Visit Ireland

"Enjoyed and learned. Didn’t know it would be so much fun!" Elderhostel participant Introduction to Ireland programme Oct 08

"It was a fantastic cultural experience" ISA University student Autumn 07

Our adult programmes are carefully designed to maximise the time you have in Ireland, allowing you to enjoy the magnificent Irish scenery whilst appreciating the depth of our culture and history.

Through cultural and educational activities our youth programmes foster personal development, build communication and leadership skills and enhance young people's abilities to act as global citizens.

"A taste of Irish culture was both educational and entertaining" ISA University student Autumn 07

Would you like to experience Ireland from the inside?. An EIL programme will inspire you to look beyond tourism, to discover the 'real' Ireland and to live the Irish way of life among her people.

Our programs offer a host of learning opportunities; exciting activities, inspiring workshops and daily contact with the Irish people as you learn about the rhythm of Irish community and family life, while appreciating the rugged beauty of the Irish landscape.

Featured Programme

Visit Ireland: Secondary School in Ireland

Gain a deeper fluency with English and an understanding of Irish society by living and going to school in Ireland. Open to international students between the ages 15 and 17 with a reasonable level of English, students stay with a local Irish family while continuing their education in Ireland. Study in Ireland from 15 to 40 weeks with start dates in the end of August and January.

Click here to learn more.

Visit Ireland: Youth Programs

EIL youth programs are designed to be educational as well as fun, with an emphasis on interactive activities and hands-on learning. Whether your group would like a focus on the cultural heritage of Ireland, outdoor activities, or language learning, we can design an itinerary to suit their specific needs. With expertly trained in-country leaders and a strong focus on child protection, EIL Ireland youth programs provide the peace of mind so necessary when traveling with a group of young people, particularly those under 18.

Click here to learn more.

Visit Ireland: Academic programs in Ireland

Ireland has a wealth of opportunities to bring your studies to life. The country has rich resources in areas as diverse as literature and politics, education and agriculture, history and archaeology, and conflict resolution and environmental issues. EIL Intercultural Learning can be the key to your very own custom designed program in Ireland, encompassing your academic work, a rich intercultural experience for your students and the safe handling of all logistical arrangements.

Click here to learn more.

News & Events

German scholarship group enjoy Irish farm life

A group of 4 German teenagers and their two leaders are currently in Ireland living and volunteering on an organic farm and environmetal project in West Cork.

"An Introduction to Ireland" 2010

Participants from the recent Eil Visit Ireland Road Scholar "An Introduction to Ireland" tell us about their experience of the programs and their opinions.This program had something for everyone from a night at the Abbey Theatre, a field trip around the majestic Ring of Kerry to various talks on lectures on a range of topics related to Ireland such as " An Introduction to Ireland and Irish history"

"The Story of Ireland: People, Culture and Landscape" Road Scholar 2008

From an exclusive evening of private dining in Galway's Glenloe Abbey, to a visit of a local school to a night walk along the walls of the historic Derry, the participants of this program share with us their experience and opinions of the whole journey and the program itself.

'Discover the West of Ireland' Program 2009

The 2009 participants of "Discover the West of Ireland" share with you their experience and the opinions of the program and the Emerald Isle. From spending a day on Inis Mor, discovering the delights of Dublin city to talks with an Irish- Anglo literature expert this program offered a vast variety of activities to its participants.

"Best of Ireland" 2010

Recent particpants on EIL Visit Ireland Road Scholar 'Best of Ireland' programme share their impressions of Ireland and of the programme. Among the activities they took part in were having dinner with Irish families in county Kerry, walking on the Burren with a local expert and discovering Galway and Dublin in the company of a historian and writer.

University Student Homestays 2007

About the program:

Each year American University students, studying in Irish universities for a semester, spend a weekend with an Irish host family in host communities across the country. This homestay experience allow for students to be immersed in the daily life of an Irish family and community, and to experience life in Ireland beyond the campus.

Click on to see the opinions of the 2007 program participants.

UCC Field Trip Belfast 2007

Each year, American students at the Department of Government in UCC take part in an academic field trip to Belfast. During their 4 day stay they visit the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont and meet with politicians from all parties. . The objective of the programme is to experience and learn about the changes that have been wrought in this once divided society and the ongoing work at political and community level to maintain and underpin the peace.

Read on to hear some of the feedback from some of the students who participated in the 2007 trip to Belfast through University College Cork.

My experience on an Eil Activity/Community Service Program

Read on to hear one of our program participants on our Activity/Community Service Programms and their expeirence and opinion of how it all went..

My Irish Life by Amelie Robrecht

Amelie Robrecht participated in EIL's Secondary School Programme in Ireland in 2009/10 academic year for 26 weeks. She lived in Ballybunion, Co. Kerry with her host family, The Ferriter Family, and attended St. Joseph's (Mercy) Secondary School. Here is an essay she wrote about her experiences here in Ireland:

Travel Award Deadline Fast Approaching

The deadline for submitting your application form for this years Travel Awards is fast approaching. 5pm March 26th. Mark the date in your diary and don't miss out on what could be an experience that might change your life. For more information click here