The best English schools in Dublin
Over the past number of years, Dublin’s friendly environment, contemporary facilities, and booming job market have made it one of the most popular destinations for learning English in the world.
As one of the 23 official languages of the European Union, and with more speakers than any other language across the planet, learning English is becoming priceless a tool to have in your linguistic toolbox. While Ireland does have its own mother-tongue, Gaeilge, its practical usage is limited to the Gaeltacht regions scattered mostly along the Western seaboard of Ireland. These days, English is the Emerald Isle’s primary language, and when the United Kingdom leaves the EU, Ireland will be the only remaining EU country with this merit.
Whether you’re hoping to make life a little easier when ordering your morning coffee, or aiming to give yourself the best possible options for your professional future, Dublin is renowned for it’s warm welcome of international students. There’s a reason why more than 129,000 international students are learning English in Ireland today.
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To meet the massive demand, a wide variety of English courses are available in Dublin. These include general English courses, professional English courses, English test preparation courses and more. Before we get to our list of the best English schools Dublin has to offer, here’s a quick run down of the different types of programmes available, with a few example schools:
General English courses
General English courses are a catch-all for young-adults and adults who want to improve their English skills in writing, reading, listening and speaking. English language schools in Dublin offer these courses with teaching levels varying from beginner to intensive, from part-time to full-time, and from shared classes to private tuition.
Business English courses
Tailored towards business professionals, these are private, one-on-one lessons. Taught by well-educated English teaching specialists, the goal is to help the student master the language quickly and proficiently so as to excel in their professional life. Some examples of these are International House Dublin, Kaplan International Dublin, EC English Language Schools, The English Studio Dublin, and many more.
Professional English courses
These courses are just like business English courses, but are intended for professionals who wish to learn English skills for a particular field or area. This includes law, medicine, aviation, hospitality, and much more. These courses can be found at The English Studio Dublin, Travelling Languages, Apollo English Language Centre, and more listed below.
English test preparation courses
English test preparation courses are for those studying for proficiency tests, whether to improve job prospects, or to earn admission into university. An example of this test is the TOEFL. Some institutes with programmes designed to help you prepare for these exams are International House Dublin, Atlas Language School, Delfin English School, the Centre of English Studies, Babel Academy of English, with more listed below.
Junior English courses
These lessons are designed to educate young, growing minds in the English language. Generally, courses are available for children between ages 8 to 12, and for teenagers between ages 13 and 18. Summer, Winter and Year-Round programmes are provided by Atlas International Ireland, International House Dublin, Babel Academy of English,Wesley College, Dublin and many more listed below.
Speciality English courses
These courses are a perfect balance for those who are keen on learning English, but would also like to enjoy all Dublin and Ireland has to offer. Make the most of your time in Dublin by combining your interest in learning English with your love of sports, arts, food and more! Great choices are available for single people, couples, groups of friends, and families through Travelling Languages, Learn English & Live in Your Teacher’s Home, and Alpha College of English, with more listed below.
Work and study English programmes
Based on the well-known concept of fluency through total immersion, these programmes offer their students the chance of learning English while gaining professional work experience in an English speaking country. The work experience is on an internship basis, which generally means that it is unpaid. However, the benefits of real-world work experience in a thriving European capital like Dublin are incredibly valuable. These courses are available through New College Group Dublin, Kaplan International Dublin, Apollo English Language Centre, among others.
The best English schools in Dublin
Currently, these are the leading schools for learning English on offer in Dublin. The schools have all been awarded a multitude of accolades, have earned internationally respected qualifications, and offer courses tailored to various levels and requirements. We’ve provided a short summary of the programmes here, but just click on the title for more information.
