Looking for a holiday to practice English, meet international friends, and explore beautiful places?
All you need to know about our unique courses, combining nature and learning.
Looking for a holiday to practice English, meet international friends, and explore beautiful places?
Enjoy an unforgettable long weekend in Ireland, where you’ll dive into the rich history and vibrant culture of Dublin while also experiencing the stunning beauty of the English countryside. Our special itinerary includes visits to famous city landmarks and nature excursions, all designed to help you enhance your English speaking skills through practical, immersive activities. Savour traditional Irish hospitality, indulge in local cuisine, and engage in cultural experiences that make this trip both educational and memorable.
The English course in Dublin costs £595 and we make sure you get a lot for your money. The next available courses are July 20-24 and July 25-29.
We also have courses all year in Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Georgia, Montenegro and Madeira.
Highlights
Experience the captivating blend of history and modernity as you stroll along the lively streets of Dublin, exploring iconic landmarks like Trinity College and Dublin Castle
Speaking practice in natural situations with our native speakers is the fastest way to improve. We also offer two lessons and several table games providing a fun way to learn in small groups
What could be more enchanting than a cottage in the Irish countryside? Our delightful home is waiting to welcome you and keep you comfortable during your stay with us
A combination of tasty, home-cooked meals and local cuisine will be sure to satisfy your taste buds. Traditional Irish pub evening is something you need to try
Have a question?
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You can arrive at the meeting point at any time after 1pm on the first day and we’ll be waiting for you. We know you all have different flights/trains so we are flexible. If you need help searching for flights just let us know!
If you are flying to Dublin then the most convenient place to fly is Dublin International Airport. From the terminal you can take a short walk to the car park where we’ll be waiting for you.
If you’re arriving at the train station or going to be in the city a day earlier then you can take a quick bus to the airport or we can arrange a convenient place to meet.
Howth is a picturesque coastal village that captivates visitors with its charm and natural beauty. Nestled on the stunning Howth Peninsula, it offers breathtaking views of the Irish Sea and Dublin Bay. This quaint fishing village seamlessly blends a rich maritime history with modern amenities, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere.
We will take some scenic cliff walks, with spectacular vistas of the rugged coastline and the tranquil harbour below. The Howth Head Lighthouse adds to the area’s allure, standing as a symbol of the village’s maritime heritage. The bustling harbor is a focal point, where colorful fishing boats bob in the water, and seafood restaurants serve fresh catches of the day.
After spending time in Howth we will drive back to the house where you’ll be staying during the course. We are located in the beautiful village of Castleblayney which is a beautiful drive through the green hills. If you want to find it on Google Maps you can search ‘Alice’s Loft‘. You can also see a full video tour of the house pinned to our Instagram page.
When you’re settled we’ll have a welcome dinner so we can get to know each other a bit better and discuss the plans for the rest of the trip. Most evenings we eat at 7pm.
After dinner we like to play a fun board game to break the ice! At 9:30pm it’s always free time so you can chat with new friends, read one of our books or get an early night so you’re full of energy for the next day.
After a big breakfast together at the house (9am everyday) we’ll head out to the beautiful Mourne National Park at 10am. We’ll make a short stop on the way to see for a coffee with a view.
We’ll see spectacular lakes and mountains with views out to the Irish Sea . This one is great for Instagram!
Along the way you can marvel at diverse nature, local wildlife and stunning landscapes. There will be a picnic lunch with a great view and some hot tea.
We usually arrive back at the house around 5pm. You have free time until dinner at 7pm. Take time to relax, go for a walk or come and help us in the kitchen if you want to learn some new culinary vocabulary.
After dinner it’s time for our first English lesson. Don’t worry, you’re not back at school, everything is very relaxed and you’ll have the chance to learn something new in a laid back environment. We know that phrasal verbs can be difficult to get your head around so we have created some fun activities to help you use them like native speakers.
Dublin, the lively capital of Ireland, is a city steeped in history, culture, and a contagious sense of hospitality. Nestled along the banks of the River Liffey, Dublin effortlessly combines its rich heritage with a modern and dynamic atmosphere. Cobblestone streets wind through the city centre, leading visitors to a treasure trove of architectural wonders, from the medieval charm of Christ Church Cathedral to the grandeur of Georgian squares and the contemporary structures that shape the city skyline.
The heart of Dublin lies in its people and the convivial spirit that permeates the city. Pubs are not just places to enjoy a pint but serve as hubs for storytelling, live music, and genuine conversations. The Temple Bar district, with its narrow lanes and vibrant facades, is a cultural hotspot where traditional Irish music spills out onto the streets, and art galleries and theaters thrive.
Dublin’s literary legacy is palpable, with its association with renowned writers like James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, and Samuel Beckett. Trinity College stands as a beacon of intellectual pursuits, home to the venerable Book of Kells and a symbol of Dublin’s commitment to education.
