Life as a Host Family
Our students don't just learn English in the classroom — they live it. Every host family in Kilkenny is carefully selected and regularly inspected, so you can be sure of a warm welcome and a genuinely Irish experience.
Accreditations
Accreditations & Memberships
Benefits
Everything your group needs, in one price
Lessons & Materials
- 20 lessons of General English per week
- Placement test and certificate of attendance
- Course books and materials included
- Groups placed by level (minimum 10 students)
Accommodation & Meals
- Host family single room or boarding school
- Full board: breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner
- Groups housed close together where possible
- Single, twin, or family-style rooms available
Excursions & Activities
- Daily afternoon activities (entrance fees included)
- One full-day excursion per week
- Optional evening social programme
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Group Leader Support
- One free group leader place per 10 paying students
- Dedicated group coordinator throughout your stay
- 24/7 emergency contact line
- Pre-arrival planning call and welcome pack
Group Programme Information
Tailor-made courses are available from 1 to 6 weeks, with flexible arrival dates, including mid-week. June–August is peak season, so early booking is recommended.
School Group English Language Classes
Students complete a placement test, join level-based classes, and receive 15 hours of weekly lessons with a maximum of 15 students per class. A Certificate of Attendance is awarded on completion.
Group Stay Essentials
More Than Just English Lessons
We provide comprehensive care, exciting activity programmes and essential support, giving students the confidence to learn, explore and enjoy their time in Ireland.
Student Welfare
Student welfare is our priority, with experienced activity leaders ensuring a safe and enjoyable stay in the welcoming Irish city of Kilkenny.
Insurance for our School Group Stays
Students should arrange personal insurance before arrival, as the school does not cover illness, theft, or lost belongings.
Afternoon activity programme
mackdonald language academy arranges a varied social, cultural and sportive activity programmes to suit each groups’ needs and interests. Our leisure programme complements their English studies at our English language centre. Activities are organised on every afternoon of their mini-stay programme including a full-day excursion.
All our activities are designed to give your students agood insight into Ireland and its natural and cultural beauty. All outings are suitable and also relevant for the age group of your students.
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trips
Full-day excursions
Destinations we visit on our trips include day trips to Glendalough, Dublin, Cork and Waterford. Our teachers will accompany you and your group on each full-day excursion.
Glendalough
Monastic ruins set among lakes and mountains.
Dublin
Ireland's capital — history, culture, and city life.
Cork
Ireland's second city, with markets and coastline nearby.
Waterford
Ireland's oldest city, famous for its crystal heritage.
faq
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two cycles of the Irish High School system?
The Irish High School system is divided into the Junior Cycle, which lasts 3 years for students from age 12, and the Senior Cycle, which lasts a further 3 years for students from age 15.
What happens at the end of the Junior Cycle?
The Junior Cycle is non-specialised, with students typically taking between 9 and 13 subjects per year. It finishes with a State Examination called the Junior Certificate.
What is Transition Year (TY)?
Transition Year is the first year of the Senior Cycle, usually for students aged 15-16. It combines academic, vocational, and personal/social development, and is designed to help students make informed choices about future study and third-level options.
What happens in the final two years of the Senior Cycle?
The final two years form a study programme leading to the Leaving Certificate — an examination that serves as both a school exit exam and a university entrance exam.
Who sets the curriculum for Junior and Senior Cycle?
The curriculum for both cycles is set down by the Irish Department of Education.
How many subjects does a typical high school offer?
No school offers the complete range of subjects — the usual number offered per high school is approximately 16 subjects.
Brochure
Overview of Courses and Programmes
Not sure where to start? Our general brochure covers every programme we offer.
Start Your Journey With Us
Whether you're interested in hosting, studying, or learning more about our programs, we're here to help.
