Mackdonald Language Academy Kilkenny, Ireland
John's Quays, Prior's Orchard, 5B, Kilkenny - R95 R728 Kilkenny - see on mapPay less than booking at the school
What we like about the school
- Sports facilities including tennis and basketball courts.
- Games room with table tennis and pool table.
- Electronic whiteboards in all classrooms.
What we dislike about the school
- Older students should consider that the average age of students at this school is significantly younger than at most other schools.
Location: Mackdonald Language Academy Kilkenny is a language centre in the culturally rich city of Kilkenny, Ireland. The school building is around a 10-minute walk from the city centre, ensuring students have shops, restaurants, eateries and attractions nearby. The main attractions within walking distance of the school include Kilkenny Castle and Kilkenny Castle Park, St Mary's Medieval Mile Museum, Butler Art Gallery and the Rothe House and garden heritage museum.
Course selection: Mackdonald Language Academy Kilkenny offers Junior Summer programmes and Junior Summer Camps in conjunction with a selected sport (Golf, Horse riding, Tennis). These immersion courses include airport transfers, full-board homestay accommodation, an afternoon/evening social programme and weekly trips and excursions. Daily transfers to and from the school are provided, by the homestay host families, on a daily basis.
School facilities: The school facilities include 15 modern and bright classrooms, a large green area with a basketball court, a football pitch and an indoor sports hall.
Social and cultural: In addition to these Junior programmes offering great social conversation and activities such as meal times within homestay families, the school also has an active social and afternoon activity plan for Junior students included in the curriculum. Activities available can include bowling, sporting activities, treasure hunts, traditional Irish dancing and music and much more.
English Courses
General Language
Standard English Summer Camp (13 to 18 years old)
For the summer, only limited places left!20 lessons per week | 15 students (max)Offer!from€870€849 / week Includes accommodationMore
Standard English Summer Camp (13 to 18 years old)
For the summer, only limited places left!
20 lessons per week | 15 students (max)
Offer!from
€870€849 / week
Includes accommodation
More
FREE changes
FREE cancellation up to 21 days before the start of your course.
| Weeks | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school (€) Our price (€) | 1,849 1,803 | 2,699 2,632 | 3,479 3,393 | 4,799 4,680 |
| Price in US$ | 2,085 | 3,043 | 3,922 | 5,410 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- 2026: 14 Jun 2026, 21 Jun 2026, 28 Jun 2026, 05 Jul 2026, 12 Jul 2026, 19 Jul 2026, 26 Jul 2026, 02 Aug 2026, 09 Aug 2026, 16 Aug 2026, 23 Aug 2026
Arrival transfer to Dublin airport included if arrival on Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00.
Departure transfer from Dublin airport included if departure on Sunday from 12:00 to 19:00.
For other arrival/departure times, check the rates below.
Additional fees:
TRANSFERS
- Out-of-hours airport transfer from/to Dublin (DUB): from EUR 80 until EUR 260.
- Transfers to/from Cork (ORK): EUR 290.
- Transfers to/from Shannon (SNN): EUR 290.
- If students make use of the Unaccompanied Minor Service, an additional charge of EUR 80 applies.
ACCOMMODATION - Single room supplement: EUR 80 per week (if available).
- Extra night: EUR 50 per night (if available).
- Dietary requirement: e.g. vegan, vegetarian, celiac, lactose intolerance, nut allergy etc.): EUR 35 per week (if available).
- Host family without pets: EUR 50 per placement (if available).
ADDITIONAL CLASSES - Private lessons: EUR 40 per class.
- Intensive English (maximum 3 students per 1 teacher): 30 EUR.
- Exam preparation: EUR 30.
ENGLISH PLUS SPORT - Golf, Tennis or Badminton: EUR 250 per set of 5 sessions witch coach.
- Horse Riding: EUR 300 per set of 5 sessions witch coach.
Prices
- Course price includes accommodation
- Homestay, Double room, Breakfast, lunch & dinnerInterested in this course without accommodation? Please contact us.
