The dream of the Emerald Isle
Discover Ireland on a language holiday
The “Emerald Isle” of Ireland is becoming an ever more popular destination for language courses in Europe. Ireland fascinates with its mystical beauty and legendary, breathtaking landscapes. On top of that, the island in the Atlantic offers the perfect conditions for a language holiday. Besides the picturesque scenery, it is above all Irish hospitality that attracts more and more travellers to the island.
The Irish capital, Dublin, has even been named the friendliest city in Europe several times.
Ireland is proud of its Celtic roots and the heroic sagas of ancient times. Here, storytelling has a firm place in everyday culture. On a language holiday in Ireland, you will quickly come to appreciate this love of storytelling. A language course in Ireland gives you the opportunity to explore idyllic country life or lively cities full of adventure and culture.
Irish English
No need to fear the Irish dialect
What is Irish English?
First of all, don’t panic when it comes to the Irish accent. It is no coincidence that Ireland is a popular destination for language holidays – often precisely because of its special pronunciation.
Irish English is somewhat more ornate and differs slightly from British English in pronunciation and intonation – the spelling, however, is the same. Spoken English in Ireland is a little closer to written English – some language students particularly like this.
Ireland now has just as varied a range of General English, Business English, language holidays for children and English courses with special sports options as neighbouring Great Britain.
Ireland’s nature
From colourful harbour towns to breathtaking natural wonders
During a language course in Ireland, you should definitely use your free time to explore the island and its natural wonders. Ireland is known worldwide for its gentle rolling hills, many lakes, breathtaking stretches of coast and colourful harbour towns. Thanks to the even climate, grasses and mosses grow all year round. That is why Ireland was at some point given the nickname “the Emerald Isle”. The months from May to September are considered the best time to travel to Ireland. The great thing about Ireland is that even in high season it is never oppressively hot, so you can always be active – the island weather is mild throughout.
Nature lovers will hardly be able to get enough of Ireland, as the numerous national parks invite you to hike and explore.
Apart from hiking, Ireland is also ideal for surfing, for example. If you don’t want to throw yourself into the waves, you can venture on a trip to Mullaghmore in Northern Ireland, where you can marvel at huge waves and real surfing pros.
But Ireland offers much more than lush green landscapes and dreamy towns. It is a country full of natural wonders: in the far north of the island, with a little luck, you can watch the northern lights, and along some stretches of coast you can even marvel at bioluminescence in the sea. Who else can say they have witnessed two such unique and incredible natural wonders on a “simple” English course?
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Impressions of the Emerald Isle
Sights and culture
The most beautiful places in Ireland
Anyone who comes to Ireland has a great choice of historic sights combined with modern culture. There are numerous castles, ruins, palaces and architecture to visit.
Dublin
Dublin is the capital of Ireland and lies on the east coast of the island.
When people hear Dublin, they probably think first of Irish pub culture, the unmistakable Irish music and, of course, the birthplace of Guinness.
In recent years, however, Dublin has become a popular travel destination. The city is rather small and manageable in size but has at least as much to offer as other European capitals.
Thanks to the many visitors from all kinds of countries, the city offers a lively mix of cultures that guarantees an eventful and exciting stay.
Among the picturesque, narrow, cobbled streets there is now modern architecture and chic restaurants to admire. Wherever you look, tradition meets modernity.
Dublin’s centre lies around the 400-year-old Trinity College. From there you can head towards the government district, take a walk in one of the beautiful parks or stroll through the chic shopping district around Grafton Street.
The Temple Bar district is ideal for all night owls who fancy pubs with traditional live Irish music. Don’t worry if you don’t know the Irish songs – the bands and the atmosphere in the pubs will make sure you end up singing along anyway.
If you move a little further out of the centre into the surrounding districts, it quickly becomes quieter and you can easily escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Cork
The city of Cork lies in the south-west of Ireland. The university city, with around 120,000 inhabitants, offers a wide range of leisure and cultural activities. The city centre is cosy and stands out for its beautiful architecture, nestled among rolling hills and the channels of the River Lee.
Cork is the ideal place to learn English – the city’s residents have a gentle lilt in their English pronunciation and are also known for their great hospitality. Cork also has an exceptionally wide choice of language schools with all kinds of courses for young and old.
Cork and the surrounding area are the perfect destination for nature lovers, because here you can experience one of Ireland’s famous natural wonders up close: bioluminescence can be seen along some stretches of the coast. There is also the option of a night-time kayak tour on Lough Hyne. In this special lake of salt and fresh water, you can watch the glowing plankton up close in the right season.
There are lots of other places to explore around Cork – this is easy to organise on the free weekends during the language course.
Galway
The city of Galway lies on the west coast of Ireland on the shores of Galway Bay. Since 2017, anyone who hears Galway probably thinks first of the song “Galway Girl” by the British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. The song is a pop song with influences of Irish folk music – a declaration of love to Ireland and the city of Galway.
Galway is a colourful and lively student city, full of artistic flair and fantastic food.
Galway owes its nickname “City of Equals” to the many different cultures that live there together in harmony. The city, which is very conscious of its traditions and celebrates Irish music and history, is made unique by its mix with modern bohemian influences.
The small city is full of hip cafés, little bistros and first-class restaurants. In the many lively pubs you can drink home-brewed craft beer and listen to traditional Irish music.
Galway is also the setting for various festivals every summer: the International Arts Festival, the Galway Film Fleadh and the Galway International Oyster Festival. From gourmet food to unusual performance art, there is something for everyone.
The city has a special aura and so attracts all kinds of people. Anyone considering a language holiday in this lively coastal city should prepare for a feast of cultural and artistic diversity!
Limerick
Limerick lies in the south-west of Ireland; above all, the university city impresses with its authenticity. Tourism plays a smaller role here, and Limerick is still one of the island’s true hidden gems.
A less touristy place in particular offers the opportunity to make more personal contacts and friendships with locals – the perfect basis for making a language holiday unforgettable.
From here you can ideally explore the breathtaking west coast: the Cliffs of Moher, the barren, rocky landscape of the Burren and the Aran Islands to the north are all less than an hour’s drive away.
Belfast
With us, you can also discover Northern Ireland, as we also arrange unique language courses in Belfast. The city has become a real insider tip and a trendy metropolis for city breaks.
You quickly feel at home among its historic buildings. Belfast also has a lot to offer in terms of food and culture. Keep your eyes open for markets, workshops, bars, restaurants and pubs – Northern Irish and international delicacies await on many corners.
Another special feature is the “street art” scene: on every corner you discover one of the political artworks. You will find most of the murals in the Falls and Shankill districts.
If you are in Northern Ireland for a language stay, you should not miss visiting some of the filming locations of the famous TV series “Game of Thrones”. It is also worth paying a visit to the Titanic Museum in Belfast – the “unsinkable” Titanic was built here.
Impressions of Irish cities
Have we sparked your interest in Ireland’s most beautiful cities?
We offer free, independent advice when planning your language holiday in Ireland. Make use of our expertise and our many years of experience with Irish language schools.
Advantages of a language holiday in Ireland
- There is a wide range of different language schools in Ireland, so we can easily find the right language course for you.
- The teachers at our partner schools are professionally trained native English speakers who teach with a great deal of experience, attentiveness and, above all, enthusiasm.
- Thanks to the special hospitality and communicativeness of the Irish people, you will perfect your English quickly and almost without noticing.
- Are you interested in historical legends, modern art, delicious food or simply a trip into nature? Ireland is a beautiful, varied country and offers suitable activities alongside the language course for every type of traveller.
- The Irish language schools offer language courses for all levels, and students can often take part in great sports alongside their lessons.
