It wasn't a typical day for students across the town schools - as they emersed themselves in drama class with none other than Hollywood A-Lister and Oscar nominated star Michael Fassbender.

The Hollywood actor and Killarney native was accompanied by Donie Courtney and well-known drama tutors Charlie Hughes, Gemma Doorly and Jessica Courtney Leen, as they paid a visit to St Brendan’s College, St Brigid's and Killarney Community College.

The German-Irish actor, famed for his roles in '12 Years A Slave', 'Hunger', and 'Steve Jobs' to name just a few, is a past pupil of St Brendan’s College, and gave the students a crash course in acting.

His West End House drama school currently provides classes to Transition Year and First Year students – all of whom were thrilled to get a surprise visit from Michael Fassbender himself.

West End House will be a space for young people in Killarney to explore the arts and will become a home for the art of storytelling. As a cultural centre of excellence, it will promote possibilities for employment in the arts, not just acting, directing or writing, but also lighting, sound design, editing and all the tributary departments that are integral to the art of storytelling.

"Great excitement when Hollywood actor Michael Fassbender arrived at school," PRO of St Brigid's Presentation, Sheree Murphy, said.

"Michael and his team did numerous workshops with students throughout the day. The West End House are currently working with Transition Year, LCA students and First Year students on a weekly basis."

Principal of Killarney Community College, Stella Loughnane, said that the school has always promoted the arts and has a strong tradition of hosting musicals, talent shows and encouraging creativity.

“We were delighted to get involved with the West End House drama school who are local and who are heavily connected to a respected Hollywood actor,  a fantastic role model for our students. The feedback from our students was overwhelmingly positive. Micheal was a true professional and very generous with his time.”