- Price includes
- Airport transfer (return trip)
Course specific data
- This course takes place in a different location than main address of the school:
- Gaelscoil Osrai, Outrath Road, Loughboy, R95 AT85, Kilkenny
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 45 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 9:00 - 13:00
Afternoon: 14:00 - 15:00 - Possible course durations
- 2, 3, 4, 6 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 13 years
- Age range:
- 13 - 18 years
Students per class- Maximum: 15 / Average: 12
Lesson duration- 45 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Our prices for Mackdonald Language Academy include
- INCLUDED Organized activities
- INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
- INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
- INCLUDED Language level placement test before arrival
- INCLUDED For junior courses: every afternoon free organized leisure program
Enjoying the outdoors1/30
Accommodation in Kilkenny2/30
Mackdonald Language Academy lesson3/30
Students in Kilkenny4/30
lesson5/30
Learning at Mackdonald Language Academy6/30
Playing basketball7/30
Mackdonald Language Academy class8/30
Mackdonald Language Academy students9/30
Class10/30
Streets of Kilkenny11/30
Mackdonald Language Academy building12/30
Enjoying Kilkenny13/30
Adventures in Kilkenny14/30
Studying at Mackdonald Language Academy15/30
Activities in Kilkenny16/30
Exploring Kilkenny17/30
Touring Kilkenny18/30
walking tour19/30
Excursions 20/30
students21/30
Having fun22/30
Mackdonald Language Academy accommodation23/30
City tour24/30
Seeing Kilkenny25/30
Excursions in Kilkenny26/30
Buildings in Kilkenny27/30
Grounds28/30
Outdoor area29/30
Accommodation30/30
Student opinions about Mackdonald Language Academy, Kilkenny
Verified reviews only, uncensored. All student opinions from students who booked a course at the school with LanguageCourse.net.
Caterina
14 yearsOverall rating
2.0
“The teachers.”
“Host family, few planned extra course activities.”
Insider tip: “What to wear and what to xpect from the camp”
School's reply: Dear Caterina, We are sorry to hear that you were disappointed with parts of your stay. We would like to point out that any problems or concerns should be communicated to our local team during the programme so that we have the opportunity to react immediately and make adjustments where necessary. Kilkenny is a very popular destination for international teenagers, offering a safe, welcoming environment. Kilkenny is among the most visited towns in Ireland and has a population of approx. 30.000 people. Students can improve their English while experiencing authentic Irish culture, making new international friends and taking part in a full activity programme including supervised activities and excursions on 6 days per week. Thanks again for your feedback.
Verified
Course: Standard English Summer Camp - 2 weeks
Review date: 3. Aug. 2025
Mackdonald Language Academy (m.l.a)
“"Learning English the Irish way is an experience you will always remember - book your course with mackdonald language academy in Kilkenny!"”–Isha McDonald,Director of Mackdonald Language Academy
- Accreditations and Quality seals
AGPI- English teacher qualifications
- 100% hold a university degree100% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
- Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
- Student gender mix
- 50% male / 50% female
- Offer for returning students
- When you book here, you will be refunded/waived the school's administration fee if you have already attended a course previously at Mackdonald Language Academy.
- Year of school foundation
- 2006
General school facilities
Fridge for student use
Microwave for student use
Library
Games room
Lounge
Auditorium
Garden
Student support desk
Basketball court
Table soccer / football
Table tennis
Soccer field / football pitch
Volleyball court
Copy machine
Free coffee
Free water dispenser
Free WIFI
Free parking
Non-smoking (all indoor and all outdoor areas of school)
Tourist information
Assistance with reservations for restaurants, bars, clubs
Classroom equipment
TV in all classrooms
Electronic whiteboard in all classrooms
Heating in all classrooms
Ample natural light in all classrooms
- Number of classrooms: 12
Student Age / Nationality
Top student nationalities
| Student Nationality | Percentage of students |
|---|---|
| Italy | 20% |
| Germany | 20% |
| France | 20% |
| Spain | 20% |
| Switzerland | 5% |
| China | 5% |
| Other nationalities | 10% |
Age of students
| Percentage of students | |
|---|---|
| 1-18 years | 98% |
| 18-24 years | 1% |
| 25-34 years | 1% |
| 35-50 years | 0% |
| >50 years | 0% |
- Average number of students
- Adult courses - In summer: 5Adult courses - Throughout the year: 5Junior courses - In summer: 100Junior courses - Throughout the year: 30
- Minimum age of students
- 18 years13 years for specific Junior courses
- Average number of levels
- Adult courses In summer: 2Adult courses Throughout the year: 2Junior courses In summer: 10Junior courses Throughout the year: 4
- Average age of students
- In summer: 15 yearsThroughout the year: 15 years
Information for all courses offered by Mackdonald Language Academy
- Lesson duration
- 45 minutes
- Course material
- Generally course material is distributed free to students and will stay in student property.
