THE INSTITUTO CERVANTES IN DUBLIN

The Instituto Cervantes is a public institution established by Spain in 1991 to promote the teaching of Spanish and Spain’s co-official languages, as well as to promote Spanish culture and the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. Its headquarters are located in Madrid and Alcalá de Henares, the birthplace of the writer Miguel de Cervantes. Today, the institution is present in 103 cities across 52 countries.

However, Spain’s cultural presence in Dublin predates the establishment of the Instituto Cervantes. Its origins can be traced back to the Instituto Cultural Español in Dublin, founded in 1971 and officially inaugurated on 11 February 1974. In 1992, the centre became part of the Instituto Cervantes network, continuing its work in language teaching and cultural promotion. Since then, the Instituto Cervantes in Dublin has established itself as a leading centre for the study of the Spanish language and the cultures of the Hispanic world, while strengthening cultural and educational ties between Spain and Ireland.

The work of the Instituto Cervantes is guided by prominent figures from the academic, cultural and literary communities of Spain and Spanish America. In Dublin, the centre works closely with universities, museums, galleries, theatres, publishers and other Irish, Spanish and Spanish American cultural institutions, encouraging dialogue, knowledge exchange and the development of joint projects.

Its main activities include:

• Offering Spanish language courses for different levels, ages and learning needs.

• Organising and administering examinations for the Diploma in Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELE).

• Issuing official certificates and diplomas related to its courses.

• Providing professional development courses and training activities for teachers of Spanish.

• Supporting Hispanic Studies and collaborating with universities, academics and researchers.

• Promoting cultural activities in partnership with public and private institutions and organisations.

The Instituto Cervantes in Dublin is located in the heart of the Irish capital, close to Merrion Square and between Trinity College Dublin and the National Gallery of Ireland. Its facilities include offices, nine classrooms, a library and a conference room, providing a welcoming environment for a wide range of academic and cultural activities.

Studying Spanish at the Instituto Cervantes in Dublin means much more than learning a language: it is also an opportunity to discover the rich diversity of cultures across the Hispanic world through our cultural programme. Students can take part in activities exploring literature, cinema, music, performing arts, ideas and history, and enjoy access to the Dámaso Alonso Library, which offers an extensive collection of Spanish and Spanish American literature, films, music, magazines, newspapers and other resources related to the Spanish language and the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries.