About Us
Active Language Learning is a family-run, boutique English language school in Dún Laoghaire, a beautiful and vibrant coastal town just minutes from Dublin city centre. Renowned for its warm welcome, personal approach, and high academic standards, our school offers students a truly immersive learning experience in one of Ireland’s most scenic seaside locations.
Since 1989, we have been welcoming students from all over the world to learn English in Ireland while enjoying an authentic Irish cultural experience. Founded by Kay Mahon and now led by her sons Kieron and Brian Mahon, alongside a dedicated and highly experienced team, we remain proudly family-owned and committed to excellence in teaching, student welfare, and customer service.
As an EAQUALS-accredited English language school, we guarantee the highest standards in academic delivery for both adult and young learners. Our courses are carefully designed to combine effective language development with confidence-building communication skills, all within a supportive and friendly environment.
We are also proud co-founders of ELE-Ireland, a quality-endorsed group of Ireland’s leading language schools. This reflects our commitment to excellence at every stage of the student journey—from the classroom and accommodation to pastoral care and beyond.
At Active Language Learning, we don’t just teach English—we create memorable experiences, lasting friendships, and genuine connections with Irish life and culture.
Our School
Welcome to Active Language Learning – where study meets the sea
Located in the heart of Dún Laoghaire, just 20 minutes by train from Dublin city centre, our year-round English language school enjoys one of the most attractive and lively coastal settings in the capital.
Our modern, purpose-built building spans three bright and spacious floors, with 15 fully equipped classrooms, full lift access, and a range of comfortable social and study spaces. Designed with student comfort in mind, the school combines high-quality learning facilities with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
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 table tennis or foosball, or settle in for a movie.
On the top floor, the Student Lounge offers tea, coffee, snack machines and full kitchen facilities, opening out onto our stunning Rooftop Terrace with sweeping views of Dublin Bay—perfect for enjoying the fresh sea air and unwinding after class.
With free Wi-Fi throughout, quiet study zones, and dedicated male and female bathroom suites on each floor, every detail of Active Language Learning is designed to help 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
Academic Team
Teacher
James
Academic Team
Teacher
Anna
Academic Team
Teacher
Vinny
Academic Team
Teacher
Joanne
Academic Team
Teacher
Jamie
Academic Team
Teacher
Noel
Academic Team
Teacher
Stephen
Academic Team
Teacher
Anastasia
Academic Team
Teacher
James
Academic Team
Teacher
Anna
Academic Team
Teacher
Vinny
Academic Team
Teacher
Joanne
Academic Team
Teacher
Jamie
Academic Team
Teacher
Noel
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.
