Would you like to win tickets to Sea Sessions ?  Discover Ireland are running a competiton in line with BECAS MEC, to win tickets to the award winning music and surf festival.  You can find out more information by clicking on the following link
http://www.discoverireland.com/es/campaigns/ingles/festivales/

(Offer available to Spanish residents only)

Donegal often called the “forgotten county?” is one of Ireland’s most beautiful counties.  We have put together some interesting facts for anyone visiting the area.

Donegal is situated in the north-west of Ireland and is surrounded by 5 counties  including Sligo, Leitrim,  Derry, Tyrone and Fermanagh making it a perfect platform to explore some hidden beauties.

The County has six hundred and fifty kilometres of rugged coastline and sandy beaches to explore

Tory Island off of Donegal has a King. This is a unique tradition that does not exist anywhere else in Ireland. The current Rí Thoraí (Irish for King of Tory) is painter Patsaí Dan Mac Ruaidhrí (Patsy Dan Rodgers in English). The king has no formal powers; though duties include being a spokesperson for the island community and welcoming people to the island. The total population of the Island is under 200.

Donegal has the second-largest Gaeltacht(where Irish is the first language) area in the whole of Ireland

Some famous people that have hailed from Donegal include the world famour singer Enya, the renowned trad group Clannad, country and western crooner Daniel O Donnnell, rock legend Rory Gallagher and for those of literary interest the poet William Allingham.

All in all Donegal is a great place to visit while on holidays in Ireland

 This years St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Bundoran had plenty for everyone with 6 marching bands, samba band, street performers, representation from the Irish Surfing association with teams from Eurosurf 2011. Lots of community floats including Magh Éne VEC and Tidy Towns a float made entirely from recycled materials. A great day out was had by all.   

Knock airport which is only 1 hour and 10 minutes away from Bundoran is now operating the following flights from Spain and Portugal 

1. Weekly flight from Tenerife
2. Weekly flight from Gran canaria
3. Weekly flight from Lanzarote

 These flights will operate all year round

 Starting 1^st March

1. three weekly flights from Faro in Portugal
2. Three weekly flights from Barcelona
3. Three weekly flights from Alicante

Why not combine one of our wide range of English Language Courses with your visit to the beautiful west coast of Ireland

The North West scored a ‘hole in one’ at the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) recent awards ceremony in Valencia, when the North & West Coast Links Golf (N&WCL)  won the prestigious title of ‘European Golf Destination of the Year 2011’.

Beating off stiff competition from five other finalists including Fife in Scotland (home to the Old Course at St. Andrews), the Czech Republic, Tenerife, Murcia in Spain and Lisbon in Portugal the North West was chosen from 350 international golf operators, golf travel writers and IAGTO members to win the prestigious award.

Past winners of this award include some of the world’s most famous golf destinations have won the coveted title including Provence & Cote D’Azur, the Algarve, and Andalucia.

 Golf programmes can be included in your chosen English course, please contact us for more details

A new fixture in the athletic calendar for 2011 is the Cara Bundoran 10 mile challenge. Set on a course that starts and finishes in Bundoran with the beautiful Atlantic in sight you can start your fitness regime straight away with plenty of help. Joggers and Walkers welcome.  So if you are feeling the need to walk off those pints of guiness during your stay, why not sign up to the challenge..

Now in its fourth year Sea Sessions continues to grow as a festival that offers top class surf during the day and eclectic musical acts as the sun sets in the evening. Sea Sessions offers an alternative to the more commercial festivals in Ireland. You can enjoy 3 days of  world class music for around €80.

Each year the festival boasts an impressive line up and last year was no exception. Paul Weller and Fun Lovin Criminals were the main musical draw and their headline slot was testament that the stature of the festival is improving year on year.

If you are thinking of coming to Donegal Language School on one of our wide range of courses, why not combine it with the biggest surf and music festival in Europe.

Donegal Language School is ideally situated for access to the numerous surf spots in and around Bundoran. The world famous “Peak” is just a 5 minute walk away, providing the most consistent and best quality surf in Ireland (experienced surfers only!) For beginners and intermediates there is Main Beach and Tullan Strand. There are also Rossnowlagh, Streedagh and Strandhill just a short drive away.

Here is some further information on  some of our most popular breaks

Tullan Strand
Tullan strand is one of the best beaches in Ireland for surfing, as it catches a lot of swell.  Even if there are no waves at other breaks, Tullan can still be two foot and clean.  The beach is two miles long with banks all along the beach, the most
popular of which is beside the cliffs. At low tide the peaks nearest the cliff jack up into wedges that can produce fast hollow waves. The peaks get mellower the further down the beach you go. At high tide the peaks at the far end of the beach are best. 
Offshore in east and southeast winds.

