Why Athlone Is the Perfect Town for International Students
A Safe and Friendly Irish Community Athlone is a small, welcoming town located in the heart of Ireland. Unlike large cities, Athlone offers a calm and secure environment where young international students can feel comfortable and supported while studying English. Everything is within walking distance, making it easy for students to travel safely between school, […]
Why Athlone Is a Great Base for Learning
Choosing where to study English is just as important as choosing the right school. At Shannon Academy, we believe Athlone offers the perfect environment for international students to learn, grow, and truly experience Irish life. A Welcoming Irish Town in the Heart of Ireland Located in the very centre of Ireland, Athlone is known for […]
What It’s Really Like Living in Ireland as an International Student
Living in Ireland as an international student is about more than just studying English. From friendly locals and student life to Irish weather and food, here’s what daily life in Ireland is really like. Moving to a new country can feel exciting and a little scary at the same time. For many […]
The Irish flag
• The Irish Flag was officially accepted by the Republic of Ireland during the War of Independence with England in 1919. The Tricolour became the country’s official flag when Ireland became a free nation in 1921. • The flag was first flown by a Waterford man and an Irish American Patriot Thomas Meagher. This occurred […]
Irish Slang Words A-Z
Common Irish words and phrases you’ll hear in everyday conversations. Acting the maggot – Fooling around Banjaxed – Broken Bang on – Accurate Boyo – Male/juvenile Black stuff – Guinness Bad dose – Severe illness Brutal – Awful Bucketing down – Raining heavy Bunk off – Skip school/work Chancer – Takes a risk Chiseller – […]
Common Irish Phrases You’ll Hear Every Day
Everyday Irish phrases explained to help students understand local English. When you arrive in Ireland, you may notice that people speak English a little differently than you expect. Irish people often use friendly phrases in everyday conversations that can be confusing at first. This blog explains some common Irish phrases you’ll hear every day and […]
The differences between Hurling and Camogie
Hurling and Camogie are both hugely popular sports in Ireland and are followed by many people across the country. They rank as the fastest paced field sport in the world and so require a phenomenal level of skill, great fitness and mental strength to play. Men play hurling and women play Camogie. While they are similar, […]
GAA and Gaelic Football in Ireland
The Gaelic Athletic Association known as GAA is Irelands largest sporting organisation. It is part of the Irish culture and plays an influential role in Irish society. It was founded on November 1st 1884 at a meeting in Thurles, Co. Tipperary by a group of Irish men. Within six months of that famous meeting, GAA clubs […]
Animals unique to Ireland
Irish Red Setters are hunting dogs. They are known for their stunning appearance and are equally known for their rollicking attitude. They are clownish rogues of the dog world. Setters are lively, clever and come with a great sense of mischief. Rich red in colour with floppy ears, they have a lifespan of between 10-15 years […]
Old Halloween Traditions
Colcannon Colcannon was a traditional Halloween dinner. Colcannon is boiled potatoes, curly cabbage and raw onion. Coins were wrapped in baking paper and placed in the potato for the children to find and keep. Halloween cake A traditional Halloween cake is call barnbrack, which is a fruit cake. Each family member gets a piece. […]