Discover, Learn, and Thrive
with ISE IRELAND

BOOK NOW

Senior Programmes

Welcome to a programme designed specifically for the mature, active learner. At ISE Ireland, we believe that learning a language is a lifelong journey. Our English & Culture 50+ programme offers a relaxed, sophisticated, and socially engaging way to improve your English while immersing yourself in the rich history and vibrant soul of Ireland.

Features of ISE Senior 50+ Programme

A perfect mix of culture, language, and unforgettable memories in Ireland’s capital!

Choose Your Course

English & Culture for 50+

An Unforgettable Language & Cultural Journey for Mature Learners.

Course Description

Our English & Culture 50+ Programme is specially designed for mature students who wish to improve their English while enjoying a rich and carefully curated Irish cultural experience in one of Ireland's oldest and most charming cities, Waterford.

English Level

  • Pre-Intermediate (A2) to Advanced (C1)
  • Minimum age: 50
  • Small classes (max. 15 students)

Optional Supplements

Private airport transfers: €550
(Dublin - Waterford - Dublin)
Extra week: €440 per person/week
(Course + Accommodation)

Whether you're traveling solo or in a group, you'll meet people,
build condence, and enjoy Ireland at your pace.

Cultural Activities Included

  • Freedom of Waterford Pass
  • Waterford City Walking Tour
  • Discover Waterford's rich culinary heritage
  • Guided Visit to Reginald's Tower & Leisure Walk
  • Visit to the House of Waterford Crystal
  • GROW HQ - From Garden to Plate
  • Visit to the Bishop's Palace & Treasures of the Medieval Museum

Please note: Sample Cultural Itinerary. Activities are subject to availability and may be replaced by similar alternatives.

What Makes This Programme Special?

  • Tailored for mature learners aged 50+
  • Ideal for solo travelers or friends looking for a meaningful trip
  • Small group cultural experiences
  • Relaxed and welcoming learning environment

Terms & Conditions

  • Minimum of 6 participants required for the programme to run.
  • For groups of 6 or more, dates can be customized to your preference
  • Cultural activities are subject to availability; alternatives of equal value will be oered in case of cancellation.
  • Flights and travel insurance are not included.

Ready To Join Us In Waterford?

Contact us to receive full programme details and booking information.

Whatsapp: +353 892750192 • Email: Juliana@iseireland.ie

English & Culture 50 +
Itinerary & Programme

An Unforgettable Language & Cultural Journey for Mature Learners.

Description

Our English & Culture 50+ Programme is specially designed for mature students who wish to improve their English while enjoying a rich and carefully curated Irish cultural experience in one of Ireland’s oldest and most charming cities — Waterford.

This is not just a course; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in real Irish life, meet students of all ages during morning classes, and join afternoon cultural activities created exclusively for you.

This experience is perfect for individuals or small groups, especially mature learners looking for connection, condidence, and a meaningful cultural exchange. It also suits travellers who want to enjoy Ireland with comfort, company, and curiosity.

Overview

  • 15 hours per week of General English - (Monday to Friday, 09:00–12:15).
  • Students are integrated into regular international classes, creating a dynamic mix of ages and nationalities.
  • Afternoon activities are exclusively for the 50+ group, with a focus on local culture, history, nature, and Irish traditions.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 - Sunday: Arrival & Welcome

Arrive at Dublin Airport and take a comfortable direct bus to Waterford (approximately 3 hours). Upon arrival in Waterford, take a short taxi ride to your host family or arrange a pickup directly with them. Meet your warm and welcoming hosts and begin your unforgettable Irish experience! Accommodation: 14 nights with a local host family, including half board (breakfast and dinner daily).

Day 2 - Monday: Welcome & Orientation

After breakfast, make your way to the school. As it’s your first day, please arrive by 8:30 AM for a brief induction and school tour. Your first English class begins at 9:00 AM.

After class, take a pleasant 15-minute walk into town and meet your guide in front of the Bishop’s Palace for a guided walking tour of Waterford.

On this day, you'll also receive your Freedom of Waterford Pass, which grants access to five local museums. You’re welcome to visit one of them this afternoon or simply take time to explore the city at your own pace.

Day 3 - Tuesday: Classes & Evening Activity

Attend your morning English classes as usual. The afternoon is free for you to relax, explore the city, or visit one of the museums included in your Freedom of Waterford Pass.

This evening, at 6:15 PM, meet your tour guide in front of the House of Waterford Crystal for a special evening experience.