Rossnowlagh Beach
Home to the annual Intercounties contest Rossnowlagh is best surfed on a mid to high tide, and has plenty of space all along the beach to accommodate any number of surfers. The waves here tend to be more mellow than Bundoran, so it is a good option if Tullan is big. Good conditions for learning. Rossnowlagh also picks up south swell. Offshore in east and south east winds. Located 15 minutes from Bundoran

The Peak
One of the most consistent and best quality reef breaks in Ireland, the Peak is best surfed at low tide.  This A-frame wave produces a long walling left with barrel sections, and a shorter right that can be quite hollow.  Experienced surfers only.  Can get crowded.   Offshore in SE winds. When the swell is big the left can close out however the right can handle nearly any swell.

Inside left
Just to the north of the peak is the inside left. On good days its offers a long left with barrel sections. Can be fickle but when its on its definitely on.

 Main Beach Sand bar
The Sandbar can produce high quality lefts and short rights at low tide. The sand bar is rarely crowded and is a good spot for intermediate riders. It is best on a low tide and can really catch south west swell.

Bundoran Main Beach
The main beach can produce good waves on a high tide with a medium to large swell. The shore break produces fast short rides in the shore break but can also produce longer rides when it breaks out back. It can handle the wind and is worth a look at high tide.

Boat Quay

The Boat Quay can produce long fast lefts in big swells. Can be sketchy when the tide is low but is often empty. Needs big swell. Best at mid to high.

The Drowes River Mouth
On biggers swells mellow lefts and rights peel off at the mouth of the Drowes River. A good intermediate wave. Located between Bundoran and Tullaghan at the Drowes Bridge.

 Mullaghmore Beach
Only really has waves on huge swells, however is protected from West and south west winds. The further down the beach you go the bigger the swell but the more wind affected it becomes. To reach Mullaghmore head to Sligo and turn to the right a half mile after the Duff River bridge. Good banks when on.

 Streedagh Strand, Grange, Co. Sligo
Streedagh is a north facing beach located midway between Bundoran and Sligo (turn off at Grange village). Best surfed on a mid to high tide it is somewhat sheltered from west winds, and is clean in a southwest wind. Picks up plenty of west and north swell. Can be quite punchy on a big swell. Good for intermediate level surfers. Plenty of empty peaks all along the beach, and bigger further down the beach.

3D
A rock ledge that can produce sketchy barrels with a high tide. The movement of the sand bar seems to have effected 3D in recent years however its still possible with a high tide to get barreled. Probably best for body boarders.

It’s third time lucky for Bundoran as it will be holding the European Surfing Championships again this September. Previous competions were held in 85 and 97. The dates are September 23rd to October 2nd and are a must for all the surf fanatics out there

 (A lovely testimonial from an Italian parent who sent her daughter three times to us)

” Sofy  ha soggiornato per ben tre anni di seguito a Donegal, il primo anno siccome era decisamente piccola (10 anni) l’ho accompagnata personalmente e ho soggiornato a Donegal per verificare la location e la qualità dei servizi offerti. Il risultato e’ stato oltremodo positivo, Sofy ha soggiornato nel residence riservato, sono piccoli cottage a due piani con alcune camere da letto dove dormono in due Max tre x camera, hanno chi riordina e pulisce la camera. Anche il vitto e’ buono ( compatibilmente con lo standard anglosassone ), e la struttura che li ospita e’ buona. La stabile e’ di un buon livello con corsi differenziati, fanno percorso in campo e a turni vanno anche a fare passeggiate e galoppate sulla spiaggia, che manda davvero in visibilio le ragazze. Il centro ippico non e’ particolarmente grande e dista 10 minuti dal residence ma vengono accompagnate con il pulmino sia all’ andata che al ritorno. Ho preferito sempre la sistemazione in residence perché sono più sicura, ho vissuto per anni in Inghilterra e soggiornato molte volte in famiglia e proprio per questo preferisco che mia figlia soggiorni per quanto possibile con altri ragazzi di norma stranieri in cottage. Lo scorso anno Sofy e’ stata male un paio di giorni ed e’ stata assistita molto bene dallo staff. Di norma consigliano loro il periodo proficuo anche sulla base dell’eta . Il corso di lingue e’ discreto, interessante e i giudizi finali sono sempre esposti con partecipazione e approfondimento psicologico individuale, le piu’ belle parole su mia figlia, e anche molto azzeccate , le ho proprio lette nei loro report, altro che dai maestri e prof ! Il ricevimento a Dublino e’ molto efficiente all’uscita dal gate, chiedere a Gina direttamente per conoscere se altri italiani viaggiano sullo stesso volo e dunque “fare gruppo” anche al meeting point. Il transfer dura tre ore, by bus, e’ lunghetto, ma fanno un break ed e’ l’occasione per conoscersi meglio. Gina ha figlie una delle quali partecipa all’organizzazione e gestione del soggiorno, sa Sempre consigliare in modo giusto anche su piccole criticità quotidiane. So che il sabato fanno visite e shopping in un centro commerciale  e si divertono, trascorrono ogni serata con iniziative diverse, ma sempre a loro misura, giochi, bowling nel paesino minuscolo, o provano surf . Sofy si e’ sempre trovata molto bene e io di persona ho constato una buona organizzazione, abbastanza spartana ( ripeto sono anglosassoni ) ma efficace. Puoi far lavare la biancheria una volta a settimana e meglio se cifri tutto, comunque fanno lavatrici separate, se doti la ragazza di un sacchetto a rete e’ più facile far fare il bucato. Tranquillo per il meeting point, sono molto efficienti, in ogni caso tua figlia avrà ogni riferimento cellulare dell’ autista e dunque qualsiasi inconveniente può essere risolto . In quel periodo poi l’ aeroporto ospita prevalentemente italiani in viaggio studio, e in particolare vacanze equestri. Sicuramente già  a Malpensa o linate accompagnando tua figlia con molto anticipo, e’ delirio puro…. , puoi cercare di riconoscere altre amazzoni….!  per qualsiasi altro dubbio scrivimi pure. Ricordati, se e’ la prima esperienza in irlanda ( gli irlandesi a differenza degli inglesi sono piu socievoli e vicini a noi latini, davvero ottime persone, ospitali e bere friendly) che piove spesso, e’ umido e ovviamente occorrono ricambi per una settimana almeno, anche qualcosa in più. Non esitare a contattarmi, e se credi Sofy e tua figlia potranno scambiarsi qualche consiglio, Sofy ora ha 13 anni e monta da quando ne aveva 6, ho sempre apprezzato a Donegal che i corsi di horse riding sono a misura, non di eccellenza sportiva agonistica, ma con tanta attenzione all’effettivo livello singolo. Non credo che tradurro’ tutto quanto per  Gina, Ma spero di aver reso a te l’idea di Donegal . Sappi che Donegal e’ molto carina, loro sono decentrati in un piccolissimo paesino  limitrofo tranquillissimo dove il 70% sono giovani studenti stranieri, almeno d’estate. Il surf e’ ben organizzato e si divertono anche solo a provarlo. in bocca al lupo.

