We’re thrilled to start 2025 with a big announcement: we’re expanding our global network!
Two incredible study-abroad language schools in Galway, Ireland, have joined our international network—IH Galway Language Centre and IH Galway Cultural Institute. These schools bring years of experience, a passion for teaching, and a shared commitment to excellence in English language education.
It’s time to introduce you to our new members and share what makes them both fantastic candidates to be IH schools.
IH Galway Cultural Institute
Founded in 1989 by Celestine Rowland and David Niland, IH Galway Cultural Institute (GCI) has grown into a dynamic, year-round school with a reputation for excellence. Students from more than 30 countries travel to its state-of-the-art, purpose-built campus overlooking the Atlantic Ocean each year.
The school offers:
- Language Courses: General English, Business English, Exam Preparation and programmes for 30+ and 50+ learners.
- Teacher Training: including Erasmus+ courses
- Pre-University Programmes
The school is a member of a number of organisations and accrediting bodies such as IALC (hosting the IALC workshop in 2010) ACELS, QQI and Eaquals. The school is a Cambridge and QQI exam centre and they are also a founding member of ELE Ireland established in 2021.
As well as prioritising academic quality, IH Galway Cultural Institute is also a leader in sustainability. From green initiatives to eco-friendly decision-making, they’re shaping a more sustainable future for language education.
Celestine sees great potential in joining IH:
“IH opens doors to international collaborations, workshops, leadership development, and more. While GCI already has a strong reputation, being part of IH takes our global credibility and opportunities to the next level.”
IH Galway Language Centre
Known locally as Bridge Mills Galway Language Centre, this school has been helping students improve their English since 1987. What started as a small group of passionate teachers has blossomed into a thriving centre with 16 classrooms and an average of 250 students every week.
Led by Patrick Creed and Niamh McElwaine, the school is renowned for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and high-quality education. Patrick serves as the School Director, while Niamh leads teacher training and teaching initiatives. Their dedication to academic excellence and personal attention shines through in everything they do.
The school offers:
- Language Courses: General English, Exam Preparation, Business English, and Short-Term Junior Groups.
- Teacher Training: A hub for teacher education, they’ve been running refresher courses for 27 years and recently became a CELTA provider. Over 200 teachers join annually, many funded by Erasmus+.
- Exam Centre: They’re an official Cambridge exam centre and facilitate exams across Western Ireland.
The school is a member of a number of international organisations, including Eaquals, QQI and ACELS.
Patrick and Niamh are excited about the opportunities IH brings. As Patrick puts it:
“We’ve always reached out to others to learn and improve, and this outward-looking approach aligns perfectly with IH’s values. Joining IH is a step towards even more collaboration, training, and growth for our team and our students.”
Valuable & Ambitious Additions to the IH Network
The addition of these two schools expands IH World’s presence in Ireland and gives students more options for quality language education in one of Europe’s most charming cities. Both schools bring something special to our network—from their innovative teaching approaches to their community-focused ethos.
We’re excited to see how Patrick, Celestine, and their teams will inspire our global community. Whether it’s through teacher training, Erasmus projects, or sustainability initiatives, these schools are ready to share their expertise and collaborate across the IH family.
Let’s give a big, warm IH welcome to IH Galway Language Centre and IH Galway Cultural Institute. We can’t wait to see all the amazing things we’ll achieve together!