Cork Coffee Roasters: French Church street and Bridge Street

Learn Some Cork Slang

Cork city is known for its charm, character, and unmistakable wit, but nothing captures its essence quite like the local slang. From colorful expressions to unique phrases, the language of Cork is as vibrant and lively as the city itself. Whether you’re new to the area or just curious about Corkonian lingo, this guide will help you navigate the playful and often humorous language that defines everyday life in Ireland’s “real capital.”

• ”Allergic”: To dread something/someone
• ”Bazzer/ Baz”: To get a haircut
• ”Bulb off/Bop off”: To look like someone
• ”Chalk it down”: To absolutely agree
• ‘‘Gattin”: To go drinking alcohol
• ”Gawlks”: To feel or get sick
• ”Haunted”: to be so lucky
• ”Massive”: To look beautiful/gorgeous
• ”Pure Daycent”: Excellent
• ”Razza”: Raspberry dilute to mix with alcohol ( like Vodka Razza)
• ”Morto”: To be mortified/ Embarrassed
• ”Weak”: to be infatuated by
• “Langer”: A playful (sometimes rude) term; context matters!
• “Banjaxed”: Broken or tired.
• “The craic”: Fun or a good time (“What’s the craic?” = How are you?).

Stay Consistent with Your Learning

• Practice daily by speaking, reading, and writing in English. 
• Download apps like Duolingo, Quizlet, or Grammarly for extra practice. 
• Keep a journal to track your progress and new vocabulary. 
  

Essential Apps for Life in Cork

The Transport apps are very useful if you end up living outside of the city center for example with host family.

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Setting up a local Irish bank account is recommended if you’re staying in Ireland for a longer time.

Local Websites

Check out these websites for local information, events, and community connections.

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How to Guides

Check out these How-To Guides, designed to help you navigate life in a new city with ease.

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Meet New Friends

Get out and about, meet new friends and practice your English.

Discover Cork

Explore Cork city’s historic buildings, narrow streets and lively markets in one of Ireland’s oldest cities.

These tips will help you settle in and make the most of your time in Cork!