Host Family Self-Catering
Live With a Friendly Host Where You Can Prepare Your Own Meals
Immerse yourself in the daily rhythms of a local household while enjoying the independence of a self-catering stay. Prepare your own meals, live like a local, and practice your English in real-life situations through natural, everyday interactions with your host.
Key Details
Self-Catering: This is a room only option so meals are not provided. You will have access to the host family kitchen to prepare and cook food you buy yourself.
Location: All host families are on the Cork City Bus Red Zone (bus numbers 201 to 220), with an average journey time of 30 minutes to Cork English Academy.
Included in Your Stay: Wi-Fi and access to laundry facilities. Check-out is generally at 11 am unless a later time is arranged with the host family.
Cork Transfers: between 08:00 and 00:00 midnight (no late arrivals).
Booking Requirements
Minimum Stay: 2 week booking minimum. However, booking at least 4 weeks accommodation prior to arrival is strongly advised.
Arrivals and Transfers: Stays are booked from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. Arrivals and transfers must be between 08:00 and 00:00 midnight. If arriving mid-week or late, book a hostel in Cork, and the host family can pick you up from there on the weekend.
Suitability: Host family accommodation is not suitable for students needing to work remotely. These students should consider a shared apartment stay instead. Students are not permitted to smoke in the home.
Room Types
Single Room
A private room for one guest.
Twin Room
A twin room shared apartment can accommodate one student booking a single bed, or two students traveling together can book the entire room.
Double Room
This room is exclusively for couples traveling together.
Shared Bathrooms
We currently do not have private bathroom options.
Price (per person per week)
| Room | € |
| Single | €190 |
| Twin | €165 |
| Double | €165 |
+ €60 placement fee per person
No security deposit required.
TFI Leap Card
Keep in mind students may need to buy a bus pass. With a TFI Leap Card you can travel on the bus at discounted prices.
Adult Leap Card is €1.35 per journey (where a standard bus fare is €1.90).
Are you 25 or younger? If so, you can apply for a Young Adult Leap Card (€0.65 per journey). The card will be posted to your address in Cork.
Are you 26 or older and registered on a 6 month course? If so, you can apply online for a Student Leap Card (€0.65 per journey).
- You can collect the Student Leap Card at the Student Union Office, UCC, 54 College Road, Cork City.
- Open: Mon-Fri 10-1 and 2-4
- No appointment necessary
- Bring your Cork English Academy student card, school letter and photo ID (passport).
Other Accommodation Options
Find Your Own Room
Explore local accommodation options independently of the school.
Host Family with Meals
Enjoy a classic host family stay with daily meals provided.
Shared Apartment
Viva Ireland offers rooms to rent for students and professionals who are looking for a place to stay in Cork.