Adelaide(Junior English and Riding) July 2009,2010 & 2011, Italy.

Thank you for everything, i spent a very nice moment in Ireland.

Salome Moliac (English and Riding) April 2012

Thank you for a very good trip

Manon Chazeau (One to One) April 2012

The girls loved their stay and want to go back probably next Easter or summer 2013…I will try and organise another full 2 week stay with them both. Once again thank you for everything Best wishes Sandrine,

Victoria and Emilie, Easter 2012

Hi Gina

Carlos is now back settled in again and really everybody is delighted with how things went, thanks mostly to your care and attention. He’s happy to be back in his own environment and is pleased with all he’s experienced there in Bundoran at both English, academic and personal level.

Carlos Ruiz, High School placement September – December 2011

A great time in a wonderful place with warm hearted people, always helpful and friendly.  I enjoyed this time so much.  It was perfect. I hope one day, to stay here again.

Susan, One to One programme, Switzerland, September 2011.

I’m really happy to have chosen this school because I’ve been able to practice my English quite a lot and all the people I’ve met have been really friendlly to me.

Rosa, Intensive English September 2011

Dear Gina,

I only want to tell you that Mar and Xabi arrived perfectly to Tenerife last Saturday. They said that they had a very good time at the school (including the English, surfing and everything around these two activities).

Mar and Xabi, English and Surfing, August 2011

Soy un joven empresario que considero imprescindible el dominio del inglés para optimizar la eficacia en mi trabajo. Hoy en día el inglés es una herramienta básica y, desgraciadamente, pese a que ya había recibido clases de inglés anteriormente en la universidad, la falta de práctica hizo que progresivamente lo fuese perdiendo. Por esta razón decidí aprovechar un periodo de pausa en mi trabajo para viajar a Irlanda unos meses a recibir clases, de manera que pudiese practicar el idioma y reforzar todo lo aprendido anteriormente.

La razón por la cual escogí Irlanda es porque ya había visitado el país unos años antes y había sido una experiencia fantástica;  el paisaje Irlandés es espectacular y su cultura me resulta muy atractiva. La calidez y hospitalidad bien conocida de los irlandeses no es ningún falso mito y esto es algo muy importante a la hora de aprender un idioma, puesto que mantener conversaciones con anglohablantes es la manera más eficaz para conseguir un inglés fluido. Además el surf es mi deporte favorito, e Irlanda, y en especial Bundoran, me brindaba la oportunidad de practicarlo mientras realizaba el curso.

Sin duda este viaje cumplió con creces mis expectativas; escogí Donegal Language School, puesto que desde el primer contacto con la escuela (desde España) la dirección  mostró un trato estupendo. La directora de la escuela se puso en contacto conmigo y una vez en Irlanda, no sólo me mostró la villa y me ayudó a encontrar casa, sino que me introdujo a varias personas y fue muy atenta  durante toda mi estancia allí.

