Glenstal Abbey is located in Limerick, in the scenic West of Ireland. The Abbey is one of Ireland's most famous residential boarding schools, built in the 1830s and designed as a castle in 12th-century romantic Norman style. It is situated on a stunning 500-acre estate with streams, lakes, and woodland paths, offering students a unique and inspiring setting for their summer programme.
The programme is designed for students aged 11 to 17 years. Under certain circumstances, if a child turns 18 and is still in high school up until the summer of the camp, they may be accepted on the programme.
The programme is all-inclusive with no extra charges for assessment, registration, or administration. Fees include 15 hours of tuition per week, use of a textbook, residential accommodation in the Abbey, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening snack), a full programme of activities and excursions, all transport by private coach, entrance fees to attractions, a welcome pack including a refillable water bottle, laundry service once per week, and a Certificate of Attendance and Attainment with an individual teacher's report.
Students stay in residential accommodation within the historic Abbey building. Rooms generally accommodate 2 to 8 students, with toilets and showers located adjacent to the rooms. Students of the same age and gender are housed together, with nationalities mixed to encourage international friendships. Boys and girls are in different areas of the residence.
House masters sleep in rooms next to each student area and are on call. In addition, a night supervisor is always awake throughout the night to ensure student safety and wellbeing.
Full board is provided with hot meal options available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus an evening snack. The food is one of the highlights of students' stays, with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and a great variety on offer. Students receive a refillable eco water bottle on arrival. The catering staff can cater for special dietary requirements on request, with prior notification.
Students have a full schedule of activities and tours, with off-campus trips 2-3 afternoons per week including adventure activities. On campus, sporting and outdoor activities are organised, along with an evening skills programme. Students have one full-day tour each weekend, following the Wild Atlantic Way to see highlights such as the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, Galway City, and Dublin City Centre. Sundays offer students the opportunity to relax and take part in fun activities on campus.
Students are tested before arrival and on their first day. Their teacher will assess if they are in the correct level. The school monitors student progress through weekly tests, and students are able to move levels if they are not in the correct level. Programmes offer levels from A2 to C1 on the CEFR scale, catering from pre-intermediate to advanced learners.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available at the school. Mobile phones are allowed, but during classes, activities and after lights-out, mobile phones must be turned off. The camp is about communication and building fluency.
ICE offers an airport transfer meet and greet service on Sundays between 8 am and 8 pm. A member of staff waits for the student at the airport with a sign. If requested, staff will help with check-in at departure and bring the student as far as security at no extra charge. Transfers outside these times may be available on request.
