English Language Schools in Ireland

Students from all across the world have started flocking to the Emerald Isle to study English. Not only are the courses here more affordable than in nearby countries like England, but you can have the unique experience of studying in a beautiful country with a vibrant personality, too.

So, if you're interested in learning English in Ireland, read on for tips on how to make it happen and look at English courses in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and elsewhere throughout Ireland.

Language schools in Ireland usually offer classes that are geared specifically for youth (anywhere from 12-17 years old) and adults (ages 18 and above).

The majority of the junior English language courses takes place during the summer, while the classes for adults are sometimes held for a set few weeks or, alternatively, year-round.

Overall, the kinds of English courses offered to adults are as follows:

General to Advanced English

These courses vary based on difficulty and experience. For beginning language learners, you'll take an introductory course on standard English. Intensive English courses are available for those with higher levels of English.

English Language Internships

Some schools and language academies have a combined course which incorporates language learning both in and outside of the classroom. Note that the internships and work experiences are usually unpaid and are actually included in the tuition.

Business English

Often, you will find that schools offer an English course designed for business professionals where you can learn the English needed for the workplace. This will work better for students with a specialized path in mind, as well as those who want to learn English for a career path, not pleasure.

Classes for Language Certifications

Many schools have courses which prepare students for Cambridge certification exams such as the First Certificate in English (FCE) and the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE).

Ireland's lively capital, Dublin, is definitely the place to go if you’re looking to study English in the Emerald Isle. You will find that it has the most academies and language schools in all of the country and that the majority are concentrated here.

But Dublin isn’t the only place to study English in Ireland. Counties like Carlow, Cork, and Limerick also have language schools available for international students. While there aren't as many in number compared to Dublin, these cities are comparably cheaper to stay in on a student budget.

For more help on deciding where to learn English in Ireland, we suggest reading our comprehensive breakdown of where to study abroad in Ireland.

Housing

Ireland has become a popular place for students from different countries to come and study English, so many of the language schools and academies include housing options for their students. These can include homestays with host families, student hostels, and student apartments.

Visas

American and Canadians residents do not need visas to enter Ireland, but citizens of other countries do with a few exceptions.

If you want to study a full-time language course as a non-European Union student, there are specific conditions you have to meet in order to study in Ireland under this program. But if you’re looking to do a more short-term course that is less than 90 days, you will be considered by the Irish government to be a tourist and won’t need a student visa.

Costs

Language courses can vary by location and duration but generally can cost anywhere from 250-4,000 euros. These fees usually do not include accommodation costs. If you want to stay with a host family, in a student hostel, or in a student apartment, you will probably have to pay an additional 150-250 euros per week.

Contributed by Michelle Philippon