En la escuela, me hicieron varias pruebas de lectura, escritura, escucha y conversación, para medir adecuadamente mi nivel de inglés y ubicarme en la clase conveniente.

El trato con los profesores también fue extraordinario, creo que debo agradecerles a ellos que mi inglés haya mejorado como lo ha hecho; ponen mucho hincapié en aclarar todas tus dudas  y se esmeran en hacer que las clases sean dinámicas y aprendas al máximo en cada una de ellas.

José Manuel Blanco Chao, Galicia. General English, June, July, August, 2011

I’d like to thank you for Francesca and Federica’s English course:They came back yesterday night and they told me that they enjoyed very much.

Federica and Francesca, English and Multi Activity programme,  August 2011

Thank you for your organization and your school. My children were enthusiastic about everything, and are even speaking some English! Thanks again.

Charles & Fleur de Selliers. Belgium, English and Surfing, August 2011

I want to tell you thank you very much. I spent a really good time in Bundoran, it was very nice and I met some lovely people !Maybe see you next year !

Aurlie Bastian, France. English and Riding/Surfing August 2011

I had a great time here at school and with my host family.  A big thank you for everyone who helped me to feel well here in Ireland. I will never forget my great 10 weeks

Sonja Shranz, Switzerland (Intensive English, June – August 2011)

Hi Gina,

We are all  back home, safe and sound!  It’s been a  wonderful experience in Bundoran for both  me and the students.I enjoyed every minute of my stay with you: planning activities, doing sports, going on excursions, sharing time with your young , creative and sensible leaders.It’ll be a memory for ever!! I do hope to come to Ireland again  next year. Thank you very much, Gina,  for welcoming us so nicely and making our stay so special.

(Italian Group English and Multi Activity –  July/August 2011).

  I would like to thank you so much for everything, Sofy was really happy to stay  in Donegal last fortnight, she enjoyed so much with your great evenings! It’ s always a pleasure reading her teacher’s comments about her english improvements, they are so accurate and appropriate! Sincere Compliments even for pamper her so much  when she was ill last Sunday . Have a pleasant hardly working summer, hope to meet you next summer. Extend my greetings and compliments to everyone of your staff . Adelaide and Sofy    

(Sofy, English and Riding, July 2011)

Hello,I’m Anastasija.

Thank you for this wonderful week.I wish you many beautiful things.congratulations for the organization.Ireland is beautiful.the scenary is incredible.

(Anastassija, English and Surfing/Riding July 2011)

I like the small and familiar atmosphere of the school and that solving things is uncomplicated.  The family were a very nice couple, the rooms were clean and we had the best service.

Elke, Germany (Adult English and Riding)

Really well organised and thus stress free for us.  Will definitely be on the agenda for next year.

Kate, May 2011(Group Leader, Riding, Social and Cultural Programme)

Matias Ruiz Perez

It’s been lovable being in Bundoran, being at Donegal Language School. I really would like we keep in touch and I will go back to your place again. You should keep on going like this because your place is different and it’s that difference what makes it special, really special.

I can only say thank you for hosting us the way you did it and I wish we all would meet again either in Bundoran or here in Almería (you would love it!)

Best regards,

Matt

(Junior Mini Stay Group, April 2011)

Jenny Mosseray Wolf

A beautiful room and beautiful reception, excellent teacher, not possible better for me.  Thank You

(Jenny – One to One English, March 2011)

Anna Zobnina –

Dear Gina

Just a couple of words from me upon arrival of my girls:Thank you so much for having them at your place – they are so totally happy, it was such great and positive experience for them.They fell in love with Donegal, your whole family and all the horses which names they remember by heart, and they are already asking me when they will go there again.I do hope i will be able to send them to Ireland again soon !! And i hope will also be able to visit Donegal !

With best wishes and much appreciation

Anna (Marsha and Sonia, Russia,  Halloween 2010)

08/11/2010

Elena Fortuny – lots of stuff to learn, vocabulary, improve pronunciation, grand teacher.  It was a good time here, now I must read it all again and keep improving.  I ‘ll miss this time spent here.

Elena, Spain ( 6 week General English course)
05/11/2010

Juan Luis Perez –

For the teaching there was a very good method and a good teacher.  The activities were interesting and everthing was well arranged.

Juan Luis, Spain (6 week Intensive English programme)
04/11/2010

Carole Schmol –

Dear Gina
I hope you an your family are well and had a nice wedding.I want to thank you for those two perfect weeks.I really enjoyed myself in donegal.I really liked it to go to school (I couldn’t believe it ) and the horseriding afterwards .I would love to come back next year .Also a big thank-you to Fiona ,Tracy ,Leo ,Pat and Lucy.
Bye Carole

Carole (English and Horse Riding), Luxembourg, September 2010

02/10/2010

Annika and Anne Schafer –

Hey Gina!