Discover Waterford’s rich culinary heritage on a guided walking tour through Ireland’s oldest city — birthplace of the bacon rasher and cream cracker, and the first Irish port to import tea, wine, and spices. Led by Stíofán Mac Cárthaigh of StepsBackThruTime, the tour combines history and flavor, with fascinating stories from Viking and Huguenot roots to modern-day cuisine

Tour highlights include:

  • The Reg (Viking Triangle): Taste the traditional blaa and see a 900-year-old city wall.
  • Mara Restaurant: Enjoy a seasonal starter crafted by Michelin-trained chef Luis Martin.
  • Momo Restaurant: Experience a locally inspired main course and learn about Waterford’s vibrant food producer community.

This one-of-a-kind experience blends culture, history, and top-tier gastronomy — leaving you with unforgettable memories and a true taste of Waterford.

Day 4 - Wednesday: English, History & Wine

After your regular morning class, join a special Irish Culture Class from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. In the afternoon, visit the fascinating Medieval Museum to explore Waterford’s rich history. +353 892750192 Juliana@iseireland.ie English & Culture 50+ The Medieval Museum features two remarkable medieval chambers: the 13th-century Choristers’ Hall and the 15th-century Mayor’s Wine Vault.

Visitors can admire some of the greatest treasures of medieval Ireland, including the Great Charter Roll, recently viewed by HM King Charles III and the Queen Consort, as well as exquisite 15th-century cloth-of-gold church vestments.

Did you know Waterford was once the wine capital of Ireland?

This tour of the Medieval Museum begins underground in two original medieval buildings: the 13th-century Choristers’ Hall and the 15th-century wine vault.

Here, you will be welcomed with a glass of wine while you learn about the wine trade in Ireland during the medieval period.

You will then be guided upstairs to view some of the greatest treasures ever found in Ireland.

Day 5 - Thursday: Guided Visit to Reginald’s Tower & Leisure Walk

After your regular morning class, enjoy a guided tour of Reginald’s Tower, one of Waterford’s most iconic medieval landmarks

Afterwards, take a relaxing stroll through People’s Park, followed by a coffee at a nearby café to soak in the local atmosphere.

Day 6 - Friday: English, Conversation & Secrets of the Bishop’s Palace

After your regular morning class, take part in a Conversation Class from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, designed to build confidence and fluency through relaxed, real-life practice.

In the afternoon, visit the elegant Bishop’s Palace for a theatrical guided tour led by the Housekeeper or Butler (while the Bishop is away!).

Discover the secrets of the house, hear scandalous tales, and step into the world of Bridgerton-style drama, love stories, and Georgian-era gossip — all brought to life in one of Waterford’s most fascinating historic homes.

Day 7 - Saturday: Self-Guided Day Trip to Dublin

Using your Leap Card, enjoy a self-guided day trip to Dublin, Ireland’s lively and historic capital city.

Discover iconic landmarks like Trinity College, St. Stephen’s Green, and Grafton Street, or choose to explore one of the city’s renowned museums or galleries at your own pace.

Take a break with lunch at a traditional Dublin restaurant and soak up the vibrant atmosphere before returning to Waterford in the late afternoon or early evening.

Day 8 - Sunday: Free Day

Free day – relax with host family or optional seaside visit to Tramore Beach.

Day 9 - Monday: English & Crystal

After your morning class, enjoy a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal, where you'll discover the artistry, tradition, and intricate techniques behind one of Ireland’s most iconic brands.

Day 10 - Tuesday: English & Conversation Practice

After your regular morning class, join a special Conversation Class from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM to boost your speaking confidence. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore Waterford at your own pace.

Day 11 - Wednesday: English & GROW HQ – From Garden to Plate

After your regular morning class, enjoy an afternoon visit to GROW HQ, a unique destination that reconnects people with the origins of their food by breaking down the barriers between where it's grown, cooked, and eaten.

Located right in Waterford, GROW HQ features an award-winning café, a thriving organic kitchen garden, an education centre, and a working urban farm. As the home of the GIY (Grow It Yourself) movement, it serves as a living model of a truly sustainable food system.

Learn how fresh, seasonal ingredients are grown just metres from where they’re served—and enjoy a taste of food that’s as local, ethical, and fresh as it gets.

Day 12 -Thursday: English & Mount Congreve Gardens - Guided Tour + Afternoon Tea

After your regular morning class, enjoy a relaxing afternoon at one of Europe’s great gardens, just 10 minutes from the city.

The visit includes a guided tour with a horticulture expert and a traditional Afternoon Tea served at the charming Stables Café. (Available Thursdays, March–October. Ideal for a calm cultural afternoon.)

Day 13 - Friday: English & Free Afternoon

After your regular morning class. The rest of the day is yours to relax, visit a museum, enjoy some shopping, or simply explore Waterford at your own pace.

