When you’re looking for somewhere to learn English, Ireland and Malta both come up. They’re two of Europe’s most popular destinations for language learners, both English-speaking, both compact and easy to navigate. But they’re quite different places — and the right choice depends on what you want from your trip.
Here’s an honest head-to-head comparison to help you decide.
Cost of Living and Courses
Ireland is expensive. Dublin in particular has seen rents and living costs spiral in recent years. A shared apartment in the city can easily set you back €800–€1,200 a month, and eating out adds up fast. Course fees tend to be higher too, reflecting the broader cost of living.
Malta is significantly cheaper. Accommodation in St. Julian’s — where most language schools are concentrated — typically runs €400–€700 a month for a shared flat, and a pint costs around €3–€4 rather than €6–€7. Course fees at Maltalingua include all materials and there are no booking fees, which makes budgeting much more straightforward. For learners watching their spending, Malta wins this round.
Weather and Lifestyle
This one depends entirely on what you want. Ireland rewards those who don’t mind grey skies and drizzle. There’s a charm to Dublin’s cobbled streets in the rain, and Irish people are famously warm, but you won’t be spending much time on the beach. Winters are dark and long by European standards.
Malta is the opposite. It has around 300 days of sunshine a year, summer temperatures pushing 35°C, and a coastline that makes the Mediterranean lifestyle very real. You can swim from March right through to November. If weather matters to you — whether for mood, comfort, or just the social life — Malta is the clear winner.
Getting There
Dublin Airport is well-connected, with direct flights from most major European cities and transatlantic routes. Getting to Ireland from mainland Europe is generally straightforward.
Malta’s airport (Luqa) has grown significantly and now offers direct routes from across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. From the UK, you can fly London to Malta in around three hours. It’s comparable in convenience to Dublin for most European travellers.
One small advantage: Malta is a small island, so once you land, you’re essentially at your destination. No further internal travel needed.
Class Sizes and Teacher Quality
Irish language schools vary widely. Larger chain schools can have classes of 15–20 students, particularly in peak season. Quality is inconsistent.
Maltalingua caps classes at 12 students with an average of 8–10, and all teachers are native British speakers with CELTA or DELTA qualifications. EAQUALS accreditation ensures consistent quality. For learners who want meaningful speaking time in every lesson, smaller class sizes make a measurable difference.
Ireland doesn’t have a comparable small-class culture across its language schools. This is a genuine differentiator worth considering.
Visa Rules for Non-EU Students
Irish student visas are available but involve paperwork and processing times. You need to prove enrollment, funds, and often health insurance. The process is manageable but not instant.
Malta is more flexible for non-EU students. The Student Visa is relatively straightforward, and Malta’s relatively low living costs mean the financial threshold is easier to meet. For many learners, Malta’s immigration process is simpler and faster.
Social Life and Extracurriculars
Ireland is famous for its pub culture and social scene. Making friends is easy, and the craic (the Irish word for fun/conversation/company) is genuine. The downside is that much of that social life is built around drinking.
Malta’s social life is more varied. The rooftop pool and terrace at Maltalingua are part of a broader culture where social activities are built around the sea, sports, food, and events. With 40+ nationalities at any school at any time, the social mix is genuinely international. Students tend to form diverse friendship groups rather than sticking to national bubbles.
A Quick Comparison Summary
| Factor | Malta | Ireland |
|——–|——-|———|
| Course cost | Moderate | Higher |
| Living cost | €600–€900/month | €1,000–€1,500/month |
| Weather | Hot, sunny | Mild, often rainy |
| Class sizes | 8–12 (Maltalingua) | Varies, often larger |
| Teacher nationality | Native British | Native Irish/British |
| Flight access | 2–4 hours from UK/EU | 1–3 hours from UK/EU |
| Visa (non-EU) | Relatively straightforward | More complex |
| Social scene | International, outdoor | Pub culture, indoor |
Which Should You Choose?
Go to Ireland if you want a European city experience with Irish pub culture, don’t mind grey weather, and have a bigger budget. Dublin is a genuinely great city and Irish people are wonderful hosts. For a short trip with a focus on city life, Ireland is a solid choice.
Go to Malta if you want sunshine, good value, small classes with British teachers, and a genuinely international social scene. It’s particularly well-suited to learners who want to combine serious study with a high quality of life — swimming after class, exploring coastline, eating well without breaking the bank.
One more thing: Malta’s study-and-swim lifestyle suits learners who are with it for two weeks or more. If you’re coming for a short intensive course and will be in class most of the day, Ireland’s city immersion might suit you better. But for anything beyond three weeks, Malta’s lifestyle advantages become significant.
Whichever you choose, make sure you request a course quotation to compare options and get a personalized learning plan.