Anne and I have a really good time in these two weeks in Bundoran.The Leaders were nice and we hope that we can come next year maybe again.

Best wishes for Daphe,Delores and all the others.

Thank you for all,

Annika Schäfer, Anne Bartel(Junior English and Horse Riding) August, 2010
01/09/2010

Claire Panel –

Dear Gina,

I Haven’t had the chance to say Goodbye and to thank you for everything you have done for the kids and myself.  The kids had a really great time in Bundoran and left the country half-heartedly.

Thanks again for everything and good luck with the rest.

English and Riding/Surfing Group August 2010
30/08/2010
Anna-Lisa Rudloff – Germany Hi Gina, i had 2 wonderful weeks with wonderful people! This weeks will ever be in my memory! Thank you a lot & hope to see you next year! Anna
08/08/2010
Carolin Kramer – I had such a wonderful time here and I am sure I will never forget this two weeks in my life.  everyone is so nice here and it is like a second home.  Thank you for that great time.
Carolin Kramer.  July 2010
08/08/2010

Fidel Gonzalez Riano – Gina and all, thanks for this fantastic 4 weeks, I enjoyed a lot.  Fidel (English and Riding)
05/08/2010

Guillermo Calvo – Spain

Necesitaba un inglés fuera de dudas, que me permitiera hablar con seguridad con clientes sin hacerles perder el tiempo. Con esta determinación decidí que tenía que emplear mis 30 días de vacaciones en mejorar mi inglés. Pero además también quería buscarme un destino que me permitiera disfrutar de mi deporte favorito: el surf. Combinar ingles y surf, aprovechando al máximo cada minuto. Mi amigo Martín me dio la clave: “vete a Irlanda. Estas a menos de dos horas en avión, el billete te va a salir baratísimo y hay unas olas increíbles”.

Dicho y hecho. Investigando en Internet encontré un sitio a priori perfecto: Bundoran. Este pequeño lugar, un poco más grande que un pueblo y  bastante más pequeño que una ciudad, en plena costa noroeste, reunía todas las condiciones. Tenía una escuela de inglés y una de las mejores olas de Europa: “The Peak”. Enseguida envié un email a Gina Geagan, la manager de la escuela. Ya desde el primer email me aclaró todas las dudas. Me explicó el sistema de enseñanza, que incluía un curso de Business English y todos los detalles de mi estancia allí: alojamiento, comida…. Gina resolvió todas mis necesidades y finalmente contraté una curso intensivo de inglés, una habitación con baño propio y pensión completa. El precio, mucho más que competitivo: aproximadamente un 30% más barato que cualquiera de los otros destinos que había barajado.

En teoría todo era perfecto. Y llegó la hora de la verdad. El vuelo de Ryanair (Madrid-Dublín) llegó puntual como un reloj suizo. Es increíble. Parece que cuanto menos pagas, mejor servicio te dan: 100 euros ida y vuelta y tampoco era de los más baratos. El siguiente vuelo era Dublín-Sligo (la ciudad más próxima a Bundoran, a unos 60 kilómetros) Durante el vuelo conocí a Nicole, una señora de mediana edad. Le conté mis planes y que me dirigía a Bundoran. Perplejo, asistí a la primera prueba de la hospitalidad irlandesa. Ella misma, sin pedir nada a cambio y a pesar de que no era su destino, me llevó en su coche hasta Bundoran. Llegué a la escuela de Gina Geagan y me instalé en mi habitación, muy confortable. A las tres de la tarde estaba sentado en un banco frente al mar, pasmado, contemplando como rompían las mejores olas que había visto en mi vida. A pesar de que era un domingo soleado de agosto y había olas perfectas, en el agua a penas se distinguían 15 surferos. El reef de The Peak no dejaba de romper, olas de izquierda, de derechas… el paraíso. No me hubiera imaginado algo así ni en mis mejores sueños. Después de observar durante casi una hora las olas, cogí mi tabla y me lancé a una de las mejores sesiones de mi vida. Dos horas de surf perfecto, compartiendo olas con unos locales amistosos y relajados.

Al día siguiente, lunes, comencé el curso. Seis horas al día y sólo tres personas en clase. Gina era la profesora. Las clases eran divertidas y rigurosas a la vez, y si realmente ponías de tu parte, aprendías de verdad. Además, Gina se amoldaba a tus peticiones: en mi caso quería reforzar la conversación de negocios, y mejoré de forma increíble.

Mi mes transcurrió feliz. A penas me topé con ningún español y enseguida me hice un montón de amigos irlandeses, no paré de hablar inglés. Pude surfear muchísimo (en Bundoran también hay gran variedad de playas) y me alquilé una bicicleta para moverme de una playa a otra. Hice turismo en Sligo, bonita ciudad, también fui a Belfast y a Derry, la ciudad donde trascurren lo tristes hechos de la canción de U2,  Sunday Bloody Sunday…. Monté a caballo por los arenales de la playa también. Y sobre todo conocí a muchos irlandeses, a los que siempre llevaré en el corazón. Qué buen consejo me dio Martín al recomendarme Irlanda, espero que a ti también te sirva.

