We provide accommodation options for students, including Host Families and Student Residences, for the duration of their course. Our partner residences offer a comfortable and convenient stay, while our carefully selected Host Families allow students to practice English in a real-life setting. All accommodations are located within easy reach of the Institute by public transport. Our Accommodation Team will support you with all your necessities, making sure to find the perfect solution for you. You will be able to communicate your preferences, allergies, or dietary restrictions when we process your booking.
If you have booked a transfer with us, a driver will be waiting for you at Dublin Airport. Your Emerald driver will meet you in the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name. Our transfers cost €105 one way, and guarantee you a quick and smooth arrival to your accommodation. To arrange a transfer contact us at: bookings@eci.ie
If you have not booked a transfer, we recommend that you take a taxi or the AIRCOACH bus from outside the arrivals hall (www.aircoach.ie). If you need tourist information, you can visit the Tourist Office located in Terminal 1 of Dublin Airport.
If you choose to stay with a Host Family, breakfast and dinner are included in your accommodation.
You should first confirm course availability by contacting the Institute via phone or email admissions@eci.ie. Once confirmed, you must complete the enrolment form online or email it to admissions@eci.ie. A non-refundable booking deposit of €250 must accompany the completed form. This deposit will be deducted from the total course fees.
Course fees must be paid one month in advance, in Euro (€), via inter-bank transfer, credit card (MasterCard or Visa), or TransferMate (online platform for international transfers with no cost to the payer). Contact the Institute for full bank details.
Non-EU students needing a visa must pay into an escrow account operated by TransferMate, where funds will be held until the visa decision. Any additional bank charges are the sender’s responsibility. A €35 fee applies for payments from non-EU accounts, and credit card payments incur a 3% admin charge.
Cancellation of booking before arrival: For cancellations received at least fourteen (14) days prior to the course commencement date, fees will be refunded less the non-refundable deposit of €250 (Ireland) or £250 (UK) plus bank charges of €15 (Ireland) or £15 (UK). For cancellations received within 7-13 days of the course commencement date, 50% of the course fees will be refunded. For cancellations received less than 7 days before the course commencement date, no refund is given.
Cancellation after arrival: Once a student has commenced their course at the Institute they are obliged to complete their full course of study. The full course of study is defined as the initial enrolment period. No refund will be given for course fees if a student withdraws from the course before the completion of the full course of study.
You can find a full list of our courses here. Each lesson is a full 60 minutes. We offer an intensive course with morning classes, as well as afternoon modules that focus on specific skills such as speaking or business English. During your assessment test, you will have the chance to talk with a member of our Academic Team to discuss your goal and find the perfect programme for you.
You can start your Adult course any Monday over the year. If you want to start on a Monday where the Institute is closed, we advise you to start the previous or following week to have a more complete experience.
Morning classes run from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a break from 11:00 am to 11:30 am, and then classes resume from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Afternoon classes are from 2:00 pm to 4:20 pm. All students have morning classes Monday to Friday, but depending on the program you choose, you may also have afternoon classes from Tuesday to Thursday.
Once you start your enrolment process, you will have the chance to take an assessment test and meet with our Academic team, which will place you in the course that better meets your needs and your goals.
Adult classes vary their number of students, which is around 10 to 14.
We offer specialised courses to prepare you for the IELTS, Cambridge CAE, and Cambridge FCE exams. Our experienced teachers will guide you through the process, help you create a study plan, and arrange your exam booking to ensure the best possible results.
Our Academic Team is always available at the Institute to discuss your goals and necessities, including course extensions and changes.
The minimum age to attend programmes at Emerald Palmerston Park is 18. Students younger than 18 will be advised a Junior summer programme. Exceptions might be made for students aged 17 at the discretion of the Director of Admissions.
Our student app, provided by GEL Guided Learning, provides access to lesson materials and allows you to track your progress. You will receive your login details on your first day.
