Demand for Irish college dips 40%

THE age-old rituals of an Irish teenage summer are being hit by the recession – as demand for Irish college courses has dropped by up to 40% across the country.

Irish colleges in Cork, Kerry, Mayo, Donegal and Waterford are all reporting a substantial fall-off in interest in their three-week courses. All are blaming it on rising unemployment, wage cuts and a general fear of spending money.

Sending a child to Irish college for a three-week stay costs up to €850 for the course alone. Spending money will have to be provided also.