Rated 4.6/5 by 310+ Students

Your English School of Choice in The Heart of Ireland

mackdonald language academy is an ACELS/QQI, EEI, AGPI and QE accredited, certified and independent English language school in Kilkenny, Ireland.

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Accreditations

Accreditations & Memberships

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Accreditations

Where You'll Study: Kilkenny, Ireland

Our English language school is located in the heart of Kilkenny, one of Ireland’s most beautiful medieval cities. Set on the River Nore in Ireland’s sunny South-East, Kilkenny is famous for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, traditional crafts and lively festivals. Students can explore landmarks such as Kilkenny Castle and St Canice’s Cathedral, while enjoying modern cafés, shops and cinemas - all within easy walking distance.

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Programmes

Find Your Perfect Programme

Whether you’re a teenager, student, school group or adult learner, we offer an English course or programme designed to suit your needs.

Summer Camps

All-inclusive English summer camps in Kilkenny: improve your English, make international friends, explore Ireland and have the time of your life.

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High School Programme

Spend a month, a term or a full academic year in an Irish high school, live with a host family and experience real Irish student life.

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School Groups

Tailor-made English mini-stay programme for school groups: custom curriculum, airport transfers, leisure activities and full-day excursions across Ireland.

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Adult Courses

Learn English in the heart of Kilkenny: choose your type of lessons, your accommodation and your activities and start any Monday of the year.

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benefits

10 Reasons for mackdonald language academy

Excellence, certified

Our courses are EEI certified and ACELS / QQI accredited by the Irish Department of Education.

Expert teachers

Qualified native English teachers with years of experience and small class sizes for all levels.

All inclusive

Tuition, host family, airport transfers, sports and full-day excursions - all in one package.

International atmosphere

Students from all over the world, predominantly from mainland Europe, creating a true international mix.

Variety of activities

An extensive leisure programme with full-day excursions to the most interesting places in Ireland.

There are even more reasons why students choose us

Years of experience

We have years of experience organizing professional English programmes for individuals and groups.

Personal attention

Every student receives personal attention and counselling to make the most of their time in Ireland.

Vetted host families

Carefully selected and garda-vetted families — one nationality per family, English spoken at all times.

Guaranteed success

A relaxed and personal learning atmosphere that makes every stay a truly memorable Irish experience.

Kilkenny location

One of Ireland's most beautiful cities — close to Dublin, Cork and the Irish coast. Safe and welcoming.

Full Board Included

Garda-Vetted Families

English-Speaking Household

Free Daily Transfers

Living with a host family

Our students don’t just learn English in the classroom - they live it every day. Staying with an Irish host family gives them regular opportunities to practise their English naturally while experiencing everyday life, local traditions and genuine Irish hospitality.

Every host family in Kilkenny is carefully selected and personally known to our team. We maintain regular contact throughout the programme, helping students feel safe, comfortable and supported from the moment they arrive.

Students can look forward to a warm welcome, a friendly home environment and an authentic Irish experience they will remember long after their stay.

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Testimonials

I have been on several language courses in other countries like England, Malta and South Africa. But I must say that mackdonald language academy in Kilkenny really left a very good impression on me. The organisation of the classes, the variety of the trips - everything was very professional and well organised. And I really loved the atmosphere in Kilkenny. Ireland is a beautiful country and Kilkenny is one of the highlights! Thank you m.la.! :-)

Edouard

Switzerland

My English teacher Maeve was very nice and friendly. She made the lessons really funny. I learned a lot in Kilkenny.

Toni

Austria

Super courses and great night life in Kilkenny! I will definitely come back!

Daniela

Germany

I can strongly recommend this school. My friends and me felt very comfortable in Kilkenny and we all improved our English a lot. I really like the excursions that the school offered in the afternoon and evening.

Abdullah

KSR

My host family was soooo nice. From the first minute on, I felt like at home. They took very good care of me and every time I needed something they helped me out straight away.

Annika

Germany

My stay in Kilkenny was very well planned and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Ireland. The day-trips were great and I was able to see so many new places and meet so many nice people in Ireland. I hope to come back next year!

Yushin

Japan

mackdonald language academy is not very big, but that is the beauty of it! The Personel and teachers are very helpful , patient and approachable. I have learnt alot here. My host family is really marvellous - they are lovely and warm people. From them, I am learning to cook Irish dishes. Yes, Kilkenny certainly is a very beautiful city, esp. in autumn with all the beautiful colours ! I love it !!!

Maria

Italy

My host family is excellent. They are all very nice and kind. I even like the food ;-)

Antoine

France

The English classes were really great and interactive. I learned so many things, especially when we focused on the speaking. I also really liked the group and pair work.

Susanna

Italy

I really liked mackdonald language academy. I was here for 3 weeks and this course really helped me with my English. In residence we were also English speaking and that was also helpful.I liked the teachers, they can explain everything very quickly and made everything simple. I will hopefully be back in sometime in the near future.

David

Spain

Brochure

Overview of Courses and Programmes

Not sure where to start? Our general brochure covers every programme we offer

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faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Bank holidays and vacation

No classes will be held on national bank holidays. Instead, activites or a day-trip will be scheduled on a bank holiday. Please refer to the Irish holidays here.

Books and class material

All English language books as well as all class material needed during the course are provided free of charge.

Certificate and report card

A certificate of attendance is given to all students at the end of the English course with us. The certificate will indicate the results and the knowledge level achieved in the English language course.

Lessons

The duration of a regular lesson is 45 minutes. There are generally 20 lessons (totalling 15 hours) of English language tuition per week (General English and Junior lessons).

Contact to course participants

The best time to contact your children, relatives or friends during their English course in Ireland is either at lunch time (1-2pm) or at dinner time (around 6:30pm). Approximately two weeks prior to the beginning of the language course, all students will receive detailed information about the course itself. This information is also included in the mobile app.

Start Your Journey With Us

Whether you're looking to study with us, become a partner or simply find out more about our courses and programmes, we would love to hear from you.