- Comments about courses
- Additional nights with host family: EUR 60.
- Host family without pets: EUR 50.
- Special dietary requirement: EUR 35.
- Airport transfers outside of included transfer window: EUR 160.
- Additional nights with host family: EUR 60.
- Individual classes
- Single individual lessons of tuition can be reserved at 40 €. The combination of group and individual lessons is highly recommended. Individual lessons will encourage you to actively speak the foreign language and will offer you the opportunity to discuss individual problems and weaknesses.
- Days without class
- In 2026 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2026 - 13 Jun 2026, 31 Aug 2026 - 31 Dec 2026, 02 Feb 2026, 17 Mar 2026, 06 Apr 2026, 04 May 2026, 01 Jun 2026, 03 Aug 2026, 26 Oct 2026, 25 Dec 2026, 26 Dec 2026.In 2027 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2027 - 13 Jun 2027, 31 Aug 2027 - 31 Dec 2027, 02 Feb 2027, 17 Mar 2027, 06 Apr 2027, 04 May 2027, 01 Jun 2027, 03 Aug 2027, 26 Oct 2027, 25 Dec 2027, 26 Dec 2027.School policy regarding bank holidays:Full number of lost classes are made up - Level test
- A test to assess your exact language level takes place before the start of the course via an online form.
Lessons needed per English language level
The data above gives some guidance. For more details consult our page How long does it take to learn a language or reach a specific level.
Leisure activities
Examples of leisure activities organized by the school
Adults - Free activities
- All activities have a supplementary cost.
Adults - Paid activities
- Every week, the school offers various educational, cultural & social activities. All excursions and activities are organized and accompanied by a member of staff. Participation on all excursions, activities and trips is voluntary and at an extra cost.
Participating in the school´s excursions and trips will enhance your knowledge about Kilkenny, Dublin and Ireland as a whole. There are a wide variety of activities on offer including Irish dancing classes, city tours, cooking classes, and cultural and social outings. The school also organizes interesting excursions around Ireland, for example to the Irish coast in Waterford and Tramore, Dublin, Glendalough, and Cork, just to name a few.
The following free-time activities are offered on a regular basis (sample) - please note that we require a minimum number of participants for each activity:
- Cooking classes
- Movie nights
- Irish dancing show and workshop
- City Tours and excursions
- Museums
- Variety of sports (hurling, football, table tennis, Pitch & Putt etc.)
and more!
FAQ about Mackdonald Language Academy, Kilkenny
I have read that the average age of participants is low, could you give me some information on this?
“The age of students attending summer camps at this school ranges from 13 to 18 (2025). Students are not divided according to age, but rather according to their starting language level. ”
Veronica Romualdi, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Feb 17, 2025
Which countries are students of Mackdonald Language Academy from?
“The highest Nationality percentage at Mackdonald Language Academy comes from Germany with a 20% representation, followed by students from France (20%) and Italy (20%).”
Mackdonald Language Academy offers courses for which ages?
“Mackdonald Language Academy offers courses from 13 years to 18. The average age is 15 during the summer and 15 the rest of the year.”
Terms of Mackdonald Language Academy
- First day of course
- Students should arrive at 8:45
- Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
- Legal name/parent company
- Mackdonald Language Academy Ltd. | Tax registration ID: TIN:3194407WH
Visa Documents
Nationals from USA do not require a visa to study short term courses up to 90 days.
Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.
Nationals from countries that require a visa will receive documents from the school, related to booking confirmation, which is required for the visa application.
- Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
- Yes
- Express shipment fee (via courier)
- 50 €
- Preferential cancellation terms in case of visa refusal
- School agreed that students booking online on this site will benefit from preferential cancellation fees in case of visa refusal, and in this case will never exceed EUR 180.
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Kilkenny
Kilkenny city attractiveness as rated by our students:
3.0
Find more information about Kilkenny, including climate data and events, on our Kilkenny page, which includes a list of all 2 English schools in Kilkenny.
Included in the price: registration fee, course book, placement test, certificate of completion, afternoon/evening programmes and weekly trips/excursions.