Rated 4.6/5 by 310+ Students

Mini-Stay Programme for groups in Kilkenny

Bring your group to Kilkenny for a tailor-made English language experience, combining engaging lessons with authentic Irish culture and an unforgettable experience in Ireland.

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Accreditations

Accreditations & Memberships

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Benefits

An unforgettable Experience - All in one Package

Lessons & Materials

20 lessons of General English per week
Online placement test & end-of-course certificate
Course book & material included
Mobile app for students

Accommodation & Meals

Welcoming local host families for an authentic Irish experience
Twin and triple rooms
Full board: breakfast, packed lunch & dinner
Daily transfers provided, no public transport required

Excursions & Activities

Daily leisure activities with activity guide
One full-day excursion per week (e.g. Dublin or Cork)
Optional evening social programme
Airport transfers (DUB) on arrival and departure

Group Leader Support

One free group leader place per 15 students travelling
Dedicated group coordinator throughout your stay
24/7 emergency contact
Pre-arrival planning call, induction meeting

Group Programme Information

Tailor-made programmes for closed groups are available from 5 to 14 nights, with flexible arrival / departure dates. Peak season is from mid-June to mid-September, so early booking is advised.

Closed Group English Lessons

Students complete an online 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 upon completion.

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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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Group Stay Essentials

Learn English & Experience Ireland

We provide comprehensive care, exciting activity programmes and essential support, giving you and your students the confidence to learn, explore and enjoy your time in Ireland.

Student Welfare

Student welfare is our top priority, with experienced activity guides ensuring a successful, safe and enjoyable stay in Kilkenny, in the heart of Ireland.

Insurance for Mini-Stay Programme

Students must arrange appropriate personal insurance before travelling, as the school cannot accept responsibility for illness, theft, loss or damage to personal belongings.

Leisure Activity Programme

mackdonald language academy offers varied social, cultural and sports programmes tailored to each school group’s age, interests and needs.

All leisure activities complement the English lessons at our language school in Kilkenny, helping students practise their English while discovering Ireland.

Activities are organised every afternoon during the mini-stay programme and generally include one full-day excursion.

Each experience is carefully selected to give students an authentic insight into Irish culture, history and natural beauty while remaining engaging and age-appropriate.

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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 support is provided during the programme?

Each group has a dedicated coordinator, access to a 24/7 emergency contact, a pre-arrival planning call and an induction meeting.
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One group-leader place is provided free of charge for every 15 students travelling.
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All students and group leaders should download our mobile app before arrival to access the itinerary, important information, programme updates and direct communication with our team.

Where do the students stay and how do they get to school each day?

Students stay with carefully selected, Garda-vetted local host families in twin or triple rooms. Full board includes breakfast, a packed lunch and dinner.
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Daily transfers are included, so students do not need to use public transport. Depending on the location of the host family, students are either accompanied on foot or driven to and from school. Students never walk alone until they know the route and feel confident travelling independently.

What happens after the afternoon activities and can we arrange additional evening activities?

After the scheduled activities, students are collected by their host families and return home for dinner. Evenings are normally spent with the host family.
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Students may have some free time between the end of an activity and collection, depending on the daily schedule.
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Additional evening activities can be arranged with advance notice.

Where do the English lessons take place?

All lessons take place at our main language school at 5B John’s Quay, Prior’s Orchard, Kilkenny, R95 R728.
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The school is within easy walking distance of Kilkenny city centre, its main attractions, shops and cafés.

What activities and excursions are included?

Packages generally include English lessons, course materials, an online placement test, an end-of-course certificate, host-family accommodation with full board, daily transfers, afternoon activities, one full-day excursion per week, airport transfers, our mobile app and ongoing support throughout the stay.
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Exact inclusions are confirmed in your group’s individual proposal.

Who is the Mini-Stay Programme designed for?

Our Mini-Stay Programme is designed for closed school groups looking for a tailor-made English-language and cultural experience in Ireland. The programme can be adapted to suit the students’ age, English level, interests and educational objectives.

Is the mackdonald mobile app important?

Our mobile app is an essential part of the Mini-Stay Programme and should be downloaded by all students and group leaders before arrival. It provides easy access to the daily schedule, important programme and pre-arrival information, updates and direct communication with our team.

Brochure

Overview of Courses and Programmes

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

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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.