Then it’s back to the house for a much needed home cooked meal and board games.
Visiting an Irish pub is an experience steeped in warmth and tradition. As you step inside, you’re greeted by the comforting crackle of a wood-burning fireplace and the rich aroma of hearty, homemade dishes. The atmosphere is lively yet intimate, with locals sharing stories and laughter over pints of Guiness or a dram of fine Irish whisky.
Now is a great opportunity to try some typical British dishes. The most popular is of course Fish & Chips but there are many more which you have probably never heard of such as Steak & Ale Pie, Toad in the Hole or a Shepherd’s Pie. You can wash it down with a lovely, local beer.
Today we will discover a bit more about local life in Ireland. Visiting the nearby village is a great opportunity to meet the locals and check out the handmade products in small shops.
Visiting the villages and castles in County Monaghan provides a rich tapestry of Irish heritage and rural charm. Start your journey in the picturesque village of Glaslough, known for its beautifully preserved architecture and welcoming atmosphere. Glaslough is home to the magnificent Castle Leslie Estate, a stunning Victorian castle set amidst serene woodlands and glittering lakes.
Continue your exploration by visiting the quaint village of Clones, famous for its historical significance and traditional Irish culture. In Clones, you can explore the ancient High Crosses and round tower, which are remnants of the early Christian era. Don’t miss a visit to Carrickmacross, another charming village known for its lace-making tradition and bustling market. Each village and castle in County Monaghan has its own unique story, providing visitors with a captivating insight into Ireland’s rich history and vibrant rural life.
In the evening we’ll enjoy our final meal together with a traditional homemade Sunday Roast. Let’s play a board game for some fun and laughter before saying our goodbyes and looking back on a memorable Irish holiday. We have many board games to choose from so why not take a look through and see which one takes your interest.
Unfortunately all good things must come to an end. After an action packed trip it’s time to leave England.
We will take you back to the airport at whatever time you need to make your flight or train on time.
We will have breakfast as always at 9am or we can make something before this if you have an earlier flight. We ask that you leave your room by 11am but you’re welcome to leave your bags at the house and explore our local village one last time.
We are sure you will have a wonderful experience in Ireland. You will see a mix of nature, history, culture and local life. You will also meet new friends on the course and get more confidence speaking English. Until next time!
The level isn’t so important. We have small groups and 3 native speakers to help you. Everything is very relaxed and whatever your English level, we can help you to improve. The majority of our guests are around intermediate level.
The usual age of the groups is 27-49. All adults over 18 are welcome though.
Just let us know what you can and can’t eat and we can order food to suit your dietary preferences.
We have limited single rooms but if you want one please let us know as soon as possible. They are £20 per night (£80 in total for the whole course).
We can sometimes accommodate you if arriving earlier or leaving later. There is a cost of £60 for each extra night. Our teachers will not be able to collect you or entertain you as it’s their day off. It’s easy to reach the house by public transport though.
Yes, WiFi is available throughout the house.
We provide towels and bedding. You need some shoes comfortable for walking in. Before the course I will advise about the weather so you can decide which clothes to bring.
The United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union after Brexit so everybody will need a passport to travel to Scotland.
We can write you a visa invitation letter. First you will need to ask the British Embassy where you live which documents you need. The whole process usually takes 4-6 weeks. We already helped many people get visas.
Courses are every week from Thursday to Monday. You can check availability in the book now section of our website.
If for some reason you can’t make it on the dates you chose we can transfer your deposit to another date. Please let as know as soon as you can so we can try to replace you. Thanks!
We’re based in Portrane right on the beach; set in a lush, green corner that offers a village feel right next to the city hustle. Here, engaging with the warm-hearted locals is as easy as stepping out the door. Plus, the area boasts charming shops and restaurants that you won’t be able to resist.
Usually you share your room with one other person but sometimes it’s possible to get a private room if you ask us in advance. Rooms are spacious and modern. It’s a great way to get to know your coursemates better and get the most out of your English speaking practice. We also have beautiful common rooms to relax in and a kitchen to use if you need it.
The house offers more than just a good night’s sleep. Feel like kicking back? Our serene garden beckons you to grab a cuppa and relax. Inside, our lounge is your go-to spot, complete with entertainment options and a diverse selection of books and games.
Hi! My name is Garry and I founded English Al Fresco in February 2022 because of my passion for teaching. I have been teaching English to adults for many years all across the globe and I have a higher TEFL qualification. I decided to combine teaching with my other great passion, nature.
I think that people learn much quicker out in the fresh air and it's also great for your mental and physical health. I'm originally from a small city called Chester in the north of England and also lived in London for 3 years. I love to travel, I've been to 135 countries. I'm also a keen photographer, cyclist and runner. I look forward to learning more about you on our courses.