(Adult English and Surfing)

Anna Pagani –

Dear Gina, thank you for everything, the boys came back enthusiastic and I had the opportunity to look at Filippo’s homework which showed a good improvement in English.
Thank you again, hope we will be able to hear from each other again.

Anna(Filippo and Tomasso, English and Surfing, July 2010)

05/08/2010
Arancia Sobrero –

Hi Gena and Fiona!

I’m thinking very warm about you and your family, and horses and all my friends in Donegal!!!

Perhaps and hope next year can spend two weeks in Donegal with all you

A lot of kisses and thank u again for all your attention and patient with me…

Arancia (English and Riding, July 2010)
01/08/2010

Sofia Calderon – This 4 weeks will always be in my memories.  Thank you everybody for this wonderful month.  It was the best.
Sofia Calderon, (English and Surfing/Riding, June/July 2010)
25/07/2010

Lea Guerin – Hi Gina

Thank you for those weeks which were so wonderful! I miss all of you, and I hope one day I will see you again. Thanks a lot, Lea

English and Surfing, July 2010
19/07/2010
Josu Akizu –

Dear Gina,

Just a short message to thank you for everything.

Josu had a wonderful stay and he only says good things about everyone there.

I am sure he will never forget his stay in Donegal.

Thanking you once again,

ARantxa, (English and Surfing June 27th – July 11th, 2010)
15/07/2010

Ginevra Guzzi - 

I already miss Ireland so much! in italy I can’t breathe, there’s no air at all!
I wanted to thank you for the awesome holiday I’ve had in Donegal, I’ve really enjoyed it! I hope I will come back soon,
I’m keeping in touch with all the wonderful people I’ve known and we’re all depressed because we’re not all together there anymore! hopefully we’ll come back =)
please say hello to everybody in the centre, I miss all of you!
have good holidays!
kisses
Ginny(English and Riding/Surfing 20.06 – 11.07, 2010)

12/07/2010

Laurent Cervoise – I watched Quentin’s pictures and understand how great was the time spent with you …

Quentin and Alizé have had a wonderfull stay with you and are waiting for next year to come back with all their friends !!!

Thank you so much for your kindness and effective organisation.

kind regards,

Laurent (English and Riding 20.06 – 04.07, 2010)

08/07/2010

Attila Bondor –

Dear Gina,

On Sunday Julia returned safely and happily home.

She enjoyed every minute of the time she spent in Donegal Language school.
We want you to know how pleased we are with the lessons she received.
Both the English and the Horse riding session were at highest professional level. She liked very much the free time she spent with your team and other students, too.
Let me express personal thanks from Julia to:
Fiona
Saoirse
Luci
Gina  – thank you for perfect organization and quick responses.

A Bondor (Junior English and Riding Programme, June 2010)

 30/06/2010

Stefano Scollo –

Ciao Gina, Ti ringrazio per l’attenzione data a Tommaso, che si trova molto bene ed è molto contento di stare con voi. . A presto Stefano.
Surf Camp, June, 2010

23/06/2010

Maria Giovanna Colombo –

I know that the students, Loredana and Antonia are arrived safely with good memories of their stay, they have had a great time in Bundoran.

M.G Colombo ( Italian School – English and Multi Activity Programme) June 2010
22/06/2010

Abel Piqueras Saez – I have stayed here very pleasant. Congratulations for the services.  Thanks a million for your friendship.

Abel (Intensive English April/May 2010)
04/06/2010

Angel Balboa – It has been a pleasure to improve my English here.
Angel (Intensive English April/May 2010)
04/06/2010

Daniela and Verena – Germany

thank you very much for everything.we had a great time!!! and thank you that we got the chance to live in such a great hostfamily

Daphne was also a very good english teacher and she gave me lots of information about the Celtic Tiger. It is much easier for me now to continue my project and understand the irish economy.i would like to come back one day but i don`t know yet when
(Adults English and Riding May,2010)

01/06/2010

Ricardo Tabet – 420 Lincoln Road, Penthouse Miami Beach, FL 33139 I had a great time ! Everything was awesome,this is a special place to comeback! Thank you very much!!
28/05/2010

Maya Tiemann – Hello Pat Hello Gina,
We had a good and safe journey.  We all had a very nice time in Ireland and want to say thank you for everything. They are all looking forward to do the same trip next year again.
 Tiemann Group, May 2010

24/05/2010

Emmanuel Guisset – Belgium

Well, I have to say, everything was perfect: The food ( especiall the breakfast!!, the room, the staff.. Thanks to a interactive way of teaching, I  improved my basic english and I enjoyed the one to one classes to train my business english. I  also got to surf the world class wave “The peak”, know some very nice local surfers and spent numerous evenings enjoying the lively atmosfeer of Bundoran.”
All the Best, Manu (Adult English and Surfing)

16/09/2009

Trudi Maybury – England

Hi Gina,

Just wanted to say a huge thank you to you and the team at DEH, my Niece and I had an absolutely fabulous time with you – only sorry we didn’t get to meet you in person to put a face to the e-mail!!!  Obviously, special thanks to Morris who took great care of us, my Niece especially loved racing him down the beach!!!

