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Ireland & Cork
Ireland is situated on the western edge of Europe. It is an island of great beauty with rugged mountains, blue lakes, ancient
castles, long sandy beaches and picturesque harbours. The climate is mild and temperate throughout the year.
With a population of 4 million people, Ireland enjoys one of the cleanest environments in Europe. Its unspoilt countryside
provides an excellent setting for leisure pursuits such as hiking, cycling, golfing and horse-riding.
The Irish are relaxed, friendly, spontaneous, hospitable and have a great love of conversation. This is reflected in the
impact the Irish have had on world literature. Ireland is renowned for writers such as Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde, James Joyce,
as well as four Nobel Prize winners, W.B. Yeats, G.B. Shaw, Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney.
Irish Traditional Music captures the heritage and tradition of Ireland and has made a substantial and influential contribution
to world music. Contemporary groups such as U2, The Corrs, Enya, The Cranberries and many others have also taken their inspiration
from Irish Music.
While maintaining traditional values, Ireland has gone through a period of considerable economic growth and change in recent
years. With more than half of the population under 30 years of age, the country is vibrant with energy, vitality and creativity.
Despite its increasing urbanisation, Ireland has remained a safe and welcoming country.
Study English in Ireland and enjoy a warmth and hospitality unequalled anywhere else in the world, in a culture where the heritage
of ancient days brings past and present together.
Cork is situated in the beautiful south of Ireland. It is the country's second city and has a population of 160,000. A prosperous
commercial and banking centre, Cork is a beautiful city to wander around, with its remarkable charm and unique atmosphere created
by 19th century narrow lanes and markets. Built on an island between the two main channels of the River Lee, Cork is a city of
hills and steps, quays and bridges, Georgian houses, spires and pedestrian walkways.
Cork and its region have a rich archaeological, cultural and literary heritage. Renowned for its art, music, literature and craft,
the city's unique character was recognised in its selection as the European Capital of Culture in 2005. Cork annually hosts
international festivals of Film, Jazz, Folk Dance and Choral Music. Visitors to Cork enjoy the exciting entertainment and vibrant
nightlife, with numerous theatres, restaurants, pubs and discotheques.
Cork people are friendly, talkative and humorous. They enjoy meeting people from other countries and are famous for their
hospitality. Our students comment on how relaxed they feel in Cork. It is a true microcosm of all Ireland and an ideal location
for study. "There are no strangers, only friends you haven't met".
International flights from European cities make getting to Cork easy, with London less than an hour away by air. There are also
excellent car ferry services from France and England.
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