Cactus Language Blog

Cactus Opinion: A Taste of English in Ireland

Posted by Sarah under Cactus Staff Opinion

Stephanie Bon, Language Travel Advisor for Cactus Language, tells us about her visit to our English language schools in Ireland: Galway, Dublin & Cork (Feb 07)

Before I visited Ireland earlier this year, my idea of it was very stereotypical: I thought it was going to be grey and rainy, with unfriendly people speaking to me with an English accent that I wouldn’t understand. I had such a big surprise when I got there, because I loved it instantly.

My first stop was Galway, on the East Coast, and I thought to myself as I arrived in the main square that I could just move there without thinking about it twice. There are some cities where you feel at home straight away and Galway is one of them. I only stayed there a couple of days but the people I met, from the school staff to the host family I stayed with, took such good care of me that I didn’t want to leave.

The centre of Galway is a lovely maze of pedestrian streets full of shops, little restaurants and great pubs where you meet the friendliest people. The town is lively and the population is quite young, but not in a crazy way, more in a warm and welcoming way. The school is located right by the sea, between Galway’s town centre and its seaside resort Salthill, what better setting to learn English? Galway is a place where you will definitely have fun, make friends and want to go back!

English courses in Galway: http://www.cactuslanguage.com/en/languages/english/ireland/galway.php

Next during my trip was Dublin. I come from a medium sized town and am not really keen on big cities or capitals so was a bit worried that I was not going to like it. Again, I was surprised as I discovered a vibrant city with plenty to offer but in which you don’t feel lost. Contrary to what one may think, it is possible to walk around pretty much everywhere in the centre of Dublin (providing you do like walking!), and if you don’t like walking, there is a great bus and tram service.

Dublin Central School is right in the centre by the famous pedestrian Temple Bar area, home to dozens of restaurants and pubs; as well as only a short walk away from the shopping area if that’s more your thing.

Dublin Kildare School is only minutes away from all that, and beneficiates from much more spacious facilities, by being further away from the centre where buildings are slightly more glued together.

And if you like greenery and space instead of the hustle and bustle of the city, then Dublin Palmerston Park School welcomes you in its lovely settings by Palmerston Park, where you can renew with nature if the garden terrace of the school isn’t enough for you!

Whichever school you choose, and whatever age you are, there is little doubt that you will find Dublin fantastic, whether it’s for its beer, great music scene or history.

English courses in Dublin: http://www.cactuslanguage.com/en/languages/english/ireland/dublin.php

And last but not least, Cork. I only stayed there for one night but wish I could have stayed longer. Again, I only have lovely things to say! Friendly people, welcoming pretty town, lively nightlife, school just minutes away from all this, what more can you ask for?

And if the last doubt in your mind is about the English accent, then don’t hesitate anymore and book you course now, as the accent you will find in Ireland is a lot easier than the one you would be confronted with in North England for example! As a foreigner myself, and even though I have been living in England for a few years, I found it quite neutral and very easy to understand.

In a nutshell, Ireland is a very welcoming country that you won’t want to leave, and a great alternative to studying English in more obvious places like London. It is one of these places that just wins you over in a few days and you just need to go there and give it a chance, and let it conquer you!

English courses in Cork: http://www.cactuslanguage.com/en/languages/english/ireland/cork.php

All English courses in Ireland: http://www.cactuslanguage.com/en/languages/english/ireland.php

Tags:Cork, Dublin, English, English course, Galway, Ireland