English Courses in Galway
Overview
Why Study English in Ireland?
The warmth of the Irish welcome is legendary, and it extends into the pubs, clubs and restaurants where the visitor will find chat and “craic.” Culturally, Ireland offers a rich and respected history in literature, music and the arts. Seamus Heaney, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, W.B. Yeats, U2, and Kodaline are all Irish.For an island with a population of just 4.5 million, the Irish culture and way of life has travelled far and wide. It is possible to read Beckett in Paris, watch “Riverdance” in Beijing, and drink Guinness anywhere in the world. This vibrant cultural tradition means that a language student will always have something fun and exciting to do during in Ireland and will ensure lots of opportunities for language practice.
Why Study English in Galway?
Galway is an attractive study destination because of its top quality educational institutions, its location on the Wild Atlantic Way on the west coast of Ireland, its warm welcome and its hospitality. Its cultural heart, eco-friendly environment, enthusiasm for sports and many festivals and events attracts students, tourists and investment from all over the world.
More facts about Galway
- Galway was ranked as Financial Times Number 1 Micro European city of the future 2016/17
- Galway was the winner of the EU’s prestigious European Green Leaf Environmental Award 2016 as Europe’s most environmentally friendly small city
- Galway is Ireland’s leading medical device cluster with companies such as Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Creganna, Merit Medical and Novate
- Galway is home to some of the world’s leading IT companies such as Cisco, Hewlett Packard, SAP, EA Games and Avaya
- Galway is a culture capital with more than 30 festivals per year and an ideal location for the sports enthusiast
- Galway was voted World’s Friendliest city by US Travel & Leisure Magazine 2015
- Galway is a Distinguished European city of Gastronomy for 2018 and the European Capital of Culture for 2020
Language Schools and Camps in this Destination
In Galway, Marshall Language Services also works with the following schools:
- Atlantic Language Galway (English Courses for Adults, Teens, and Families)
- International House Galway (English Courses for Adults and Teens)
- Bridge Mills Galway Language Centre (English Courses for Adults and Teachers)
Images of Galway, Ireland
Things to Do and See During a Vacation Study
Shop for some traditional Celtic jewelry in Thomas Dillon’s shop
In the shop, Jonathan Margetts is an expert on the history of the Claddagh Ring, Ireland’s most famous traditional ring. The rings were originally made in the shop, which dates back to 1750.
Savor the tastes of Ireland
From fabulous farmhouse Irish cheeses at Sheridan’s to the irresistible McCambridge’s food emporium– there is something for every taste in Galway. No visit is complete without visiting the family-owned Griffin’s Bakery (going strong since 1876 and now in its fifth generation) for their unbeatable breads.
Experience a musical medieval church
Packed with curious corners and ancient tombs, Ireland’s largest medieval parish church, St Nicholas’s Collegiate Church, was built in 1320. These days, the traditional “Irish Tunes in the Church” feature the rector on his concert flute on summer nights. The weekend Galway Market just beside it, too.
Walk down Kirwan’s Lane
The lane itself is named after one of Galway’s 14 Tribes, the Kirwans, who helped build the city into a bustling center of industry in the 1500s. It’s said to be one of five existing medieval lanes out of a former 14 in the City of Tribes. A highlight of the current Kirwan’s Lane is Judy Green’s Pottery studio where Ms. Green can be seen working away.
Listen to Traditional music on Quay Street
Quay Street is home to most of the pubs, restaurants and cafes in Galway. It also has the best selection of live traditional music in bars such as The Quays, Tigh Neachtain and The Spanish Arch Hotel Bar. The visitor can sit in on a sessiún and enjoy the sounds of the bodhráns and banjos.
Visit the Spanish Arch
A true Galway icon, the Spanish Arch was built in 1584 and overlooks the River Corrib. The arches were used to access the quays from the town when Galway was a walled city, and this is all that remains. Nearby, The Spanish Arch Hotel on the bustling Quay Street is the perfect spot to enjoy a locally brewed beer and some people watching from its outdoor seating.
Go on a walking tour of the city
A walking tour will visit most of the city’s iconic sights, including the Galway Cathedral, Eyre Square and the Spanish Arch.
See the Galway Hooker boats
The Galway Hooker is a traditional fishing boat developed in the 18th century. Many of the boats have been restored by Hooker enthusiasts and can be seen during a festival in Kinvara. There’s also a locally brewed craft beer sharing the name, which can be found in many pubs in Galway and all over Ireland.
Take a cruise on the River Corrib
A cruise on the Corrib Princess glides out from Galway city into waterways surrounded by the lush green countryside. The boat will sail by ancient castles, ruins and Ireland’s famously beautiful landscape. On board, the visitor can taste an unbelievable Irish coffee.
Visit the Aran Islands
For a glimpse of the real Gaelic Ireland, a visit to the Aran Islands is a must. They sit on the very edge of western Europe, just off the coast of Galway and draw visitors from far and wide to see their unique beauty, culture, history and heritage. So spellbinding are these islands that they have been ranked as number 7 in the top island destinations in the world by National Geographic.
Galway Festivals
February
o Galway International Rally
o Tedfest on the Aran Islands
March
o St. Patrick’s Day
o Galway Food Festival
o Connemara Pony Show
April
o Cuirt International Poetry Festival
o Half Marathon- Aran Islands
May
o Early Music Festival
June
o National Five-a-Side Football
o Galway Sessions
July
o Galway Film Fleadh
o Galway Arts Festival
o Macnas Parade
o Galway Races
August
o Galway Umbro Cup
o Criunniu na mbad
o Galway City Marathon
o Galway Races Autumn
o Galway Summer Rally
September
o Clarenbridge Oyster Festival
o Clifden Community Arts Festival
o International Oyster Festival
October
o Ballinasloe International Horse Fair
o Galway Bay Mini-Marathon
o Galway Jazz Festival
o Baboro International Arts Festival
o Macnas Halloween Parade
November
o Tulca Festival of Visual Arts
December
o Galway Christmas Market
How to Arrive at your Language Course
The easiest way to get from Dublin or Shannon airports to Galway is by bus, a method which is cheap and efficient (20 Euros or less). Buses from Dublin airport are operated by two different companies (Citylink and Bus Eireann) and run at least every half hour, almost all day. The journey lasts 2.5 – 3 hours and is direct from the first stop at Dublin Airport to the last stop, the Galway Coach Station, in the center of the city. The buses are equipped with free WIFI.
From Shannon airport to Galway, there is a bus operated by Bus Eireann (1.5 hours’ journey).