Bring your pen, paper, and bilingual dictionary with you. You will also need a laptop or tablet to access our digital learning materials. On the first day of Institute, you can buy your textbook for €50, depending on your level and the duration of your course.
In Ireland, the official currency is the Euro (€). You can exchange money at banks, currency exchange offices, and even some hotels or airports, though banks usually offer the best rates. Most places also accept credit and debit cards.
Ireland has a mild climate with cool summers and mild winters. Winter temperatures range from 4°C to 8°C, and summer temperatures are between 14°C and 20°C. Rain is common throughout the year, especially from November to January, so make sure to bring rain gear like a waterproof jacket or umbrella. It can also be windy, particularly along the coast, so layering your clothes is a good idea. Overall, the weather is mild, but it’s best to be prepared for changes.
If you have any questions, check out our Student Information page. You can also contact us by phone or e-mail.
Once you start your course, our dedicated Student Welfare Team will be available at the Institute to support you throughout your time here. You’ll meet them on your first day, and they will provide you with their contact details and all the essential information you need. They can also assist with:
Students from certain countries need a Visa to travel to Ireland. If you are from the EU/EEA, you do not require a visa. Students from countries such as Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan do not need a visa to enter Ireland but are required to register with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) in Dublin if they plan on staying in Ireland for more than 90 days.
Students from visa-requiring countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Colombia, Turkey, and China should contact the relevant embassy for more information. You can find more information on the website www.irishimmigration.ie or check our Immigration Guidelines page.
You need a Passport to travel to Ireland if you’re from outside the EU/EEA. If you’re coming from the UK, a Passport isn’t required, but it’s a good idea to carry one. EU/EEA travellers can use a national ID card.
At the border control in the airport, we recommend that you ensure you have copies of all your supporting documentation, as you may be asked to provide additional information. Please see below for a list of supporting documentation:
The Deciding Immigration Officer at the border ultimately retains discretion concerning entry in all cases. Please note that we cannot accept responsibility in the event that a student is refused admittance by Immigration officials or where travel arrangements are disrupted due to circumstances beyond our control.
Our junior summer programmes are designed for students aged 10-17 (UK Summer Programmes) and 11-17 (Ireland Summer Programmes) who want to improve their English while experiencing Irish culture in a safe and structured environment.
Our junior summer programmes take place at various prestigious locations in and around Dublin and the UK. Explore all our summer centres by clicking here.
Each programme includes:
• English language classes
• Accommodation (residence or host family)
• Full board meals
• Supervised activities and excursions
• 24/7 student support and supervision
On the first Monday, students will receive a student card and have an orientation to introduce them to the school, programme, and key locations. There is also a walking tour of Dublin city centre.
Yes! All students who complete the programme will receive an Emerald Cultural Institute Certificate of Attendance, stating their English level and participation details.
Students stay in modern, secure residences with shared apartments. Each apartment has single or twin en-suite bedrooms, a common living area, and a kitchen.
Yes, students receive:
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the residence canteen
• A packed lunch for excursions
• Students cannot leave the campus without permission.
• Curfew: Students must be inside by 10:30 PM, with lights out at 11:30 PM.
• Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are strictly forbidden.
• A €50 deposit is required upon arrival and will be refunded if no damages occur.
Yes, laundry facilities are available. Students should check with staff for specific instructions on using them.
Host families provide:
• A shared room with another student of a different nationality (where possible)
• Breakfast and dinner at home
• A packed lunch for school and excursions
• Weekly laundry service
On the first day, the host family will accompany the student or show them the best route. Students use public transport for daily commuting, and transport costs are included in the programme fee.
No, students are not allowed to stay at home during school hours unless they are sick.
• Age 13: Must stay near the home in the evening and be indoors by 9:00 PM.
• Age 14-15: Indoors by 10:00 PM.
• Age 16-17: Indoors by 11:00 PM.
• No public transport after dinner without supervision.
Students have either morning or afternoon classes. The rest of the day includes:
• Supervised activities and excursions
• Social events in the evening
Yes, all activities are fully supervised, and students must stay with their group during excursions.
