A language school in Dublin, Ireland, to improve your English
Linguaviva in Dublin: learning English in a charming school right in the centre
The Linguaviva Centre is an independent “boutique” school in the heart of Dublin city centre, at 45 Lower Leeson Street. Founded in 1977, it is the oldest language school in Dublin, with more than 45 years of experience.
Easy immersion in local life
The school is in a central Georgian setting, within walking distance of St Stephen's Green, with cultural venues and transport on its doorstep. Its Viva Social Club offers walking tours of Dublin, museums, a weekly market, visits to attractions and weekend excursions, for example to the Cliffs of Moher or Belfast.
Courses available
Courses
Flexible start dates
English for Professionals
From300,00 EUR/ week
1 to 24 weeks
Age
from 17 years
Class
6 students on average
Start date
Starts every Monday
This course at The Linguaviva Centre
A course for people who already work in English or are preparing to, focused on communication in today's workplace. Classes are small and speaking takes centre stage, around professional themes: leadership, management, presentations and meetings.
Each week the group produces a joint piece in English (a presentation, an audio guide, a blog or a round table), then builds a digital portfolio of its skills. The week closes with a networking coffee to exchange contacts with participants from around the world.
Flexible start dates
General English & Culture
From225,00 EUR/ week
1 to 36 weeks
Age
from 17 years
Class
11 students on average
Start date
Starts every Monday
This course at The Linguaviva Centre
A morning course working on speaking, listening comprehension, reading and writing, with speaking as the main aim. Grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation are taught in parallel, and contemporary Irish culture serves as the thread.
Classes are international and small. The course includes a placement test, weekly one-to-one tutoring, regular assessment, a certificate and access to the Viva Social Club (cultural and sports activities, outings).
Flexible start dates
General English & Culture Afternoon
From155,00 EUR/ week
1 to 36 weeks
Age
from 17 years
Class
11 students on average
Start date
Starts every Monday
This course at The Linguaviva Centre
A general English and culture course given in the afternoon, using a skills-based approach where listening, reading, writing and speaking are worked on together. Speaking remains the main aim for most students.
It suits those who work part-time or want to travel in Europe thanks to extended weekends. Grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation are taught while exploring contemporary Dublin culture, and students can join the weekly Viva Social Club activities.
See the 7 other coursesCollapse the list
Flexible start dates
English for Special Purposes (20h/sem)
From500,00 EUR/ week
1 to 8 weeks
Age
from 17 years
Class
11 students on average
Start date
Starts every Monday
This course at The Linguaviva Centre
A programme for professionals who need job-specific English: the morning general English and culture course is complemented in the afternoon by a specialist module (aviation, aeronautical engineering, health, beauty or the military sector, for example).
Each pathway starts with an online interview before arrival and is built around agreed goals; it is led by professional English teachers. A networking coffee closes each week.
Flexible start dates
English for Special Purposes (25h/sem)
From730,00 EUR/ week
1 to 8 weeks
Age
from 17 years
Class
11 students on average
Start date
Starts every Monday
This course at The Linguaviva Centre
The most demanding version of the specialist English programme: the morning course is joined in the afternoon by a module on the vocabulary and situations of a specific sector, chosen with the school before arrival.
The school regularly welcomes participants sent by large European companies. The programme includes a placement test, a needs analysis, regular assessment, a certificate and access to the Viva Social Club.
Flexible start dates
Work & Study AM
From168,00 EUR/ week
25 weeks
Age
from 17 years
Start date
Starts every Monday
This course at The Linguaviva Centre
A programme for students from outside the European Union: a several-month English course, linked to a visa that allows part-time work during term and full-time work in some holiday periods.
The school supports the visa process, work preparation and interviews. Here, classes take place in the morning. The programme includes a placement test, support classes, regular assessment, a certificate and access to the Viva Social Club.
Flexible start dates
Work & Study PM
From130,00 EUR/ week
25 weeks
Age
from 17 years
Start date
Starts every Monday
This course at The Linguaviva Centre
The same study-and-work format for students from outside the European Union, with classes in the afternoon: mornings stay free, for example for part-time work.
