Learn English in Belfast

Belfast

Northern Ireland is fast becoming a ‘must-visit’ destination, and the capital city of Belfast is the perfect place to start. Although home to some amazing attractions, such as the poignantly immersive Titanic Experience, Belfast is a relatively new tourist destination and isn’t overrun with visitors, meaning our students are able to experience the true nature of this friendly and affordable city.

Belfast benefits from a natural harbour so it’s no surprise that it has a long history associated with shipbuilding. At one time, thousands of locals were employed by the shipyards, bringing prosperity and skilled workmanship to the local area. Following the second world war, travel by passenger plane grew in popularity, leading to the decline of the industry. Harland and Wolff, perhaps the most famous shipbuilders in history, survived and continue to operate today, with a consortium of the company having recently been granted a contract to manufacture vessels for the Royal Navy. The importance of shipbuilding to the people of Northern Ireland can be explored in the harbour and docks area of Belfast, which has been repurposed and reimagined and is now known as the Titanic Quarter. Here you will find the award-winning Titanic Experience, as well as many beautiful waterfront walks, thought-provoking memorials, eateries, the city’s premier music venue, and many other diverse and creative businesses.

For a different experience, a trip to St George’s market is highly recommended. As one of Belfast’s oldest attractions, visits to St George’s market are regularly included in the school’s activity programme. Only open at Friday to Sunday, the covered market offers everything from fresh fish and continental specialties to antiques and arts and crafts, all to the back drop of live music played by local bands and soloists. The focus of the market varies from day to day, so visitors should check what is likely to be on offer each day to ensure they are able to purchase everything they desire.

In the evening, visitors and locals alike head to the Cathedral Quarter, a maze of cobblestoned streets that now houses vibrant bars, many-a-beer garden, nightclubs and restaurants serving all manner of delicious food. It’s possible to catch a show or peruse an exhibition at the MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre), discover new music at the Oh Yeah Music Centre, or even just enjoy the colourful street art that adorns the area. It’s well worth a visit in the daytime as well to take in the splendour of Belfast Cathedral, with its elaborately carved stonework and colourful stained glass.

Our school is in the University Quarter, also known as Queen’s Quarter, which (unsurprisingly!) is home to Queen’s University. Guided campus tours of the stunning building are available on request, and the Queen's Welcome Centre, which is the official tourist information centre for south Belfast, can also be found here. Just a short walk away are the Botanic Gardens, which boast Palm House, a beautiful Victorian glasshouse that is very similar to the structure of the same name at Kew Gardens; and the Ulster Museum, with its rich collections of art, history and natural sciences. At just a ten-minute walk away from our school, this lush green area provides a tranquil oasis after a busy morning of classes.

No information on Belfast and its surrounding area would be complete without mentioning the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site formed by molten rock and lava, or the handiwork of legendary giant, Finn McCool, depending on your preference for science or folklore! Visits to this world-famous landscape are often included in the school’s weekend excursion programme.

Accommodation

A stay with a host family is a great option for anyone wanting to really immerse themselves in the English language and local culture. Homestay homes in Belfast are located within 20-30 minutes of the school, either on foot or by public transport, and are made up of a mix of couples, single people and families. All are carefully selected to ensure a warm, welcoming, and helpful stay on a half-board basis (breakfast and dinner provided each day). Students can expect a private bedroom with somewhere to store their clothes and a table/desk to use for homework. To ensure complete linguistic immersion, the school never place two students who speak the same language in the same home, ensuring lots of English practise. Standard homestay accommodation includes the use of a shared bathroom. Anyone wishing to have a private bathroom should book Host Family Plus accommodation. All homestays provide Wi-Fi, laundry service (one load per week or full use of laundry facilities), fresh towels and bedding weekly, and a key for easy access.

Students over the age of 18 years also have the possibility to stay in a modern student residence located just 15 minutes’ walk from the language school. Located in the centre of Belfast, amongst amenities like supermarkets, pubs and cafes, the student residence offers en-suite accommodation in private studio apartments. Each studio has its own kitchenette, or residents can use the shared kitchen, or frequent one of the many restaurants in the Cathedral Quarter or the Queen’s Quarter, both of which are just a short stroll away. A light breakfast is also included on weekdays. The residence building, which was new for 2024, offers many great facilities, including Wi-Fi throughout, a communal TV lounge, a gym, and a media room. There is a dedicated social programme for residence inhabitants, aiding natural and real-life language exchanges with native-speaking residents. Although easy to reach most of central Belfast on foot, the residence is near two bus stops making public transport easily accessible, or there is a free bike hire service available.

Activities

Social activities are a great way for students to get to know their fellow course participants, teachers, and the local area, and we strongly encourage everyone to take part in as many outings and events as possible. Each week kicks off with a guided walk around the centre of Belfast, helping new arrivals to acclimatise to their new home. Many afternoon activities, such as walks to Cave Hill, shopping at St George’s Market and visits to Ulster Museum are offered free of charge, with students only paying their own transport and entrance fees when necessary. Some trips, like the Titanic Experience, SKYTrek (high ropes course), and Ulster Folk and Transport Museum have a small fee attached. In the evening our school will arrange Bodhrán (Irish drum) lessons, Irish dancing, nights out, and trips to see local sports teams such as the Belfast Giants (ice hockey) or Ulster Rugby play, while the weekend presents the opportunity to travel further afield to explore the north coast, including the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the Dark Hedges, or the popular Game of Thrones® Tour, taking in rugged coast lines, historic castles and breathtaking scenery seen in the hit show!

The programme of activities will be advertised at the school and we would urge everyone to sign up as early as possible to ensure each planned trip attracts the minimum number required.

How to get there

Belfast City Airport is perhaps one of the most conveniently located airports, with reports of travellers being able to get to their accommodation within 45 minutes of the plane landing! Belfast is also served by Belfast International Airport, which is located a little further out. Both options are linked to the city centre by regular public transport and taxis. Dublin Airport is another possibility for students wising to travel internationally, with a coach journey from here to Belfast taking around two hours.

Location of our school in Belfast