About Us
Active Language Learning is a distinguished family-run English language school located in the picturesque coastal town of Dún Laoghaire, just a short distance from Dublin city centre. Our boutique-style school is recognised for its professional yet welcoming atmosphere, set against one of Ireland’s most scenic and vibrant backdrops.
Since 1989, we have had the privilege of welcoming students from across the globe to combine high-quality English language learning with an authentic Irish cultural experience.
Founded by Kay Mahon, the school continues to be guided by her sons, Kieron and Brian Mahon, together with a carefully selected team dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care and professionalism.
As an EAQUALS accredited institution, we are proud to deliver exceptional English language courses for both adults and younger learners. Academic excellence lies at the heart of our work, complemented by a strong focus on student welfare and individual support.
As co-founders of ELE-Ireland, we are committed to upholding the highest standards throughout every aspect of the student journey—from the classroom to accommodation and beyond
Our School
Welcome to Active Language Learning in the heart of Dún Laoghaire – where study meets the sea.
Just 20 minutes by train from Dublin city centre, our year-round school is ideally located in one of Dublin’s most attractive and lively coastal suburbs.
Our modern, purpose-built building spans three bright and spacious floors, featuring 15 fully equipped classrooms and full lift access. Designed with student comfort in mind, the school combines high-quality learning facilities with welcoming social spaces.
Students love our Chill-Out Area, a lively hub where they can relax between classes, connect with friends, browse our library, play musical instruments, enjoy a game of table tennis or foosball, or settle in for a movie.
On the top floor, our Student Lounge offers tea, coffee, snack machines, and kitchen facilities including a fridge, microwave, and kettle. This space opens out onto our stunning Rooftop Terrace, where students can take in sweeping views of Dublin Bay while enjoying the fresh sea air—a favourite spot for many to unwind.
The school also offers free Wi-Fi throughout, with quiet study zones available for independent learning. For convenience, each floor is equipped with dedicated male and female bathroom suites.
At Active Language Learning, every detail of our environment is designed to make students feel comfortable, connected, and inspired—both inside the classroom and beyond
Our Location
We are very proud of our location, and with good reason. Dun Laoghaire is widely recognised as one of Ireland’s most attractive seaside towns—ask any Irish person and they will agree!
Our school is situated in the very heart of Dun Laoghaire, just a short walk from everything the town has to offer. Only 15 minutes from Dublin city centre, Dun Laoghaire (pronounced Don Liri) combines the charm, safety, and tranquillity of a coastal town with the convenience of easy access to the capital.
Living and studying here, students enjoy the best of both worlds: the relaxed atmosphere of a small town alongside the vibrant culture of Dublin. Trains depart for the city every 10–15 minutes, giving students the opportunity to experience its museums, shops, and world-famous Irish hospitality.
Dun Laoghaire and its surroundings are also rich in cultural heritage. Highlights include the James Joyce Museum at the Sandycove Martello Tower—immortalised in the opening chapter of Ulysses—Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre, the National Maritime Museum of Ireland, and numerous archaeological sites nearby. For those who love the outdoors, there are excellent opportunities for hillwalking, horse riding, golfing, and other activities set against spectacular natural scenery.
In addition, the town itself offers a wide range of amenities including shops, shopping centres, cafés, restaurants, pubs, a cinema, a theatre, and one of Europe’s most modern public libraries.
Our Team
Academic Team
Teacher
James
Academic Team
Teacher
Anna
Academic Team
Teacher
Vinny
Academic Team
Teacher
Joanne
Academic Team
Teacher
Jamie
Academic Team
Teacher
Noel
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Academic Team
Teacher
Stephen
Academic Team
Teacher
Anastasia
Accreditations
Quality is the heart of everything we do at Active Language Learning. Our focus is on practical classes where students learn to use real-world English. Our teachers are all highly qualified, experienced and carefully selected.
We have a very simple philosophy at ALL – We want our students to learn real-life English and to be able to communicate naturally and fluently. Group classes in the school have a strong speaking focus, and even when studying grammar, students will have lots of opportunities to use their English to talk to each other.
Our courses are recognised by Accreditation and Coordination of English Language Services (ACELS), a service of Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), for English language teaching (ELT).
We are proud to be accredited members of Eaquals, a European organisation which advocates and provides training for quality language schools. We are founding members of Irelands newest unique quality organisation, ELE Ireland (www.ele-ireland.ie), ensuring your student’s English course and fees are protected throughout your stay.