The associated visa allows work during the programme within the limits set by regulations; the school helps with the visa application and job search. A placement test, support classes, a certificate and access to the Viva Social Club are included.
Flexible start dates
Family Programme
From651,00 EUR/ week
1 to 5 weeks
Start date
Starts every Monday
This course at The Linguaviva Centre
A summer programme for children aged seven to eleven, in small international classes. Confidence and communication come first, through lively projects, games and activities around Dublin and Ireland, led by teachers who adapt lessons to the children's age.
While the children attend their classes, parents can take the morning adult courses or enjoy the city. The stay continues with a visit to Dalkey, a coastal village a short DART ride from the centre, with its cliffs, islands, swimming spots and castle, and a course completion certificate is given.
Flexible start dates
Young Adult Homestay
From936,00 EUR/ week
1 to 5 weeks
Class
max. 12
Start date
Starts every Monday
This course at The Linguaviva Centre
A summer programme for young people aged sixteen to nineteen, discovering the Irish capital in international classes of twelve students at most, on the city-centre campus. It combines English classes with a varied social programme.
The package covers transfers, a public transport card and course materials; homestay accommodation is included. The stay ends with a course completion certificate, and departures take place every Monday.
Flexible start dates
Young Adult Residence
From1.026,00 EUR/ week
1 to 5 weeks
Class
max. 12
Start date
Starts every Monday
This course at The Linguaviva Centre
A summer programme for young people aged sixteen to nineteen, in international classes of twelve students at most, on the city-centre campus, with a varied social programme. Here, young people live in residence rather than in a homestay.
The package includes transfers, a public transport card and course materials, then three afternoons of activities, one full day and one evening, with a designated programme coordinator. A course completion certificate is given at the end of the stay.
Accommodation available
Accommodation
Host family
Minimum age
17 years
Rooms
Single room
Bathroom
Shared bathroom
This accommodation at The Linguaviva Centre
Most often a single room, with an Irish family carefully chosen in the residential areas of south Dublin. The accommodation is inspected and monitored regularly by the school's accommodation manager.
Available on half board or full board. On half board, breakfast and dinner are served on weekdays, with a light lunch at weekends; on full board, a packed lunch is added each midday. Sheets and towels are provided, Wi-Fi is included, and the families are twenty-five to fifty minutes from the school by public transport.
Half board Host family stay, half board: breakfast and dinner on weekdays, light lunch at weekends. Meals : Half board
Full board Host family stay, full board: breakfast, packed lunch and dinner every day.
Viva Residence
Minimum age
18 years
Bathroom
Shared bathroom
Meals
No meals
This accommodation at The Linguaviva Centre
The Viva residence, run directly by the school's team, is three minutes' walk from the building. Its rooms have two beds, some with private bathroom and others with shared bathroom; a few can be occupied by one person only.
It is a self-catering option: the equipped kitchen and lounge are shared, with oven, hobs and microwave, and Wi-Fi, electricity and water are included. Sheets are provided, towels must be brought, and a residence manager is on site. People travelling together can book a twin room.
Double room Self-catering student residence, a 3-minute walk (210 metres) from the school. Twin rooms, some with a private bathroom, others with a shared bathroom. Rooms : Double room
Single room Rooms : Single room
Ardcairn House
Self-catering single rooms with a private bathroom in an 8-bed apartment, 30 minutes by bus from the school (lines E1 or 37). 24-hour security.
Minimum age
18 years
Rooms
Single room
Bathroom
Private bathroom
Meals
No meals
This accommodation at The Linguaviva Centre
A self-catering residence in the Smithfield district, run by a student housing provider. You have a single room with private bathroom, in a shared flat with other students.
The building offers a gym, study spaces, a cinema room, a rooftop terrace and round-the-clock security. A direct bus serves the school; arrivals are on Saturdays or Sundays.
