ATC has been teaching English since 1973 — over 50 years. The Dublin school sits near St Stephen's Green on South William Street, and there's a second campus in Bray, about 30 minutes south of the city. Both run adult courses year-round, and ATC also operates one of the largest junior summer programme networks in Ireland, with 8 campus locations.
All courses carry QQI approval for English Language Teaching, and ATC holds accreditation from ACELS, EAQUALS, MEI, Quality English, and Select Ireland. That's a thorough set of credentials — EAQUALS in particular has strict criteria that fewer Irish schools meet. Teachers are fully qualified and the curriculum is designed around communicative competence rather than grammar drilling alone.
ATC welcomes more than 60 nationalities annually. The schedule is flexible: 15, 20, or 26 hours per week depending on your needs, with free extra classes in listening, speaking, business English, and pronunciation included at most levels.
Why students choose ATC
Over 50 years in operation
ATC opened in 1973. With that kind of history, the systems that newer schools still figure out — placement testing, accommodation, course transfers — tend to work reliably here.
EAQUALS accreditation
EAQUALS sets stringent standards for language schools across Europe. Not all Irish schools qualify. Holding EAQUALS accreditation alongside ACELS and MEI places ATC among the more formally vetted options in Dublin.
Flexible weekly hours
Choose 15, 20, or 26 hours per week. Morning and afternoon options are available. The intensive 26-hour schedule runs mornings Monday through Friday plus afternoons on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Free extra classes included
Listening and speaking, business English, and pronunciation workshops are offered free on top of your core timetable. These smaller sessions are a practical way to work on specific weaknesses without extra cost.
Dublin and Bray campuses
The Dublin school is near St Stephen's Green. The Bray campus gives students a different experience — a coastal town with a more relaxed pace, 30 minutes from the city by DART. Some students specifically prefer it.
Large junior summer programme
ATC runs junior programmes at 8 campuses across Ireland each summer. For families or groups with students under 18, it's one of the most established options in the country.
Course options
Facilities
Accommodation options
Dublin homestay
Half-board with a local Irish family Monday to Friday, full board at weekends. All families are inspected by ATC's accommodation manager and Garda vetted. Adults are not placed with another student of the same nationality unless requested.
Dublin student residence
Single en-suite rooms in a residence 30 minutes' walk from school. Shared kitchen and living areas, cinema room, gym, social spaces, and a café on site.
Bray homestay
Same terms as Dublin. Half-board Monday to Friday, full board at weekends. Garda-vetted families, inspected by ATC's accommodation team.
Bray residences and apartments
School-managed accommodation within walking distance of the Bray campus. Single and twin rooms with en-suite or private bathrooms and shared kitchen and living areas.
Interested in ATC Dublin? We'll help you enrol and sort accommodation — for free.
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