• 30+ Years of Experience
  • Expert Tutors
  • 23+ Nationalities
  • Stunning Location

Junior Mini Stays

| Age  12-17 |  Arrival Day Sunday  | Accommodation Residential & Homestay |

| Course Dates: January-June & August-November 2026  |

Your Irish Story Starts Here

Educational experiences that build confidence, connection, and unforgettable memories on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

For over 38 years, Donegal English Language School (DELS) has welcomed international student groups to Ireland, delivering authentic educational experiences that combine English learning, cultural immersion, and outdoor adventure.

| Family-Owned & Operated Since 1989 | Trusted by Schools Across Europe |

Work placement at a cafe in Donegal
Students exploring the cliffs in Donegal
Students on Bundoran beach creating a heart

Mini Stay Options

Irish Culture Week

Age: 12-17

Length: 5 / 6 / 7 nights

Mini Stay programmes: your group can enjoy English classes along with a diverse activity and cultural programme. Students will enjoy English lessons and activities like Irish dancing, GAA and making movies (along with lots of other activities) in the afternoon and evenings

English & Work Experience

Age: 16 +

Length:  7 nights +

DELS Work Experience programme is perfect for students looking to get an insight into working in an English-speaking environment. We offer work experience in tourism, retail, office, agriculture & environmental roles.

Erasmus + Programmes

Age: 12-17

Length: 7 nights +

Our Erasmus+ programmes provide enriching international learning experiences that encourage personal growth, cultural exchange, and the development of valuable life skills. Through interactive workshops, practical activities, and collaborative projects, participants gain new perspectives while building confidence, creativity, and global awareness.

Arts & Culture in Action explores the richness of arts, heritage, and cultural diversity from our local area, encouraging participants to express themselves creatively and engage with different traditions and perspectives.

Skills for Tomorrow equips learners with the competencies needed for the future, including digital literacy, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and entrepreneurial thinking.

Food & Agriculture focuses on food culture, healthy living, sustainable food systems, and practical culinary experiences that connect participants with local and international traditions.

Planet Positive inspires environmental responsibility through hands-on learning about sustainability, climate action, biodiversity, and ways to create a greener future.

Travel Your Way – Design Your Own

With the experience and support of the DELS team, you can enhance your standard Mini Stay by adding additional half-day excursions, city tours, evening activities, or extra English classes. Include a surf lesson or horse riding experience for your group, or a castle visit! You know your group, and we know our country. We will help support and advise you on how to personalise your trip.

DELS students taking a picture on a field trip
A group of students sitting on the grass in a field, smiling and observing two alpacas, one black and one white, standing close to each other. The scene is set in a lush, green landscape, creating a peaceful and engaging environment.
English class at DELS

Why Schools Return Year After Year

✓ 38 Years of Experience

✓ Family-Owned & Operated

✓ School-Owned Residential Accommodation

✓ Exceptional Hosts

✓ Staff Included on All Activities

✓ Safe Seaside Location

✓ Authentic Cultural Experiences

✓ Experienced Team

✓ 24-Hour Emergency Support

Hiking Donegal English Language School
Surfing Adventure Ireland
Making friends at Donegal English Language School

Learning Beyond The Classroom

Our programmes are designed to help students practice English naturally while building confidence, independence, teamwork, and intercultural awareness.

Popular Activities

Integration with Irish Students
Meet local teenagers and enjoy shared activities that encourage cultural exchange and communication.

Gaelic Games Experience
Learn Ireland’s national sport through fun coaching sessions and friendly matches.

Irish Céilí Dancing
Experience traditional Irish music and dance in an energetic workshop.

Wild Atlantic Coastal Walk
Discover Bundoran’s stunning coastline, beaches, surf spots, and local legends.

Irish Heritage Workshop
Explore Irish traditions, culture, language, and history through hands-on activities.

Organic Gardening Experience
Learn sustainability skills in our school’s organic garden and polytunnel.

Excursions Donegal English Language School
A group of smiling young athletes in bright orange vests posing together on a grass field, one girl being lifted on teammates' shoulders with arms raised.
Alpacas at Donegal English Language School

Excursions Included

Every programme includes a full-day excursion to some of Ireland’s most spectacular destinations.

Choose From:

  • Slieve League Cliffs & Donegal Town
  • Derry City & History Experience
  • Parkes Castle & Sligo
Castle Visit Donegal English Language School Ireland
Sea Cliffs Tour Donegal English Language School Ireland
Tour Derry City Language School Ireland

What to expect from English classes:

Our interactive English classes focus on:

✓ Speaking & Communication

✓ Listening & Pronunciation

✓ Teamwork & Collaboration

✓ Real-Life English

✓ Irish Culture & Project Work

Students receive a placement assessment, certificate of attendance, and personalised feedback throughout their stay.

Hiking at Donegal English Language School
staff at donegal english language school
Fun team activities Donegal English Language School

Accommodation Options

Host Family Experience

Students stay with carefully selected Irish host families, providing daily opportunities to practise English and experience authentic Irish life.  Group leaders always compliment us on the quality of our hosts.

Residential Experience

Our school-owned residential accommodation offers a safe, social environment with comfortable bedrooms, communal spaces, games facilities, and outdoor areas.

Safety & Welfare

Student welfare is at the centre of everything we do.

✓ Dedicated Group Coordinator

✓ Staff Included on Activities

✓ Garda-Vetted Hosts

✓ Welfare Officers

✓ Secure Campus

✓ Airport Transfers Included

✓ 24-Hour Emergency Assistance

Junior residential accommodation donegal english language school
Donegal host family
junior residential accommodation donegal english language school

Ready to Create Your Irish Story?

We would be delighted to welcome your students to Donegal and create an educational experience they will never forget. Contact us today for more information.

Contact us for more information

  • 15 contact hours of tuition per week
  • Daily activity schedule
  • 1 Evening activity
  • Choice of Host Family and Residential accommodation
  • Breakfast, lunch & evening meals provided each day
  • Maximum 15 per class ( average 12)
  • Level testing before arrival
  • Assigned coordinator
  • Course certificate & post teacher report
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure and all local transfers
  • A full day excursion
  • 1 Free leader per 15 students
Young person wearing a dark baseball cap, black glasses, and a black sweatshirt with an orange square logo, facing the camera.

Tristan Nimrod, Austrian

Hello, my name is Tristan. I had a wonderful experience here in Ireland. My host family was very kind, and the staff were friendly and supportive throughout the programme. I really enjoyed the activities, especially the Atlantic Walk and Irish crafts. Everything was well organised, and overall, it was an amazing experience that I will always remember.

Meet the Team

Get to know the friendly teachers and staff behind your course

  • 30+ Years of Experience
  • Expert Tutors
  • 23+ Nationalities
  • Stunning Location