What began as a simple idea — a place where students could build confidence in English — has grown over 25 years into a thriving enterprise, not only enriching minds but also supporting local families and businesses along the way.

Feargal Courtney and Nicola Bradwell spent several years teaching English as a foreign language, Feargal in the Middle East and Nicola in China, before their paths crossed in 1997 while pursuing a master’s degree in English Language at the University of London.

After completing their studies, the pair worked in Oxford for a year.

In 2000, an opportunity arose when Feargal’s parents decided to close their bed and breakfast on Muckross Road With the property becoming available and the Irish economy beginning to recover, it seemed like the ideal moment to merge their teaching experience with a new business venture. Feargal returned home that year, and Nicola joined him in 2001 to never look back.

The Early Days

Business was slow at first. The internet was only just beginning to emerge, and they had only recently launched their first website. Much of their initial work involved visiting hotels and factories to offer English classes to staff. It wasn’t until two or three years later that the school began to gain real momentum.

Since then, the school has grown significantly. Today, it offers three core programs: long-term visa students who live, study, and work in Killarney; summer groups of teenagers, primarily from Spain and Italy; and private classes for parents with young children.

“What began with a single adult class has evolved into something much more diverse,” says Feargal. “Around 2003, we started seeing more children and teenagers enrolling. That’s when we realised Killarney itself was a huge draw for families. Few schools in Ireland cater to very young children, but we can, thanks to our welcoming premises and spacious outdoor areas.”

Bumps in the road

Like any long-standing business, the school has weathered its share of challenges. Soon after opening, the Irish economy faltered and many host families emigrated. Over the years, the school has had to navigate a range of global events, from the war in Ukraine and Brexit to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“All of these have affected student numbers, and more critically, accommodation,” explains Feargal. “When the economies of countries we rely on for students, like Spain, Italy, or those in South America take a downturn, we feel the impact quickly and severely. At times, we’ve even had to turn students away due to a shortage of housing.”

Despite the challenges, the couple feels highs far outweigh the lows.

“Watching someone arrive with barely any English and leave fluent a year later, it’s incredible,” says Feargal. “Some families return year after year. We’ve even had students who first came as teens 20 years ago now sending their own children. Some met their future partners here. Creating a place where people feel safe, supported, and connected is something we’re deeply proud of.”

“We’re right beside Killarney National Park. There’s truly no other school in Ireland with this kind of setting,” says Nicola. “And we’re family-run, not part of a chain or corporate group. That means we’re hands-on with every part of the student experience, from airport pickups to accommodation and daily activities.”

Class sizes are small, typically six to ten students to ensure individual attention and tailored instruction. Feargal oversees marketing, agent relationships, accommodation, and transport, while Nicola manages the curriculum, teaching, and student welfare. Their office manager, Sheena, has been with them for many years and is considered part of the family.

“Sheena bridges both sides of the business and provides continuity. Many of our host families have been with us just as long. That kind of consistency creates a warm, stable environment for students,” adds Feargal.

Accommodation Issues

While they once considered expanding to nearby towns like Killorglin and Listowel, they chose to focus solely on Killarney. Their main constraint remains accommodation, particularly self-catering options.

“Every summer we rent extra space for teenagers, but the number of available host families limits our growth,” says Nicola. “If that ever changed, we’d love to expand, maybe add classrooms or improve the children’s area. But for now, it’s just not feasible.”

Their teaching approach is as varied as their student body. For young children, lessons are playful and immersive. Teenagers need structure, progress, and motivation, while adults, especially long-term visa students, require steady advancement tracked through regular assessments and formal exams.

“But even with adults, we keep the energy up using games, role-plays, and collaborative tasks,” says Nicola. “Language learning doesn’t have to be dry.”

Time to reflect

Looking back, both founders agree that this 25-year milestone means more than just longevity.

“I suppose it’s also a time for reflection too. We have had so many great characters and students through our doors, some who are no longer with us. We lost a great work colleague and friends in Eugene O’Shea a few years ago and his outstanding contribution to Killarney School of English is not lost on us,” Feargal said.

“We started with a small idea, and it’s grown into something meaningful, not just for us, but for the community,” added Nicola. “Our school supports local host families, collaborates with local suppliers, and brings people from all over the world to Killarney. It’s taken years of dedication and hard work, but we’re proud of what we’ve built and excited for what’s next. Our two boys, Luke and David, are now at an age where they can get involved during the summer months, and we hope that what we've built over the past 25 years is something they’ll be proud to carry forward.”