Once again, summer of 2026 is an excellent opportunity for young Irish people who are interested in travelling, meeting people of their age and participating in sports activities, games, workshops and cultural exchange projects.
Come and join us for a unique experience!!!
Welcome Irish!
General information
Target audience: English-speaking people born between 2007 and 2010 (students must be at least 16 years old by the start date of the programme)
Places: Different locations within Spain: Galicia, Cantabria, La Rioja, Málaga and Córdoba.
Dates: We have 2 different options available:
- Shift 1:
June 28 - July 11. Available in Galicia (FULLY BOOKED), Cantabria (FULLY BOOKED), Córdoba (FULLY BOOKED) and Málaga. - Shift 2:
July 12 - July 25. Available in Galicia (FULLY BOOKED), Cantabria (FULLY BOOKED), Málaga and La Rioja.
Places available: 400, which will be assigned in order of arrival after a previous selection process. Each week 200 young Spaniards who have been awarded scholarships by the Spanish Ministry of Education for their excellent academic results will also participate in the programme.
Financing
The programme is financed by the Government of Spain, which will cover the cost of:
- Shared accommodation
- Programme of activities and excursions
- Transport from/to the designated airports in Spain to the facility.
- Accident insurance (during the stay in Spain).
Expenses to be covered by each participant:
- Transport between Ireland and one of the established airports (Santiago de Compostela, Santander, Bilbao or Málaga).
- Personal expenses (gifts, pocket money, sunscreen, shampoo...).
In the unlikely event that the Spanish government cancels the program or withdraws its funding, the organizing company will not assume responsibility for the expenses that the participants may have incurred.
Objectives
- For young people to enjoy a fun summer and an unforgettable experience in an enclave located in the middle of nature or especially relevant because of its cultural importance.
- For young people from different countries to get to know each other, learn about other cultures and establish new friendships.
- For young Irish people to have contact with the Spanish culture and language, and to experience the selected Spanish region.
- For the young Spaniards to practice their spoken English.
Linguistic and cultural approach
From Monday to Friday, the activities will take place in and around the facility and will be carried out entirely in English.
On Saturdays and Sundays we will celebrate our Spanish Weekends in which we will visit several of the nearby cities that stand out for their cultural interest, swim in some of the best beaches or enjoy some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes. We will also get to know and practice different manifestations of the Spanish language and culture (flamenco dancing, traditional music, gastronomy...), and for those who wish, they will be able to practice their Spanish through fun games and activities.
Rules
- Always respect the people participating in the programme, as well as the monitors and the rest of the staff involved in the programme. Offensive behaviour referring to race, religion, sexual orientation or physical circumstances will be considered particularly serious.
- To take care of the facilities and materials at the disposal of the programme. Damage caused intentionally or as a result of clearly inappropriate use will be reclaimed (even judicially).
- To actively participate in all programmed activities, respecting the established timetables.
- To follow at all times the indications given by the management and monitors of the programme.
- The possession and consumption of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs during the course of the programme is strictly forbidden.
- The use of mobile phones is restricted to the time slots established by the organisation.
- It is not permitted to leave the premises without the permission of the programme leaders.
- The organisation reserves the right to expel from the programme any participant who seriously breaches any of the established rules. The commission of any kind of theft, damage to the facilities and materials, the possession and consumption of drugs, as well as the offence or exercise of violence towards other people may be sanctioned with expulsion from the programme, in which case the participant will have to pay any expenses that may be involved in the modification of their travel plan.
Groups
Groups of more than 20 people, please contact us directly for personalised information:
desarrollo@playandsay.org
Destinations
Galicia
This region is situated in the Northwest of Spain, Santiago de Compostela being its capital. This area has an abundance of nature and some of the best beaches in the country. It is also well known for its gastronomy and for its rich historical and cultural heritage. Participants will have the chance to visit Santiago de Compostela, sunbath at the beach, kayak the Miño river and enjoy the natural swimming pool located nearby the facilities.
The programme will take place at the Peares Language Immersion Centre (www.centropeares.es), under the following conditions:
- Accommodation in shared rooms with young Spaniards of the same sex. All rooms are exterior and have en-suite bathrooms. Change of sheets every week.
- Full board with four meals a day: breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner. Special diets are prepared in case of food allergies or religious beliefs.
- The facility has an infirmary service.
- No laundry service, participants will need to bring everything they need for the fortnight. Although, if necessary, they will have the option to hand wash whatever they need.
The airport set for this option is Santiago de Compostela.
Cantabria
On the North coast of Spain, this region is well known for its dazzling nature and for hosting various archaeological sites of great interest. The area is also popular among surf lovers. Participants will visit the beautiful coastal city called Santander, sunbath at the beach, practice different water sports and enjoy the swimming pool that the hotel has!!
The programme will take place at the Hotel La Corza Blanca (https://hotellacorzablanca-altocampoo.com-hotel.com/en/), under the following conditions:
- Accommodation in shared rooms with young Spaniards of the same sex. All rooms are exterior and have en-suite bathrooms. Change of sheets every week.
- Full board with four meals a day: breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner. Special diets are prepared in case of food allergies or religious beliefs.
- No laundry service, participants will need to bring everything they need for the fortnight. Although, if necessary, they will have the option to hand wash whatever they need.
