Category Archives: Blog

Blackrock Castle and Cork City Gaol

Posted on by

Ireland as an island is known for its ancient castles, stone walls and rolling green fields and cork city is no different.

In these photos some of our English language students can be seen braving the stone fortifications of Cork city where once pirates, invaders and prisoners roamed.

Blackrock Castle on the banks of the River Lee is under 2km from the immediate city centre. Originally developed as a coastal defense fortification in the 16th century the site now houses an observatory, visitor centre and restaurant.

As with many of Cork’s attractions the castle is a great example of where old meets new.

Opened in 2007, the “Cosmos at the Castle” observatory houses an interactive astronomy center which is open to the public, and has exhibits including a “tour of the universe”. 

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”26″ gal_title=”Blackrock Castle”]

Another city centre tourist attraction is that of Cork City Gaol, now a museum. A magnificent castle-like building which once housed 19th century prisoners.

Visitors get a fascinating insight into day-to-day prison life at a time when the high walls ensured no escape. Cork City Gaol is one of the finest examples of Ireland’s architectural heritage.

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”27″ gal_title=”Cork City Gaol”]

The English Market in Cork City

Posted on by

The foundation for the indoor market was formally laid on September 29th, 1786. This was before the United Sates had its first president!

With such a long tradition of selling fresh produce in one place it is no wonder that today the English Market in Cork City is still a place for people to meet up, chat and shop.

The market is one of Cork’s most visted tourist attractions and in 2011 the people of Cork welcomed the Queen of England to walk through its prized market.

The Cork English Academy English language students love to visit the market in the centre of the city. Students can get a real sense of Cork with the colourful stalls and talkative locals.

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”25″ gal_title=”The English Market in Cork City”]

The current mix of traders in the English Market represents a diversity as broad as at any time over the centuries of it’s existence.

Small stalls sit alongside larger businesses. Fledgling traders beside long established family businesses passed down from one generation to the next.

Meats and fish, herbs and spices, fruit and vegetables, sauces and oils, chocolates and cakes, cheeses and pastas – the Market caters for all culinary tastes and all eating occasions.

You’ll also find crockery, t-shirts, novelty items, clothes alterations and art – an eclectic mix itself creating a diversity of customers, adding further to the unique atmosphere of the English Market.

Having experienced the sights, sounds and smells of the Market, customers can unwind and sample it’s tastes and enjoy the banter from the various café’s and deli’s or get some take away food and sit and enjoy in nearby Bishop Lucy Park.

Wishing You All the Best for the Holiday Season

Posted on by

Happy Christmas from Cork English Academy

We wish all of our current students, agents and host families are very happy Christmas.

We look forward to strengthening our partnerships going forward and welcoming students to the beautiful city of Cork throughout 2017.

School Closure Dates:

Cork English Academy will close for the holiday season on Friday 23rd December at 17.30 and will reopen Monday January 9th at 08.30.

Estefania’s Story

Posted on by

Before coming to Ireland to improve my English I studied Marketing in Mexico and worked for many multinational companies based in Mexico.

I chose Ireland as a study abroad destination because it was an affordable option. Besides, me and my brother Emmanuel could enter the country as tourists without a visa.

I chose to study in Cork over other cities because I had only a 12 month period available to me. I wanted to maximise my language stay and I heard Cork has less Mexican and Latin American students so my opportunity to speak Spanish was lower!

Cork is a beautiful city. It is quiet but at the same time it’s lively and vibrant. Another point is that Cork is a very safe city to live in.

My English language course was great. I learned about so many different topics. The teachers were so kind to me and always willing to help me. Listening and speaking are the two skills I have improved in the most. I found improving pronunciation to be the most challenging.

imag1615

My brother and I are currently living with an Irish host family. Our host family is so nice! Living with a family is a great way to improve our English.

My favourite things about Cork are:

  • Friendly people
  • People willing to help while you are learning English
  • Safe city
  • Cosmopolitan city

I will recommend my friends to come here. Living in Ireland is a great experience!

Debora’s Story

Posted on by

I finished my degree in teaching in Spain this summer. I was working in a summer camp before coming to Ireland with my boyfriend in October.

Initially we thought of studying English in the UK but Brexit left the country in an uncertain situation.  We decided Ireland would be a good alternative.

I met a teacher who had studied in Cork a few years ago. She loved the experience in Cork and she is now an English language teacher at home! She told me Cork is better than Dublin because it is less busy and smaller.

I loved Ireland from the first day because the people are very friendly and everybody helps you if you need it. Cork city is very small but it has everything you need: schools, pubs, cafes, supermarkets, shops, parks, public transport.

Quiero Languages recommended Cork English Academy and I think it is the best English language school in Cork. I had the best teachers in the school, Paul and Steve. I really think that they love their job and we all really enjoyed learning with them.

The extra free classes are very good. You get to listen to other teachers and hear different accents. The culture classes are great. The receptionists are very kind and I enjoyed taking part in the BINGO and school quiz with them.

bingo

Debora, her husband Moises and friends enjoying BINGO in the school. 

I think I have improved all of my language skills and in specific my listening skills. I am listening to English all the time; in the school, at home and in the street. I am able to have conversations with native English speakers and watch films in English. I find some of the phrasal verbs and clauses difficult but I am improving every day.

My accommodation is wonderful. We are living with a host family. We initially booked just one month but extended to three months. The hosts are a married couple with three teenager kids. Since the first day we left very comfortable with them and we speak to them all of the time. They always help me with everything I need. My host mother cooks very, very well. We are really enjoying our stay.

We have travelled around Ireland: Dublin, Ring of Kerry, Dingle, Galway and some towns in Cork also Cobh and Kinsale. I love the landscapes of Ireland. Everything is green and you can see sheep and cows everywhere.