Consider a Digital Account

• Both Revolut or Money Jar now have Irish IBANs starting with IE (for some employers in Ireland this is important).
• You can use this digital account to show proof of having €4680 (€6665 from June 30th 2025) if you like. You can make an electronic transfer from one account to this new digital account.
• You cannot lodge cash to these accounts. You can only make online transfers.
• You can open a digital account within minutes!

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Open a Regular (traditional) Irish Bank Account

Students can now open accounts using the AIB App. Search for the AIB Banking App on your phone.

If you get into difficulty with registering your details on the App you are welcome to visit the AIB Branch on South Mall, Cork city centre (2 minutes walk from the school). 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to opening an account on the AIB Mobile Banking App:

Step 1: Download AIB App

Download the AIB Mobile Banking App from the App Store or Play Store. Select the option to “Become an AIB customer”.

Step 2: Verify email address

Enter your e-mail address. We’ll send a unique code to your inbox that is required to continue

Step 3: Provide some personal details

We’ll ask you to enter your personal details and present you with the account suitable for you, then…

Step 4: Complete a video call

We will connect with you to a video call with an agent, so you’ll need your photo ID and stable internet connection. Our agent will guide you, for example getting you to hold up your passport so we can check your identity. 

Step 5: Provide some more details

 After the video call, we need a few more details from you in order open your account so don’t go anywhere. Follow the steps on screen all the way to picking a branch and register for our internet banking service.

Step 6: Almost there… 

Your account will then be opened, but before you can begin to use your account you will need to prove your address. 

Step 7: Wait for letter

To prove your address, we will send you a letter to the provided postal address that you’ve given us. This letter will contain a unique identifier code which you will then need to enter into the app. Your account wont be active until you do this! 

Step 8: Enter code from letter

Once you have entered the code, you’re good to go and you can lodge money to your new current account and transact online(this may take 24hours after code entry). We will send a debit card in the post and a PIN separately.

Acceptable types of photographic ID includes:

Language school students should choose a basic account. This may cause an issue for students if they select a student account in error, as the app will not allow them to continue. They should instead start again and choose a basic account, they will be able to complete the account opening.

Any students who find themselves unable to open an account via the mobile app can visit the AIB South Mall Branch.

To open an account in branch they will need to make an appointment and provide the following:

Documents AIB might request:

• Original School Letter (signed and stamped)
• Original Bank Letter (signed and stamped)
• This letter is different to your school letter. It must include your address in Cork, your address abroad and the school AIB bank account number)
• Medical insurance document with address in Cork
• Passport
• Irish mobile number

If you follow all the steps without issue you could have a bank account open within 2 weeks.

Check out our language specific content.

We know that Cork English Academy students love to explore Cork as much as they can. One of the most fun-filled and jam-packed destinations to visit in Cork is Fota Island. The island is just a short drive away from the city but the most convenient transport to visit this beautiful spot is via train. Hop on at Kent station and ride to Fota for less than 3 euro. Fota Island is made up of several destinations, Fota house and gardens, Fota wildlife park and Fota Island Golf Club and Resort.

Fota House

Fota House first belonged to the Smith – Barry family. Originally from Wales, the Smith-Barry family came to Ireland during the Norman invasion. They were granted land around the Ireland in 1185 including Fota Island. The house on the island was originally a hunting lodge until it became the families main home in the 1820’s. In 1975 the house and the ground were sold to UCC. You can visit Fota house and see the preserved ballrooms, servants quarters and kitchens.

Fota Gardens

Fota gardens are are full of exotic trees and flowers. Much of the planting of these exotic plants was done by the Smith-Barry’s. The would have travelled around the world bringing back beautiful trees and other dazzling plants. In 1996 the State took over control of the gardens and they are now administered by the Office of Public Works.

Fota Wildlife Park

The idea of a Wildlife park in Ireland began in 1979 by Dr. Terry Murphy, the then Director of Dublin Zoo. Professor Tom Raftery, then Vice-President of University College Cork (UCC) and Director of the Fota Estate, heard of Dr. Murphy’s plan and thought Fota was the perfect location. The plan was approved and building began. The first animals were introduced to the park in late 1982 and the park opened its gates in the summer of 1983. All animal, with the exception of potentially dangerous ones such as tigers and cheetahs, roam free around the park. Watch out for the lemers, the love to steal visitors lunches. Many of the animals at Fota are under threat of extinction, and Fota Wildlife Park is involved in breeding programs for these endangered species, as well as being a breeding source for other zoos around the world.

Fota Island Resort

The resort on the island began with the state of the art golf course. Golf was first played at Fota in 1886. It has since run through several owners and is one of the finest golf courses in Ireland, playing host to tournaments such as the 011 PGA Europro “Audi Cork Irish Masters” and the Murphy’s Irish Open. Along with the golf course there is a 5 star hotel and spa.