The airport set for this option is Bilbao.
La Rioja
This region is well known for its wine industry and for its typical landscape of the Spanish plateau. Its capital is Logroño and among its most characteristic dishes is roast lamb. Participants will have the chance to enjoy the historical buildings located in Santo Domingo de la Calzada and enjoy the swimming pool located nearby the facilities!!
The programme will take place at the Albergue de Sto. Domingo de la Calzada (https://alberguestodomingo.wixsite.com/albergue/instalaciones), under the following conditions:
- Accommodation in shared rooms with young Spaniards of the same sex. All rooms are exterior. Change of sheets every week.
- Full board with four meals a day: breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner. Special diets are prepared in case of food allergies or religious beliefs.
- No laundry service, participants will need to bring everything they need for the fortnight. Although, if necessary, they will have the option to hand wash whatever they need.
The airport set for this option is Bilbao.
Málaga
Being part of Andalucía, this province is located on the South coast of Spain. It is well known for its sunny weather and incredible beaches. Participants will have the chance to visit the main city and enjoy its beach.
The programme will take place at Aula de la Naturaleza Las Contadoras (https://lascontadoras.com), under the following conditions:
- Accommodation in shared rooms with young Spaniards of the same sex. All rooms are exterior. Change of sheets every week.
- Full board with four meals a day: breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner. Special diets are prepared in case of food allergies or religious beliefs.
- No laundry service, participants will need to bring everything they need for the fortnight. Although, if necessary, they will have the option to hand wash whatever they need.
The airport set for this option is Málaga.
Córdoba
Also part of Andalucía, this province is home to some of the country's architectural treasures and maintains a great cultural influence from its time as part of Al-Andalus. Its local cuisine is based on natural ingredients, olive oil being the best known.
The programme will take place at Hotel rural Las Monteras (https://hotellasmonteras.com/el-hotel/), under the following conditions:
- Accommodation in shared rooms with young Spaniards of the same sex. All rooms are exterior and have en-suite bathrooms. Change of sheets every week.
- Full board with four meals a day: breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner. Special diets are prepared in case of food allergies or religious beliefs.
- No laundry service, participants will need to bring everything they need for the fortnight. Although, if necessary, they will have the option to hand wash whatever they need.
The airport set for this option is Málaga.
Participation requirements
- Participate voluntarily and be enthusiastic about the opportunity offered to you.
- Be between 16 and 18 years old. Minors require parental consent.
- Be willing to respect the rules of the programme without exception.
- Be very interested in meeting young people, travelling and participating in a programme of sports, cultural and leisure activities.
- Send the registration form and arrange your travel by booking the designated flights, according to the selected shift.
- Young people who have participated in the program in 2025 and wish to repeat the experience this year, must enrol two new participants and choose a different location.
What to bring
- Documentation required to leave Ireland and enter Spain.
- E-111 form.
- Medicines (when following a medical treatment that requires the intake of medicines periodically).
- Comfortable and sufficient clothing and footwear. The laundry of the facilities (where provided) will only wash clothes that are marked with the name and surname of the owner (it is not responsible for the loss of any garment). As a guide, the following list is provided:
- Shorts and trousers
- T-shirts/shirts
- Underwear
- Shower towel
- Beach towel
- Socks
- Rain jacket
- Sweater/sweatshirt
- Pijamas
- Swimwear
- Hat
- Sports shoes
- Flip-flops
- Sunglasses
- Shampoo, hair conditioner, hair gel
- Sunscreen
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Intimate hygiene products
- Water bottle
- A small amount of money for gifts, ice cream, soft drinks... and to replenish your sunscreen, toothpaste, shampoo... For those who wish, the programme management will collect this money and keep it in a safe place until it is requested by the participant.
- Valuables such as jewellery, expensive watches, photo cameras, etc. should not be taken with you. The company cannot be held responsible in case of theft or robbery of personal belongings or money.
Three simple steps to sign up
- Fill in the Application form completely.
- Your place will be confirmed as soon as possible.
- Within 24 hours, buy your plane ticket for the designated flights and send it by email, together with a copy of your passport.
Welcome on board!!
Your top Play&Say questions answered
Haven’t we answered your questions? Write to us at desarrollo@playandsay.org and we’ll be happy to answer you.
I am not part of a group, but I meet the requirements, can I still participate in the programme?
Yes, you must complete the registration form and send it to desarrollo@playandsay.org. Once your place is confirmed, you will have 48 hours to send a copy of your passport/identity card and your flight ticket to one of the designated airports to the same address. Failure to do so will invalidate your registration.
Are participants allowed to receive visitors during the programme?
Visits are not allowed. However, families may pick up their child on any Saturday morning at a time to be agreed with the programme management. The participant must return to the facility the following day, before 6 pm.
What happens if I have a health problem during the programme?
As both countries are members of the European Union, the Spanish public health system offers health coverage to Irish citizens in case of illness or accident. It is essential to bring the E-111 form.
In the event of an accident once in Spain, you will be covered by accident insurance which will provide you with access to private health care when necessary.
Can I communicate with my family and friends during my stay?
Of course you can. Participants will have 30 minutes a day to use their mobile phones. In addition, families will be able to access a programme blog where we will be posting photographs and information about the group’s activities.