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This school, located in the seaside town of Dun Laoghaire, just south of Dublin, places emphasis on practical, day-to-day English. |
Griffith Institute of Language
Offering Gap Year, Semester Abroad and general language programmes on a well connected campus in the city centre. |
Alpha College
This institute began as an English training centre for high level management, today it boasts a wide range of courses, while keeping those same professional standards. |
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(an LAL partner) This school won the Star Junior Programme awarded by the Study Travel Network in both 2018 and 2019. |
This centrally located school was the winner of the Study Travel Network’s Best English Language School in Europe Award in both 2017 and 2019. |
This organisation has two locations in the Greater Dublin Area, one nestled in the city centre, and the other in the idyllic seaside town of Bray. |
| Babel Academy of English
Highly regarded in the English learning environment of Dublin, Babel offers students a chance to learn in the classroom and in social settings. |
Berlitz Dublin
There’s a reason why this is one of the longest established English language schools in Dublin, follow the link for more information. |
British Study Centres
Already an international success, this company’s Dublin branch has everything you need to flourish in English. |
| Castleforbes College
Lead by an international team of teachers, this college caters to students from more than 30 different countries. |
Centre of English Studies
CES colleges can be found across England, Canada, and now in Dublin. Learn English from highly experienced professionals. |
Central School of English
This institute focuses on small classes, flexible hours, and expert teachers. |
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Dublin Business English Language Centre These educators are specialists at teaching business English to international students. |
Dublin City University Language Services
With over 27 years of experience and offering 30 different courses DCU’s modern campus is a hit with English language students. |
Delfin English School
Located within walking distance of all amenities in Dublin city centre, these school offers a wide range of courses. |
| DLTC Language School
Located in Dun Laoghaire, this school offers programmes in winter and summer for kids, teenagers, groups, and adults. |
Dorset College Dublin
This college offers General English, Business English, and IELTS training programmes. |
Dublin Cultural Institute
Provides student-orientated learning conveniently located in the city centre. |
| Dublin Centre of Education
Located on North Cumberland Street in Dublin, this team of highly educated teachers will ensure you fulfil your potential. |
EC Language Centres
This school boasts state of the art facilities and is centrally located. |
EF International Language School
Education First offers a wide range of courses both online and in person to suit your language learning requirements. |
| ELTA – The School of Spoken English
ELTA’s aim is for their students to reach English proficiency as quickly as possible. |
Emerald Cultural Institute
Dublin hosts two year-round ECI adult schools and six junior summer centres. |
Englishour
Through its highly qualified team of teachers, this institute’s goal is to teach you to speak English like a native. |
| Erin School of English
The goal of this school is for students to be able to express themselves in English as they do in their own language. |
Eurocentres Global Language Learning Ltd
A wide range of courses are available from this accredited school. |
Everest Language School
A small, student orientated school owned by teachers located in Dublin city centre. |
| Frances King School of English Dublin
With a focus on speaking, this school of English has been nurturing international student minds since 1973. |
Future Learning Language School
An innovative school who teaches through cutting edge technologies. |
Horner School of English
Located in Ireland since 1993, this establishment offers courses to international adults over the age of 18. |
| IBAT College Dublin
A highly regarded institute offering a wide range of courses and programmes. |
Immersion Languages Dublin
Specialising in one-to-one English language courses for all intents and purposes. |
International House
Ideal for students of all ages and backgrounds, IHD’s schooling takes place on its purpose-built campus which contains 40 classrooms. |
| International School of English
This institute is highly accredited and teaches using contemporary methods and technologies. |
Irish College of English
An Award-Winning English language school established in 1992, located in Malahide, Dublin. |
Ireland School
Directed towards students of all ages, improve your English language abilities in Dublin City through Ireland School. |
| ISI English Language School
Award winning English language school with two adult centres and one summer camp for teenagers. |
Kaplan International College
One of the favourite’s for studying English in Dublin. |
Languages Unlimited
Located in Clontarf, Dublin this school is mostly aimed towards Business English but can tutor at all levels. |
| LAL Languages Centres
Home of qualified English language professionals catering towards young learners (Ages 8-18) and adults (Ages 16+). |
Language and Leisure International
Offering English language lessons and leisure activities for teenagers in the summer months, located in Dun Laoghaire. |
Liffey College
Boasting two campuses in the Greater Dublin Area, this college offers a wide range of English language programmes to its students. |
| Malvern House Dublin
This modern institute is right in the centre of the action on Dame Street in Dublin. |
MLI International Schools
This school caters towards children between the ages of 10 and 17. |
New College Group
Another favourite for English learning in Dublin. Offering general and speciality English classes year-round. |
| NED Training Centre
This accredited training centre teaches students English for general purposes and English examinations. |
OHC English
A highly regarded institute located near the River Liffey. |
Oscars International
This school’s aim is to blend technology, quality and innovation to provide a brilliant learning experience for its students. |
| PLUS Junior Centre
Located on UCD’s Belfield campus, 20 minutes drive from the city centre. |
Seda College
Teaches general English courses with contemporary methods. |
Study & Learn in your Teacher’s Home, Dublin
An international success, this programme allows you to fully immerse in your English language learning. |
| Swan Training Institute
For over 30 years Swan ELT has been providing innovative and quality English Language courses in Ireland. |
The English Studio Dublin
Students of this school have achieved a 95% pass rate in their English language exams. |
The Linguaviva Centre
Established over 40 years ago, the award-winning Linguaviva Centre still remains a favourite for those studying English in Dublin. |
| Travelling Languages
A highly accredited language school designed for those who wish to be more confident with their English skills. |
Twin English Centres
Offering English courses to cater to every need, this centre is located in a modernised, 18 classroom Georgian House. |
ULearn
Based beside Saint Stephen’s Green, this school prides itself in providing exceptional English language lessons to international students since 1988. |
| University College Dublin Applied Language Centre
Located in Belfield, South of Dublin city this gorgeous university has a massive international student population. |
Your English Language School
Now in a new location on 76 Talbot Street, Dublin 1, this school continues to offer its multitude of courses to adults and children. |
