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.
TFI Go App
Perfect for paying for bus and train fares on-the-go.
TFI Live App
Real-time information about public transport in Cork.
Bike Share App
Rent a bike and easily explore the city.
Cork Safety Alerts
Stay ahead of the traffic, and weather. Get push notifications for your area of Cork.
Weather App
Met Éireann, the Irish National Meteorological Service, is the leading provider of weather information for Ireland.
Revolut Bank App
Manage your finances easily with this online bank.
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.
Craving Cork
A guide to Cork’s best restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Tripe + Drisheen
Independent News from across Cork city and county.
Pure Cork
Discover top tourist attractions and things to do around the city.
How to Guides
Check out these How-To Guides, designed to help you navigate life in a new city with ease.
Apply for a Leap Card
How to apply for a discount student bus ticket (leap card).
Apply for a Stamp 2
How to apply for an IRP/Stamp 2 (suitable for non-EU students)
Rent a Room
How to find your own accommodation in Cork.
Prepare for the Weather
How to stay warm and dry. Seasonal tips and general temperatures.
Apply for a Job
How to apply for a job – jobs websites and Jobs Club.
How to Budget
How to budget – a guide to typical costs of living in Cork.
Meet New Friends
Get out and about, meet new friends and practice your English.
Gyms in Cork
Offering Pay-as-you-go and discounts ideal for students.
Cork Parkruns
A free, weekly, 5km timed run with 3 locations around Cork city.
Volunteer Cork
Make connections and practice your English through volunteering.
Discover Cork
Explore Cork city’s historic buildings, narrow streets and lively markets in one of Ireland’s oldest cities.
Hotspots in Cork
Check out Cork’s favorite cafes, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Parks in Cork
Parks, green spaces and river walkways dotted around the city center and neighboring suburbs.
Beaches in Cork
Here are some of our favorite beaches near Cork City.
Places of Interest
Ring the Shandon Bells in the 300-year-old tower of St. Anne’s Church, and marvel at the French Gothic spires of St. Finbarre’s Cathedral.
Festivals in Cork
Festivals to cater for all tastes, with events in performance and visual arts, choral singing, comedy, film, folk music, jazz, literature, writing, and traditional music.
Unusual Activities Cork
Cork offers many unique and unusual experiences that go beyond the usual tourist spots.
These tips will help you settle in and make the most of your time in Cork!