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If you’re learning English right now in Ireland, you might have noticed that we speak with an obvious accent, and that we sound different depending on what county we come from, sometimes even what part of the county we come from! We do essentially speak the Queens English, but mixed…
St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated annually on March 17th, is not just another day in Ireland; it’s a momentous occasion deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of the Emerald Isle. While it’s often associated with parades, green attire, and merry-making around the world, the essence of St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland…
Looking for exciting events to attend in Cork this March? Look no further! From film festivals to whiskey tastings, Cork has something for everyone this month. Here are five events you won’t want to miss: 1. French Film Festival on March 1st – March 10th, 2024 Immerse yourself in the…
English can be a challenge to learn and use in general, and using the language in an academic context can be even more daunting! Academic register tends to be much more formal and indirect than everyday English, and it utilises more uncommon, niche, vocabulary. The jump between general and…
Cork, a county steeped in rich history and folklore, holds within its bounds a treasure trove of myths and fairytales that have been passed down through generations. While some of these tales may be familiar, there are countless others that remain hidden gems, waiting to be discovered. This week we…
As February arrives, hearts begin to flutter, and the air becomes infused with a palpable sense of love and romance. Valentine’s Day, celebrated with fervour across the globe, is a time-honoured tradition that transcends cultures and boundaries. Yet, behind the exchange of cards, flowers, and chocolates lies a rich tapestry…
Cork is the most interesting place in the country! (every Cork person really does think that) There’s so much to do here as a tourist, but even if you hit up each and every must-see spot, there are still plenty interesting facts about Cork you’d never really know. Today were…
As February approaches, Cork City is buzzing with plenty of events and activities to brighten up the chilly winter days. From cultural celebrations to music and dance Galas, there’s something for everyone in the heart of this vibrant city. If you’re wondering what to do in Cork this February, look…
We’re back with another blog post for you this week, this time we’re giving you the absolute essentials for anyone coming to Ireland in the winter! We know you might be tempted to wait until the summer if you’re planning to visit Ireland, but we want you to know that…
When you’re picking a place to live in Ireland, you might look at Dublin first as it’s the capital, but we want to give you an amazing alternative and that’s of course the Rebel County, and the real capital, Cork! In this blog post, we’ll give you 5 compelling reasons…
Are you coming to Ireland on a short trip? You need to visit Cork! We know it’s at the bottom of the country but trust us, it’s worth it. If you’re visiting in 2024 and only have one day, read this post to see the best possible Itinerary to get…
Happy New Year! We’re back this year with a blog post for you about the best events on this January to start your year off with a bang! 1. Stand-up Comedy: January is a great month for stand-up comedy in the city. We have “The Best of Irish Comedy” night…
As the holiday season approaches, Ireland’s rich cultural tapestry comes to life with a unique blend of festive customs that set the Emerald Isle apart. While many Christmas traditions are shared around the world, Ireland boasts some charming and quirky practices that add a distinctive flair to the Yuletide season.
We’re getting in the Christmas spirit here in CEC this week chatting around the school about our favourite Christmas movies and thought you guys might be interested to know 😊 Here are all our admin and Academic staff’s absolute fave Christmas classics: Kicking things off with our Senior teacher Jason…
Cork transforms into a winter wonderland every December with plenty of events that promise to fill the air with festive cheer. From Christmas Craft markets to live musical performances and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in the Rebel County this holiday season. Here are 5 great activities you can…
Studying English as a Second Language (ESL) can be both challenging and rewarding. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, mastering a new language requires dedication and effective strategies. In this blog post, we’ll explore 5 valuable tips to help ESL students enhance their language skills and make the…
We’ve been loving the Cork International Film Festival this month and talking about our favorite all-time movies this week, so for this week’s blog post we thought we would share some of our staff’s favourite movies! Starting off strong with Micheline our Operations Manager,…
The 68th Cork International Film Festival will be taking place this year from the 9th to the 26th of November. Every year, the festival’s organizers curate a diverse selection of films and events to showcase the very best in contemporary cinema. The first film festival in Cork was recognised by…
Halloween, the spooky holiday celebrated on October 31st, is a time for costumes, candy, and eerie decorations. But the origins of this frightful festivity date back thousands of years, and its roots are deeply entwined with Celtic traditions. Halloween in Ireland finds its origins in the ancient Celtic festival of…
The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is back, and it’s promising to be a spectacular celebration of music, culture, and rhythm! Whether you’re a seasoned jazz enthusiast or simply looking for a fantastic musical experience, the 2023 festival lineup has something for everyone. Among the many talented acts gracing the stage,…
We have another blog post for you this week where we are going to explain to you how to apply for a student visa to study in CEC! We’ll answer all the questions you might have on whether you need a visa, how to apply and explain the steps you…
