Take advantage of the unique flavor Cork has to offer. CEA offers a variety of
local immersion activities to match your interests. Whether you enjoy music
concerts, clubs, sports, cooking classes, language exchanges or something
entirely different, our resident staff can help you get involved in the local
culture. Here are just some examples.
Hurling Match
Students can experience the adrenaline buzz of Irish Gaelic sports when they partake in a hurling lesson, as well as joining the supporters to see a local game in action. Cork is the All-Ireland Hurling champion two years running so they will be supporting the best team in the country! “Come on the Rebels!” as they say in Cork!
Ceili/Irish Dancing
Time for students to put on their dancing shoes as they join a local Ceili dancing session, where professional teachers will show them how to do a jig, reel and hornpipe! This may be just the beginning-- CEA alumni even made it into the Guinness Book of Records for dancing on the streets of Cork in the world’s biggest Ceili!
Horse Racing
Ireland is home to some of the best race horses in the world and the Irish take horse racing very seriously. Still, that never gets in the way of the banter and fun at the local point to point races. Up to your ears in mud, eating salty chips and watching the bookies tick-tack-toe - it’s a terrific day out!
Landscape Painting
For students looking for a unique gift to send home to loved ones, then what about a painting of Ballycotton Bay? CEA provides a painting class with East Cork watercolor artists who will teach students all about form, technique and colour and help them produce a unique masterpiece to remember their time in Ireland.
Whiskey Tasting
The Irish proudly produce some very fine whiskey. Students will have the chance to learn all about the complex production process and marketing techniques used by Jameson Whiskey during a visit to the Midleton Whiskey Distillery. Taste testing certificates will also be available!
Cork City Jail
Students can discover what life was like behind bars in nineteenth century Cork with a visit to An Gaol – Cork City Jail - which is situated in old Cork overlooking the city. Watching out for the ghosts of former prisoners, students can tour the cells and learn about Cork’s most infamous criminals. Not for the faint hearted!
Irish Theatre
Everything from small-scale student productions of contemporary works to more famous works by the likes of Sean O' Casey are available for students to enjoy.
Irish Art
A visit the Crawford Gallery of Art allows students to see the finest Irish art including Jack B. Yeats along with European exhibits including Rembrandt and Mondrain.
Cork Film Festival
Students can become familiar with the Cork culture scene by way of festival screenings of locally produced films.
Irish dinner
A traditional Irish dinner of lamb stew, bacon and cabbage, scones, brown bread and queen of puddings is served to students.
Irish Music Evenings
Students can enjoy local pub musicians and concerts in the Cork Opera House.
