For parents
English in Ireland, planned for your child
Summer camps, mini-stays and school trips with The Linguaviva Centre — a small Dublin school, founded in 1977, where someone is actually looking after the day.
Why this page exists
This page is for parents looking at a short, personal English experience in Ireland: a summer camp, a mini-stay, or a school trip. The Linguaviva Centre is the school we are featuring — boutique, small groups, and a team that knows the student’s name.
Your child is looked after
The points below come from Linguaviva’s own junior and accommodation pages. We have not added rules they do not publish.
Staff stay with the programme
On Viva Junior CELTS, Linguaviva includes tuition, the activity programme, weekly excursions and supervision by staff. The day is structured: English in the morning, then activities and a full-day educational trip each week.
Under-16s are not left at the airport
Their junior overview says students under 16 who are not with a group leader are accompanied to the airport check-in, and any necessary documents are signed by a trusted representative of The Linguaviva Centre.
Host families are chosen and checked
Linguaviva says families are very carefully selected, and that accommodation is inspected and monitored on an ongoing basis by their Accommodation Officer. Their published terms also say host families are regularly Garda vetted.
The right age, on the right campus
Family programme for ages 7–11 in small international classes. Viva Junior CELTS for ages 12–16 at Loreto Abbey in coastal Dalkey. Young adult programme for ages 17–23 at the city-centre campus, in classes of up to 12.
Which programme fits
Family, ages 7–11
Small international classes, projects and games, kept age-appropriate. Parents can join morning adult classes or take the day in the city. Linguaviva describes Dalkey as an easy coastal village a short DART ride away.
Viva Junior CELTS, ages 12–16
At Loreto Abbey, Dalkey — on the coast, about 30–35 minutes by DART from the city centre. For individuals and groups. Morning English linked to sport, culture and a handpicked full-day trip each week. Staff supervision is included.
Young adult, ages 17–23
At the city-centre campus, separate from the 12–16 Dalkey summer school. Small groups, maximum 12 in a class, plus a social programme and a designated programme coordinator.
A school that has been here since 1977
The Linguaviva Centre is independently owned and boutique. The adult school sits in Dublin’s Georgian heartland on Leeson Street, a walk from St Stephen’s Green. Decades of teaching, small classes, and personal attention — that is the feeling parents are buying, not a brand-new pop-up.
See both campuses
Adult school tour — 45 Leeson Street, Dublin 2 Junior summer campus — Loreto Abbey, Dalkey
The first film is the adult school at 45 Leeson Street. The second is the junior summer campus at Loreto Abbey, Dalkey.
What real people have said
Google review text isn’t available to show right now. We won’t invent any. The notes below are from the school’s own website, clearly labelled.
On Linguaviva’s website
Giovanni, Ingrid and Maéva wrote these on linguaviva.com. They are not Google reviews, and they are not labelled as junior-only. Names and countries are theirs.
“I’ve spent almost 3 months in the school and I can proudly say it’s been one of the best experiences of my life. The staff are really helpful and friendly. The teachers are the best: Martin and Caroline were able to make every lesson different from the other, keeping them enjoyable and interesting every single day. I would recommend this experience to everyone: you will surely improve your English and make many new true friends.”
Giovanni Gori, Italy — linguaviva.com
“Had an amazing experience as a Linguaviva student. The staff and teachers are amazing, and make you feel like home. Would recommend this school to anyone who would like to meet people from all over the world, share nice moments and learn English.”
Ingrid, Germany — linguaviva.com
“I studied English there for the last four months and I think it's the best experience of my life so far. Everyone is nice, friendly and there is always someone to help us. I really recommend this school!”
Maéva Barbier, France — linguaviva.com
Looking at a longer adult course?
The adult school profile is separate. It covers the Leeson Street campus. Junior dates and supervision stay on this page.