Excursions may include visits to Dublin city centre, historical sites, museums, and other cultural landmarks. The programme also includes sports, arts, and evening entertainment.
No, students must attend all scheduled activities unless they have special permission from the Programme Coordinator.
• 24/7 emergency contact number: +353 86 8112047
• Strict curfew and supervision policies
• All staff wear green Emerald Cultural Institute t-shirts for easy identification
• Emergency procedures and fire safety rules are explained upon arrival
Students should immediately contact a staff member or call the 24-hour emergency number: +353 86 8112047.
They should inform their host family, residence supervisor, or Emerald staff member immediately. If needed, Emerald staff will arrange for medical assistance.
• Comfortable clothing for classes and activities
• A raincoat and warm clothes (Irish weather can be unpredictable!)
• Sportswear and swimwear
• Personal toiletries and medication
• A small backpack for excursions
No, students should not carry their passport daily. Instead, it should be stored safely at the residence or with the host family.
Students should report the loss immediately to Emerald staff. There may be a replacement fee for lost keys.
Yes! Students are expected to speak English at all times, even with friends of the same nationality. This helps them improve their language skills.
Emerald Cultural Institute has a zero-tolerance policy for:
• Bullying
• Alcohol, smoking, and drugs
• Leaving the residence or host family without permission
• Repeated disrespectful behaviour
Serious violations may result in students being sent home at their own expense.
If you have booked a transfer with us, a driver will be waiting for you at Dublin Airport. Your Emerald driver will meet you in the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name. Our transfers cost €105 one way, and guarantee you a quick and smooth arrival to your accommodation. To arrange a transfer contact us at: bookings@eci.ie
If you have not booked a transfer, we recommend that you take a taxi or the AIRCOACH bus from outside the arrivals hall (www.aircoach.ie). If you need tourist information, you can visit the Tourist Office located in Terminal 1 of Dublin Airport.
The full address is 10 Palmerston Park, Rathmines, Dublin 6, D06 H9X8.
Emerald Cultural Institute is located around 20 minutes from the city centre by Bus or Tram (Luas).
If you are staying with a Host Family, they will accompany you to the Institute on the first day or show you how to get there. If you are staying in a Residence, you will be provided a PDF with the relevant information about the Residence, including how to get to the Institute.
On the afternoon of your first day, we will take you on an orientation tour of the City Centre, where we will offer support to get your Travel Card (Leap Card). We advise students to buy a Leap Card to travel by bus, Luas (tram) and Dart (train). There are 4 different types of the Leap Card: Adult Leap Card, Student Leap Card (age 25+; staying at Emerald for 6 months or more), Young Adult Leap Card (age 19-25).
We have a rich social and cultural programme that changes every week, designed to help you connect with others, explore new places, and practice your English in a fun and relaxed way. Our programme includes tours, museum visits, social activities, and parties—there’s always something exciting happening! You can sign up for activities at the Institute, and if you have any suggestions for new activities or excursions, we’d love to hear them. You can also stay at the Institute in the mornings/afternoons to join in-house activities, attend our Study Club or just relax and use our free Wi-Fi.
Yes, we can provide medical insurance at a cost of €140 for a period of up to one year. Please contact our admissions department for more information.
Students from the EEA are entitled to work legally in Ireland based on the same conditions as Irish citizens. Students from countries outside the EEA are entitled to work part-time (maximum 20 hours per week) in Ireland if they are attending a full-time programme for 25 weeks or more. Students are only entitled to work full-time (maximum 40 hours per week) at specific times of the year: 15th December – 15th January, and June, July, August and September.
The cost of living in Ireland can vary depending on the location and lifestyle, but it’s generally considered higher than in many other European countries. Rent, particularly in major cities like Dublin, can be quite expensive, with monthly accommodation costs ranging from €1,200 to €2,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Everyday expenses like groceries typically cost between €40 and €60 per week. For more information, visit this website.