Why Learn English in Cork, Ireland?
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.
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.
Cork is located in the southwest coast of Ireland. It is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland. It takes its name from the Irish word which means “marsh”, referring to Cork’s situation on the River Lee. It is a prosperous center for banking and commerce and it is strategically located on one of the world’s natural and deep harbors. It has many stunning sights and sounds to offer and discover being an area of exceptional natural beauty and as Ireland’s leading tourism region. Since being founded by St. Finbarre over a thousand years ago, Cork has grown from a trading merchant city to a modern cosmopolitan city.
Cork has colorful, rich, historic and modern architectural structures which allures its tourists and inhabitants to visit and explore. It has a wide array of churches, banks, administrative buildings, art galleries, bread and breakfast inns, pubs, markets, monuments, statues, castles and parks. Many people come to Cork to learn English, because it has some of the best English schools to learn the English language. Among the great landmarks not to be missed in Cork are: St. Finbarre’s Cathedral, St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Anne’s Church in Shandon with its famous bells, Cork City Hall, Beamish & Crawford Brewery, Christ Church, Christ the King Church with its modern architecture, Cork Court House, Father Mathew Church, St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Church, St. Francis Church, Crawford Municipal Art Gallery, Lewis Glucksman Art Gallery, Elizabeth Fort, Blarney Castle with its legendary stone and the modern County Hall which is Ireland’s tallest building to date.
Cork has an assortment of festivals and events all year round. The city’s contribution and commitment to arts and culture is well established. Cork is home to several art galleries and museums. Theaters and cinemas are part of the local entertainment as well as shows held in the modern Cork Opera House. Music, dance, theater and film play a major role in Cork city life. Among the numerous events held in Cork are the Cork Film Festival which is a major supporter of and venue for the art of the short film, the Cork Jazz Music Festival which showcases local and foreign jazz musicians, and the Cork International Choral Festival which is one of Europe’s leading choral festivals known for its high standards and participation by world-class performers from around the globe. Cork was chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2005.
Cork has been experiencing enrichment in cultural diversity over the years as a result of immigration from eastern and western Europe, and more recently from African and Asian countries. The recent growth of multicultural shops and restaurants has added a more distinctive flavor to Cork’s way of life. Along with the delectable cuisines also came different religions making Cork a religiously diverse city with various places of worship like a Jewish synagogue, some Christian churches as well as a mosque.
Cork’s progressive economy relies on its various industries. Main areas of industry are pharmaceuticals; information technology; retail in a mix of state of the art and modern shopping centers and family owned local shops; brewing; manufacturing; engineering; electronics; and technical services. Cork's economic achievement is attributed to its strategic location near a harbor, its educated workers and its government’s pro-business policy. Cork's deep harbor allows vessels of whichever size to enter, bringing trade and easy import and export of products. An airport, roads, railways and docks give easier access for tourists and investors to do business in Cork.
With its thriving economy, culturally diverse communities, historical and modern structures, colorful sights, melodious sounds, festive events and wonderful people, Cork is one place ought to be explored!