Trudi (Weekend Trail Riding)
12/09/2009

Laurence Mendez – France

Bonjour,
Mon fils Victor, rentré dimanche 16 août de son séjour en Irlande nous a fait un récit précis et très enthousiaste de ses deux semaines à Bundoran.
Il est plus que satisfait de l’accueil, des animations, sorties,  cours d’anglais et d’équitation.
Mention spéciale à Sue, la responsable du centre, qui manifestement est une véritable maman.
Y ayant trouvé plus qu’il ne l’espérait, nous sommes en conséquence très satisfaits.(English and Riding Camp)

12/09/2009

Flavia Bortolotti – Italy Hi Gina,
I am Flavia, the mother of Julia and Simona you have had guests from 9 to August 15 at your center. I like to thank you for everything; the girls wer e very well find yourself in Donegal and for the kindness of the staff, both for  the beauty of the place and for the welcome they have found.
Flavia (English and Riding Camp)

28/08/2009

Marine Sassetti – France

je dois vous dire que Pier-Niccolò a adoré son séjour  et espère déjà repartir l’année prochaine. Il a trouvé les animatrices très sympas, le prof de surf excellent, les Irlandais très accueillants!  Bref nous sommes vraiment très satisfaits, mais également de votre gentillesse et professionnalité.  Pier-Niccolò vous écrira un petit mot.
Bonne journée.
Marine, France (English and Surfing)
23/08/2009

Isabelle M – France Bonjour
Ce petit mot pour vous dire que Simon était trés content de son séjour Ravi du surf bien sûr  mais  aussi plus étonnamment des cours d’anglais,  il n’était pas trés favorable au départ mais les cours étaient basés sur l’oral et il a beaucoup progressé. Il  a gardé des contacts avec des jeunes Allemands et conversnt en Anglais
Bravo pour l’organisation et Merci pour Simon
Bien cordialement
Isabelle” English and Surfing Camp)
26/07/2009
Kate Austin – Italy Dear Gina,
Thank you for a lovely holiday – I and my group had a wonderful time, particularly the riding activities
Also say a BIG, BIG thank you to Sue whose help and kindness went beyond the call of duty.
A big thank you too to Louise and all the others at the riding centre who were unfailingly kind and patient even with our unrulier elements – they were wonderful!!!
All the best and have a lovely rest of the summer,
Kate, Bracciano(Pony Camp Group)
20/07/2009
 

Ana M – Italy The boys have had real fun, they crazy about surfing, wanting to go and meet Josh in New Zeland! Thanks a lot, I feel its been an excellent experience for all of them, and their english is becoming better (it could only improve!) Saluti e a presto, Ana. (English and Surfing Camp)
12/07/2009

Cristina Caruso –

Cristiana è tornata in italia stanotte (3 ore di ritardo!!). FELICISSIMA della vacanza, del posto e delle persone conosciute.

per l’anno prossimo ha già deciso che tornerà per 2 settimane!!

io se riesco a liberarmi col lavoro spero di venire una settimana ( se c’è posto) in luglio..

un grande abbraccio

cristina (English and Riding)
30/06/2009
Maria Cordelli – Italy Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to say a big thank you for a wonderful stay.  I now feel ready and confident  to start my new job.(Business English)

Wishing you all the best

Maria
05/05/2009
Isabel Valtra –

Hello Gina,

I wanted to have written before but, as you may know, we are moving to Madrid and we have been a bit too busy, in fact we are leaving tomorrow.

Anyway, thank you for everything and please, say thank you to everybody, Laura did really enjoy her holidays by you, she is remembering and talking all the time about everybody, Frances, her husband, Assumpta, the teachers, the other students, and very very especially Alannah and Sonia, what she did, the places where she’s been, the horses….., everything.(English and Riding)
Again, thank you very much.

Best wishes

Isabel

11/10/2008

Linnéa Jonsson – Sweden 14-28/6 was the two best weeks in my life! I have never had so much fun! Miss you all, specially ; Niamh Nicola Tomas Pat Gina Alana and Sofia! Se you next summer, i promise! // Linnéa(English and Riding 08)
24/09/2008

Anke Brinkman – Germany

This is Anke, the mom from Mona Brinkmann. She stayed at your school from 28.06. – 13.07.2008

I will say Thank you to you and your mum for the good time. Mona was very happy, if we picked her up at the airport. She told us many interesting and joky thinks. And she had lots of photos on her camera. I send you some. The family in the B+B was very lovley. Donald the teacher make good lessons. And the riding was perfect.

