Who we are
We aim to help students and professionals study English and develop their language skills at a pace that suits them, in a fun and practical learning environment. We are committed to supporting diversity and equity, empowering international students through language instruction, cultural awareness, and study skills. With small class sizes and individual attention, each student receives focused support tailored to their unique learning needs. Students are encouraged to take control of their own learning, and our mission is to help them achieve the goals they set for themselves.
Our Team
We at Celtic School of English enjoy working together and look forward to welcoming you to our International Family! Anne (Director) is based in the school organising schedules, student accommodation and ensuring that students are happy, promoting the school, and meeting new students and teachers.
Anne O'Keefe BSc, DELTA
Anne O'Keefe BSc, DELTA
Anne brings extensive teaching experience from nearly four years in Korea and additional roles in Europe and Ireland. As Director of Celtic School of English, she manages recruitment, training, syllabus preparation, student accommodation, assessments, and visa requirements, while personally supporting each student’s progress by focusing on their strengths and weaknesses. An early riser, Anne often starts her day with a run or swim, welcoming everyone with scones and hot coffee.
Daniel O'Sullivan MA, DELTA
Daniel O'Sullivan MA, DELTA
Dan is an experienced exam teacher with a diverse career in international education, including teaching in Japan at a business-oriented conversation school and Nihon University, and later at a large UK residential English school for young learners. He is also a talented musician, skilled with any string instrument, performing occasionally with his former band The Regatti String Band in the UK and more regularly with TradSoftly.com in Kerry.
Deirdre Kearney, BA, DELTA
Deirdre Kearney, BA, DELTA
Deirdre is Senior Teacher at Celtic School of English, with experience in language schools in Ireland and France. Passionate about languages, music, sport, French culture, and baking, she brings creativity and enthusiasm to every lesson. As the school’s exam expert, she designs and oversees Cambridge exam courses, drawing on her recent Delta qualification to support students effectively. Musical herself, Deirdre also sings and plays the ukulele, adding yet another talent to her diverse skill set.
Bernie McGaley
Bernie McGaley
Bernie is the Office & Operations Manager at Celtic School of English. She earned her BSc in Management from the MTU in 2008. Bernie is the face of our reception and loves to meet and greet all the new students and leaders. She is passionate about her role in the school and strives to ensure that everything runs smoothly. In her free time, Bernie is an avid runner and can be found every Saturday morning at the parkrun.
Anne Mooney BSc MSc
Anne Mooney BSc MSc
A zoologist by profession, Anne lived in France for over 20 years where she worked as a toxicologist and also earned a diploma in French. Anne is a people person, she is passionate about teaching and sharing her knowledge . Her interests include tennis, walking, cycling, fashion and all things French!! She helps out on reception and students love her warm, friendly manner.
Peter Keane BSC, TEFL, HDE
Peter Keane BSC, TEFL, HDE
Peter is our Junior Centre Manager and ensures the smooth running of our summer programme. He coordinates the junior activities programme, taking students on exciting excursions and organising sporting and fun activities each afternoon. Peter has been an EFL teacher for many years, having taught in New Zealand and Japan and he is now happily teaching at home in Ireland. Peter has a great rapport with the students and staff and enjoys being part of a vibrant team.
Colin Magnier
Colin Magnier
Colin teaches General English and Cambridge Exam classes at Celtic School of English and also works with Masters in Nursing students at MTU. A long-time native of Tralee, he is a great resource for students eager to explore the town. Joining the school in 2021 after teaching in Cork and Killarney, Colin brings a broad range of skills and qualifications to the classroom, helping students overcome their fear of speaking English. His engaging teaching style makes complex grammar easy to understand through fun, practical conversations.
Personalised English learning in a supportive, international environment
It is our hope, at Celtic School of English, that students and professionals study English and develop their language skills at a rate that suits them; in an environment that promotes learning by a fun and practical means. At Celtic School of English, we support diversity, equity and our aim is to empower international students through instructions in language, cultural awareness and study skills.
The individual attention afforded to each student allows for focused language learning. Class sizes are small so that students benefit more from their course. Each student is unique in his/her ability to learn and in what they need to focus on. It is our mission to recognise each and every need.
Students are in control of their own learning. It is our mission to help students achieve whatever aims they set themselves.
The School
Why Choose Us?
- You become a lifetime member of an international family.
- Effective Language Instruction
- Experienced and Qualified Instructors
- Small Class Sizes
- Practical and Real-World Focus
- Engaging and Interactive Classes
- Cultural Immersion Opportunities
- Clear Learning Objectives
- Practical Support Services
- Assessment and Feedback
- Cost-Effective Options
- A Supportive and Inclusive Environment
- Safe, surrounded by nature and bursting with culture.
Tralee, Co. Kerry
A historic and vibrant cultural town
Tralee, capital town and administrative centre of County Kerry, is a place of remarkable beauty and one of Ireland’s premier visitor destinations. Founded almost 800 years ago in the early 13th century by the Anglo-Normans, the town takes its name from the River Lee, which flows into Tralee Bay. With a population of around 24,000, Tralee is rich in history and culture, offering attractions such as the Kerry County Museum, Blennerville Windmill, and Muckross House with Traditional Farms. The town is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, including Siamsa Tíre – the National Folk Theatre, Gaelic Games, traditional Irish music, and events like Listowel Races and Culture Night. Festivals such as the Rose of Tralee, Tralee Food Festival, Puck Fair, Dingle Film Festival, Listowel Writers’ Week, Kerry International Film Festival, Dingle Food Festival, and Féile na Bealtaine draw visitors throughout the year.
Beyond culture, Tralee provides a wide range of entertainment and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy Omniplex Cinema, Bowling Buddies, The Aquadome, Pitch and Putt, Aqua Golf, greyhound racing, and paintballing. Sports and nature enthusiasts can explore surfing, hiking, beach pony trekking, and kayaking, while scenic sites include Tralee Bay Wetlands, the Wild Atlantic Way, the Kerry Camino, Tralee to Fenit Greenway, Banna Beach, Fenit, Tralee Town Park, Killarney National Park, Ballybunion Cliff Walk, and the Tralee to Blennerville canal walk. Tralee has earned accolades as Ireland’s most enterprising town, Best Large Tourism Town, and Tidiest Large Town. For more information about Tralee and activities in County Kerry, visit the Tralee Chamber Alliance website at www.tralee.ie.
Our Community
Host families
It takes a village! We couldn’t do what we do without the help of our community.
Our host families are friendly and welcoming – with comfortable rooms within walking distance of Celtic School of English. This is the most popular type of accommodation that both adult and junior students use as they get to live with a family and feel part of Irish culture while they are here. Irish people have a tradition of hospitality and warmth. This tradition is renowned all over the world and has been a major factor in attracting thousands of students to study English in Ireland.
Partners / local businesses we work with
Local businesses provide work placements for our students in the following areas:
- Office and Administration
- Tourism (hotel and catering)
- IT (software and hardware)
- Marketing and business
- Retail/Sales (shop assistant)
- Hydraulics
- Agriculture
- Fisheries and Sea Products …and more!
We work closely with Rose Travel and other local businesses to organise activities for our students. See more about our activities here.
Learn English and Experience Celtic Life!
