An Unforgettable Language & Cultural Journey for Mature Learners
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.
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).
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.
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:
This one-of-a-kind experience blends culture, history, and top-tier gastronomy — leaving you with unforgettable memories and a true taste of Waterford.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Free day – relax with host family or optional seaside visit to Tramore Beach.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.