currently there are 7 or 8 courses active in Ireland (from this September) an dmost have links to the local industry here
regradless of where you choose to study, you should be aware that you have very little chance of walking into a job as a game designer as this is not an entry level position
if you are serious about breaking into the industry, would you not look to capitalise on your localisation engineering experience?
you could also try the schools listed here: http://www.igda.org/breakingin/resources.htm or check out Edge each month for the addresses of courses inthe UK. With over 30 courses running there annually, you’re bound to find something cheaper than the US