Family Programme Accommodation - Dublin
Host family stay, full board — described on the school's website as 'full board homestay' for the Family Programme.
accommodation included in the package
Rooms
Single room
Bathroom
Shared bathroom
Meals
Full board
This accommodation at The Linguaviva Centre
For the Family programme, accommodation is a homestay on full board, included in the package, in a single room with shared bathroom.
Breakfast, a packed lunch and dinner are provided every day. The school's page presents Dalkey, a coastal village linked to the centre by DART, as a calm, safe base close to cafes and restaurants suited to families.
Young Adult Homestay - Dublin
Host family stay, half board: breakfast and dinner on weekdays, light lunch at weekends.
accommodation included in the package
Rooms
Single room
Bathroom
Shared bathroom
Meals
Half board
This accommodation at The Linguaviva Centre
For young people on the Young Adult programme, homestay is included in the package: a single room with shared bathroom, with a family carefully chosen in south Dublin.
The option is half board: breakfast and dinner on weekdays, light lunch at weekends. Sheets and towels are provided, and the family does laundry each week.
Young Adult Residence - Dublin
accommodation included in the package
Rooms
Single room
Bathroom
Shared bathroom
Meals
Half board
This accommodation at The Linguaviva Centre
For the Young Adult programme, a residence in Dublin, Highfield House, with a single room and shared bathroom, included in the package. Transfer and a public transport card are part of the package.
The option is half board. It is offered with the Young Adult programme, whose students attend classes at the city-centre campus.
Transfers offered
Transfers
Airport Transfer Dublin (DUB)
Type : All types
Everything about The Linguaviva Centre
A modern, well-organised place to study
The morning classes have 15 students at most, for an average of 10 to 12 students per class. The school takes few students at a time, from a wide range of countries, and offers individual follow-up: tutorials, help with exam preparation and extra weekly pronunciation classes. Students learn the language in context, with an important place given to Dublin's culture and history.
Why choose this school?
Linguaviva is accredited by ACELS, a member of Quality English and English Education Ireland, and a Trinity College London Validated Course Provider. It is also affiliated with MEI and Select Ireland.
At a glance
Starting price
from €155 per week of classes (General English & Culture Afternoon, 25 weeks minimum) — Fees for 2027 checked on 18 October 2026
Accommodation
Homestay, single room, half board; Homestay, single room, full board; Residence, single room, no meals; Residence, double room, no meals
Accreditations
ACELS, MEI RELSA, Quality English
Practical information
Address
45 Lower Leeson Street, D02 AH72, Dublin, Ireland
Area
The Georgian heart of Dublin, on the leafy Lower Leeson Street campus
Getting there
Within walking distance of St Stephen's Green
Class size
6 to 11 students on average, 15 at most
School closures
from 21/12/26 to 10/01/27, 01/02/27, 17/03/27, 29/03/27, 03/05/27, 07/06/27, 02/08/27, 25/10/27, from 20/12/27 to 09/01/28
ACELSAccreditation and Coordination of English Language Services
EEI (anciennement MEI RELSA)English Education Ireland
Quality English
Accreditations and labels: ACELS, MEI RELSA, Quality English.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a stay at The Linguaviva Centre cost?
From €155 per week of classes (General English & Culture Afternoon, 25 weeks minimum). Budget for 2 weeks: €1,400. Budget for 4 weeks: €2,410. Includes: course: General English & Culture; accommodation: homestay, single room, half board; fees (registration, file, accommodation); return transfer (Airport Transfer Dublin (DUB)). Sample start date: 11 January 2027, outside peak season. Fees for 2027 checked on 18 October 2026.
What is the minimum age to study at The Linguaviva Centre?
The minimum age is 17 years.
What accommodation does The Linguaviva Centre offer?
Accommodation offered: Homestay, single room, half board (from €260 per week); Homestay, single room, full board (from €280 per week); Residence, single room, no meals (from €350 per week); Residence, double room, no meals (from €260 per week). Fees for 2027 checked on 18 October 2026.
When do courses start at The Linguaviva Centre in 2027?
Courses start on Mondays: 44 start dates in 2027, from 4 January 2027 to 13 December 2027.