We have another blog post for you this week giving you all the news on the best events happening in the city this month. The city of Cork gears up for an October packed with excitement and entertainment. From thrilling circus performances to a legendary jazz festival and a captivating…
We know that most of our students work and study part-time, and how challenging that can be. You want to learn English to improve your prospects and your experience while living in Ireland, but you need to work at the same time to sustain your lifestyle. It can be difficult…
Cork, often referred to as the “Rebel City,” is a vibrant and picturesque destination in Ireland known for its rich history, friendly locals, and stunning landscapes. If you’re visiting for a short time and have plans to see as much as you can, you’re going to need to know the…
In the vibrant city of Cork, September is a month that truly comes alive with a tonnes of exciting events and festivities. From the rich sounds of folk music to the celebration of culture and arts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In this blog post, we’ve highlighted four amazing…
Cork is full of many amazing restaurants for all tastes, with plenty of international and Irish cuisine. If you’ve moved to Ireland and you find yourself feeling homesick for a meal from your home country however, or if you want to try foods from different cultures, the food capital of…
Hello everyone! We are back with another blog post for you to give you some important information about the TOEIC exam. It can be hard work when studying for this exam. Don’t forget to ask us if you have any questions! There are 4 sections in this blog, laid out…
We’re back with another blog post for you this week, this time giving you our recommendations on the best bits to see of this year’s Cork on A Fork Festival which will be happening this weekend on the 16th-20th August. Cork is the culinary capital of Ireland (and generally the…
Cork Heritage open day will be happening again this summer and will be bigger than ever with over 35 buildings taking part, and an audience reach of over 23,000 people! This open day involves local Cork building owners opening their doors for one day only on a voluntary basis to…
Moving can be stressful, and with so much to focus on it can be hard to find the time to do all of the research before you arrive in Ireland about finding work, securing long term accommodation and getting your paperwork in order. We want you to be as…
As summer kicks into high gear, Cork City is buzzing with culture and activity and there are plenty of events that you can go to experience it all. The three main events happening in August are our Pride Festival, our Cork on a Fork Festival and Cork Heritage Open Day.
Hi everyone! In today’s blog, we’re going to look at several ways to improve and have fun withEnglish pronunciation. 1) Listen to something – anything – in English: This can include your favourite TV shows, podcasts, TED Talks, as well as the audio tracks yourteacher uses in class. You…
Hello everyone! We are back with another blog post for you to tell you about some important Cork vocabulary. People who live in Cork are called Corkonians, and they have their own particular accent (which is quite musical). They also have their own phrases and slang which can be a…
No matter how long you’ve been in Cork, whether it’s been years or a few hours, you’veprobably heard or seen the phrase “welcome to the real capital”. Corkonians are proud people.The only thing we love more than our county is showing it off to new people. Below you’ll find alist…
Cork is the culture captial of Ireland and is the type of place that always has something interesting going on, no matter what you’re looking to find. If you are visiting for a short holiday you might take advantage of the festivals and gigs in the city centre, but if…
We are back with another post for you this week, this time we want to give you reccommendations for some festivals you can go to in or near Cork City this summer. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a food lover, or an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Cork has something…
We are back with another blog post for you this week. Today we want to prepare you for an amazing Cork summer by giving you some information on the 5 best parks for a day out that you can get to on public transport from the city centre. Some…
Cork county, as the largest county in Ireland, has so much to offer. Why would you want to be anywhere else? Growing up here there was always an endless list of things to do and places to go. We never had to travel far to see beautiful beaches, untouched wilderness,…
Cork has many festivals throughout the year, some of which you may be familiar with as they have worldwide fame such as the Cork Jazz Festival and the Cork International Film Festival to name just two. And June is no exception, so here are some details about two festivals and…
Cork City is a vibrant and historic destination that offers a treasure trove of attractions for visitors. While it’s true that travel can often be expensive, Cork City has plenty of free activities to keep budget-conscious travelers busy. From exploring centuries-old landmarks to immersing yourself in the city’s rich cultural…
Hello everyone! We are back with another blog post for you this week to talk about an amazing event that’s going on from the 14th to the 25th of June in Cork. The event is the Cork Midsummer Festival and it’s an annual multi-disciplinary arts festival that uses the city…
Hello again, we are back with another blog post for you this week. This time it’s to let you know what’s on in Cork for this Bank Holiday weekend! We know most people tend to flock to the late-night bars, but we wanted to give you another more…
We are back with another blog post for you this week, this time we are talking about Cork World Book Fest. Each year, Cork turns into a book lover’s dream for a week, and we hold a cultural street fair in the city centre with spoken world, street entertainment, music,…