Hey! My name is Rachael but everyone calls me Rae. I am from Australia where I had a business in remedial massage therapy. I have a passion to travel and helping people.I love to have a laugh, be in nature and to snowboard. I have been travelling South America for 6 months practicing Spanish. It’s now my turn to help you practice your English. Look forward to meeting you 🙂
Hi, I’m Tobias and I’m from the Midlands in England. I have been working and travelling abroad for almost a year and have loved meeting new people and learning about languages. My passions are travel, nature, music and hiking. I look forward to chatting and playing games with you while exploring the UK!
ExcellentBased on 140 reviews
Cristina Antonac14/06/2024Bilo je stvarno lijepo iskustvo. Odličan način za posjetiti London, usput vježbati engleski izgovor i vidjeti okolna mjesta kao što su nacionalni park New Forest i Oxford.Michela Zandonai13/06/2024The experience with English Al Fresco has been positive and I would recommend it to someone who wants to spend a long weekend while speaking English and visiting amazing places in the UK. I chose London for the month of June. I travelled on my own then I was lucky to meet a nice group of people to share the experience with. Reaching the town of Reading was really easy and, at the same time, it is very easy to reach London from Reading, if you want to spend more days there. English Al Fresco’s house is located in Shienfield, a nice village where is possible to take quiet walks before or after a day spent with the group.Nadia De Lorenzo12/06/2024Beautiful experience, very good teachers, I can't wait to repeat itGianni Franzese30/05/2024One of the greatest and interesting experiences of my life. Improving my English by visiting wonderful places with very nice people has been the perfect combination that I had been looking for much time. A special thanks to Hannah, Katie and Phoebe for making unforgettable this journey.elena donadi23/05/2024Unforgettable!Still day dreaming Scotland! Amazing experince living Scottish people life from the acomodation to the food! Very well organize and with an honest price! Garry and his colleges are amazing, always available and kind with a friendly approach they try to bring out the best of their students with smart and of course al fresco lessons. Thank you ❤🌹🙏Anastasia Murashko22/05/2024My experience has been incredible. I’ve had the opportunity to see many wonderful places. It was nice to meet people from different countries. The accomodation is very comfortable. After this course I felt more confident with speacking english. I highly recommand. Thank's for everything!Elena22/05/2024Esperienza fantastica! Abbiamo soggiornato in un piccolo villaggio scozzese ed è stato meraviglioso svegliarsi con il canto degli uccellini e fare una passeggiata mattutina in mezzo ai giardini, pieni di fiori e prati verdissimi con le pecore, una vera immersione nel cuore della Scozia! Le stanze sono confortevoli (portate un adattatore per le prese), la colazione è tipica inglese dolce e salata, l’organizzazione è perfetta. Non sono le solite lezioni, ma è una possibilità di conversare in inglese in un gruppo piccolo, imparare i modi di dire dei madrelingua, fare delle passeggiate nei boschi, visitare i castelli scozzesi e Edimburgo. Ringrazio di cuore Garry, sempre pronto a dare una mano sia per l’inglese che per qualsiasi domanda organizzativa, Daniella, una ragazza simpaticissima e Ann!Clara Domènech22/05/2024Gran experiència a Escòcia amb English al Fresco. Han sigut uns dies magnífics amb activitats divertides, paisatges espectaculars, cultura, gastronomia i una immersió total amb l'anglès que m'ha permès millorar la llengua. Els professors son excel•lents i et faciliten una estada acollidora i còmoda. Recomano l'experiència 100%.Viktoria Lekh22/05/2024If you're looking to improve your English, English Al Fresco offers a well-rounded, enriching program that will exceed your expectations. I recently completed an English course with Garry in Edinburgh, and I highly recommend it. The accommodations provided were exceptional. We stayed in a very beautiful house that looked like a scene from an Agatha Christie movie. One of the highlights of the course was the variety of excursions included. These outings were not only educational but also incredibly fun and memorable. I will never forget swimming in the mountain lake and rolling down the hill. I left the course not only with improved English skills but also with new friends and unforgettable experiences. I am looking forward to joining other adventures with English Al Fresco.Silvie P.22/05/2024Great experience, I met a lot of nice people and great hosts. I definitely want to come back, just to a different place😊
You probably came to our website because you love nature, you love to travel and it would be nice to improve your communication skills in English. We offer all of those things in a very friendly atmosphere. We also believe that with the power of exercise and communication it’s the perfect combination to improve your physical and mental health.
So come and join us for the holiday of a lifetime and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Your English speaking courses in Edinburgh are waiting. If you want to see what are previous students said you can check out our reviews from previous students on TripAdvisor , Google and Facebook.
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