Day 14 - Saturday: Self-Guided Day Trip to Kilkenny

Using your Leap Card, take a self-guided day trip to the historic city of Kilkenny

Explore the impressive Kilkenny Castle, stroll through its charming medieval streets, and soak in the city’s rich heritage and lively arts scene.

Treat yourself to lunch at a traditional local restaurant, where you can sample regional specialties. Return to Waterford in the afternoon or early evening at your own pace.

Day 15 - Sunday: Time to say Goodbye!

After breakfast, take the bus from Waterford to Dublin Airport for your onward flight home. We hope you leave with wonderful memories, new friends, and a deeper connection to Irish culture. Safe travels!

What’s Included & Optional Extras

Cost

€1.630 per person for the full 2-week programme, including course, accommodation, return bus ticket, Leap Card, and all activities listed in the itinerary.

Optional Supplements:

  • Private airport transfers in and out: €550.00
  • Extra week of accommodation and course: €440 per person / per week

What’s On in Waterford – By Season

This overview may help you choose the best time of the year to join us, based on your interests and the festivals happening in Waterford during each season:
Winter

WINTERVAL – https://www.winterval.ie
Ireland’s largest urban Christmas event, held on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from November 15 to December 23, 2025. Experience festive markets, light displays, live performances, workshops, and food pop-ups across heritage sites in Waterford City

Summer

Enjoy free live music performances every Saturday night (and select Fridays) at the historic Greyfriars Churchyard throughout the summer, running until early September. A perfect way to experience Waterford’s vibrant local music scene in a unique open-air setting.

Autumn

Waterford Harvest Festival (Sep 5–7) – A beloved city-wide food festival featuring chef demonstrations, street markets, workshops, and family-friendly events celebrating local produce and sustainable cuisine.

What To Expect

  • Placement test pre arrival - after your booking is confirmed, you’ll do a grammar/vocabulary test and a speaking test with a member of the academic team, to ensure you are placed in an appropriate level and you can start classes immediately after you arrive.
  • Induction before classes on your first day to welcome you to the school, and ensure you start learning straight away!
  • Highly dedicated, trained, and professional teachers are here to help you progress
  • Continuous assessment will help you see how close you are to your learning goals
  • Exposure to multiple accents and teaching/learning styles to ensure fairness for all learners
  • Weekly progress tests and regular feedback from your teachers will ensure that you are keeping up with the class, and identify any need for review(
  • Certificate of Attendance and Achievement
  • Expected progression: approx. one CEFR sub-level per 10-12 weeks (where applicable)

PRICE LIST 2026

(Dublin & Waterford)

Programme Host family Residence
2 Weeks Extra Week 2 Weeks Extra Week
English + Cultural Activities
(15 hours weekly tuition)
€1,290 €645 €2,190 €1,095
Semi-Intensive English + Cultural Activities
(20 hours weekly tuition)
€1,650 €825 €2,550 €1,275
English + Football / Multi-Sports
(15 hours English + 9 hours sports training weekly — 3×3-hour sessions)
€1,810 - €2,710 -
English + Trinity Exam Preparation
(15 hours English + 9 hours Trinity Skills weekly)
€1,750 - €2,650 -
English + Music
(15 hours English + 9 hours music activities weekly)
€1,810 - €2,710 -
English + 3D Printing Technology
(15h English + 9h workshops weekly) - Dublin
€1,810 - €2,710 -

HOST FAMILY OPTION

(Dublin & Waterford)

Students stay with carefully selected host families, experiencing Irish culture and daily life firsthand.

  • Shared or single rooms (depending on availability)
  • Full board (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner)
  • Accessible by public transport or school shuttle
family image

Student
Accommodation

Yugo New Mill – Mill Street, Dublin 8, D08 NN5V

Located in Dublin’s trendiest area, The Liberties, Yugo New Mill places students at the heart of the city's culture and history, just minutes from top attractions like the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle, and St Patrick’s Cathedral.

All-in-One Experience

Enjoy modern accommodation with en suite rooms and studios, study areas, a gym, games room, private cinema, and 24/7 security — all in a safe and student-friendly environment.

Live and Learn

With classrooms and accommodation in one place, students benefit from a comfortable, immersive study experience surrounded by cafés, markets, and vibrant city life.

Accommodation

Accommodation facilities

  • Indoors
  • Common room
  • Study rooms
  • Games room
  • Pool Table
  • Gym
  • Cinema room
  • Communal kitchen
  • Conference room
  • Courtyard
  • Electricity included
  • Water included
  • Contents Insurance
  • Laundry services
  • High-speed internet
  • Heating
  • Bike storage
  • Accessible entrance
  • Accessible rooms
  • Access ramp
  • Elevator
  • Post collection
  • CCTV
  • Keycard access
Gallery