Thank you and bye bye

Anke

11/09/2008

Guillermo Calvo – Spain

Necesitaba un inglés fuera de dudas, que me permitiera hablar con seguridad con clientes sin hacerles perder el tiempo. Con esta determinación decidí que tenía que emplear mis 30 días de vacaciones en mejorar mi inglés. Pero además también quería buscarme un destino que me permitiera disfrutar de mi deporte favorito: el surf. Combinar ingles y surf, aprovechando al máximo cada minuto. Mi amigo Martín me dio la clave: “vete a Irlanda. Estas a menos de dos horas en avión, el billete te va a salir baratísimo y hay unas olas increíbles”.

Dicho y hecho. Investigando en Internet encontré un sitio a priori perfecto: Bundoran. Este pequeño lugar, un poco más grande que un pueblo y  bastante más pequeño que una ciudad, en plena costa noroeste, reunía todas las condiciones. Tenía una escuela de inglés y una de las mejores olas de Europa: “The Peak”. Enseguida envié un email a Gina Geagan, la manager de la escuela. Ya desde el primer email me aclaró todas las dudas. Me explicó el sistema de enseñanza, que incluía un curso de Business English y todos los detalles de mi estancia allí: alojamiento, comida…. Gina resolvió todas mis necesidades y finalmente contraté una curso intensivo de inglés, una habitación con baño propio y pensión completa. El precio, mucho más que competitivo: aproximadamente un 30% más barato que cualquiera de los otros destinos que había barajado.

En teoría todo era perfecto. Y llegó la hora de la verdad. El vuelo de Ryanair (Madrid-Dublín) llegó puntual como un reloj suizo. Es increíble. Parece que cuanto menos pagas, mejor servicio te dan: 100 euros ida y vuelta y tampoco era de los más baratos. El siguiente vuelo era Dublín-Sligo (la ciudad más próxima a Bundoran, a unos 60 kilómetros) Durante el vuelo conocí a Nicole, una señora de mediana edad. Le conté mis planes y que me dirigía a Bundoran. Perplejo, asistí a la primera prueba de la hospitalidad irlandesa. Ella misma, sin pedir nada a cambio y a pesar de que no era su destino, me llevó en su coche hasta Bundoran. Llegué a la escuela de Gina Geagan y me instalé en mi habitación, muy confortable. A las tres de la tarde estaba sentado en un banco frente al mar, pasmado, contemplando como rompían las mejores olas que había visto en mi vida. A pesar de que era un domingo soleado de agosto y había olas perfectas, en el agua a penas se distinguían 15 surferos. El reef de The Peak no dejaba de romper, olas de izquierda, de derechas… el paraíso. No me hubiera imaginado algo así ni en mis mejores sueños. Después de observar durante casi una hora las olas, cogí mi tabla y me lancé a una de las mejores sesiones de mi vida. Dos horas de surf perfecto, compartiendo olas con unos locales amistosos y relajados.

Al día siguiente, lunes, comencé el curso. Seis horas al día y sólo tres personas en clase. Gina era la profesora. Las clases eran divertidas y rigurosas a la vez, y si realmente ponías de tu parte, aprendías de verdad. Además, Gina se amoldaba a tus peticiones: en mi caso quería reforzar la conversación de negocios, y mejoré de forma increíble.

Mi mes transcurrió feliz. A penas me topé con ningún español y enseguida me hice un montón de amigos irlandeses, no paré de hablar inglés. Pude surfear muchísimo (en Bundoran también hay gran variedad de playas) y me alquilé una bicicleta para moverme de una playa a otra. Hice turismo en Sligo, bonita ciudad, también fui a Belfast y a Derry, la ciudad donde trascurren lo tristes hechos de la canción de U2,  Sunday Bloody Sunday…. Monté a caballo por los arenales de la playa también. Y sobre todo conocí a muchos irlandeses, a los que siempre llevaré en el corazón. Qué buen consejo me dio Martín al recomendarme Irlanda, espero que a ti también te sirva.

(Adult English and Surfing)
03/09/2008
Flavia R – Italy Like last yearI wanted to say THANK YOU to all of you,for making of our staying the best ever!!
Everything tasted so good,and the organization is always better!
All Flavia’s group sends many many kisses,and congratulations for your competence and hospitality!
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH
Flavia & Alex..and all the children (Group)
12/08/2008
ahv younis – bradford uk hi all in bundoran. i had i great time(so did all of bradford crew)while i was over here in 2006 and 2007. i will neva forget the time while i was there. u made our stay very welcoming n enjoyable. hopefully the crew from bradford will come bk in feb 2008. hi jamaln pat and gina n pats husband. (Group)
17/01/2008

http://ecoaula.eleconomista.es/primer-empleo/noticias/2646984/12/10/Refresca-tu-ingles.html