English classes for au pairs in Tralee, Co. Kerry, at Celtic School of English
Celtic School of English teaches English in the centre of Tralee, between the Slieve Mish Mountains and Tralee Bay. Its General English course runs in the morning from 9:30 to 13:00 (15 hours a week, €225/week including materials), so your afternoons and evenings stay free for your host family. A school Kerry families can trust, and a county you will love exploring.
Photo:Kglavin (CC BY-SA 3.0)
General English 15 h/week · 9:30–13:00 €225/week (materials incl.) Small adult groups
Quick answer
Au pair in Tralee or County Kerry? At Celtic School of English, take General English in the mornings (9:30–13:00, 15 hours a week), in small adult groups of 6 to 10. The schedule leaves your afternoons and evenings free for your host family. Recognised by ACELS and QQI and a proud member of English Education Ireland (EEI), the school sits at 3 Greenview Terrace, a short walk from Tralee Town Park and the Rose Garden.
Weekly tuition is €225 (course materials included) plus a €50 one-off registration fee. Start on any Monday year-round (except public holidays). Verified with the school on 5 November 2026.
Your class
A school in the middle of Tralee, small by design
Founded in 2003, Celtic School of English is an independent school that owns its building at 3 Greenview Terrace, close to the town centre. Its director, Anne O’Keeffe, personally knows each student and ensures everyone progresses at a pace that suits them.
- Since
- 2003
- An independent school in Tralee that owns its premises at 3 Greenview Terrace: a secure, stable and welcoming place to learn.
- Recognised
- ACELS · QQI
- Recognised by ACELS, a service of Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) for English Language Education.
- Member
- EEI
- Proudly a member of English Education Ireland, the national representative body for accredited English language education institutions in Ireland.
- Class size
- 6–10
- Small adult groups (12 at most, ages 17+ year-round, never mixed with junior groups) for genuine personal attention.
- Exams
- Trinity ISE
- Trinity ISE exam offered at the school (€160), for au pairs who want an official result.
- Weekly fee
- €225 / wk
- General English 15 hours/week (9:30–13:00 with a 30-min break), course materials included. One-off registration fee: €50.
For host families in Kerry
A school you can trust with your au pair’s learning
- Recognised by ACELS (a service of QQI), member of English Education Ireland, and run by a named director who personally knows each student.
- A steady morning timetable (9:30–13:00): afternoons and evenings stay available for your household and school pick-ups.
- Small adult groups of 6 to 10 (ages 17+, never mixed with junior classes) in the school’s own building in the centre of Tralee.
Why AuPair Connect recommends this school
- Morning classes that fit an au pair’s week: General English runs 9:30–13:00 (15 hours/week with a 30-min break), leaving afternoons and evenings free for the host family.
- A recognised school in the centre of Tralee: ACELS/QQI recognition, member of English Education Ireland (EEI), small adult groups (17+, never mixed with juniors), and a director who personally knows each student.
- Transparent, all-inclusive pricing & exams: €225/week including course materials (+ €50 registration), with the Trinity ISE exam offered directly at the school (€160).
- A town and a county made for a year abroad: Tralee Town Park, Blennerville Windmill, Tralee Bay, Banna Strand, Dingle, Killarney and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Partnership transparency: AuPair Connect and Celtic School of English are partners. The “Recommended Partner” badge is provided to the school for its website. This page is editorial: fees, dates and terms are those confirmed by the school and may change. Spotted a mistake? Write to [email protected].
Tralee and County Kerry: authentic, safe, on the Wild Atlantic Way
Tralee sits between the Slieve Mish Mountains and Tralee Bay, with Banna Beach and Fenit close by. Killarney and the Dingle Peninsula are an hour away, and Cork and Limerick less than two hours.
- 2003founded in Tralee
- 6–10students per class (12 at most)
- 9:30–13:00morning classes (15 h/week)
- €225 / wkmaterials included (+ €50 reg.)
- Mon–Frioffice open 9:00–16:00 (Fri 13:45)
3 Greenview TerraceThe school’s own building in Tralee, close to the town centre and the Town Park.
Morning break on the terraceClasses run 9:30–13:00 with a 30-minute break, on the school’s own premises.
Figures and details confirmed by Celtic School of English on 5 November 2026. School photos courtesy of Celtic School of English; landscape photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Kerry after class
Four places for a weekend with the host family. They show the county around Tralee.
Killarney National ParkTorc Waterfall, the Gap of Dunloe and Muckross House: Killarney is less than an hour from Tralee.
Ladies ViewA viewpoint on the Ring of Kerry, on the way between Killarney and Kenmare.
Slea HeadDingle and Slea Head are an hour away, on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Dingle harbourA day trip by bus, with traditional live music in the pubs for the over-18s.
Address
Celtic School of English
3 Greenview Terrace
Tralee, Co. Kerry V92 EE37
Contact & Office Opening Hours
Anne O’Keeffe (Director) & Aisling
[email protected]
+353 66 7180088 · Mon–Thu 9:00–16:00, Fri 9:00–13:45
Getting there
Close to the centre of Tralee and the Town Park. Cork and Limerick are less than two hours away.
Mornings in class, afternoons and weekends with the family
A host family needs its au pair around the school day. This class runs from 9:30 to 13:00, so the afternoon, the school pick-up and the weekend stay free. We leave out full-day intensive and work-placement formulas on purpose so your schedule stays balanced.
The class takes the morning only
General English runs 9:30–13:00 Monday to Friday (15 hours a week, with a 30-minute break).
Room for 25 to 30 hours of childcare
Afternoons and evenings stay free for the family. Agree your weekly schedule and school pick-ups in writing with your host family.
Weekends belong to the household
No class on Saturday or Sunday: outings, meals and the Wild Atlantic Way with your host family, and a rest day of your own.
A typical week
- MonClassGeneral English
9:30–13:00Host familypick-up, play, homework - TueClassGeneral English
9:30–13:00Host familypick-up, play, homework - WedClassGeneral English
9:30–13:00Host familypick-up, play, homework - ThuClassGeneral English
9:30–13:00Host familypick-up, play, homework - FriClassGeneral English
9:30–13:00Host familypick-up, play, homework - SatWeekendwith the host family: the Town Park, a beach, a market, a day on the Dingle Peninsula
- SunWeekendfamily meals, a walk on Banna Strand, a rest day of your own
On this timetable: about 27.5 hours of childcare a week, with weekends free of class.
The weekend: Slea Head, an hour away
Dingle and Slea Head are on the Wild Atlantic Way, about an hour from Tralee by road or bus, as the school’s website says. A day out with the host family, or on your own.
Two ways to fit the class in
Childcare and school runsMorning class (9:30–13:00)Evening class (on demand)Your own time
Morning schedule (9:30–13:00 with a 30-min break) confirmed by the school. Afternoon or evening classes are not fixed, but organised around demand (the school has run evening courses for au pairs in the past).
Which paperwork, for which stay?
EU, EEA and Swiss au pairs need no visa for Ireland. For everyone else, and for the family arrangement itself, we point you to the right place.
- 1EU, EEA and Swiss citizens
No visa is needed to live and study in Ireland. Bring your passport or national ID card.
- 2Other nationalities
Check the Irish Immigration Service requirements well before you travel. Contact the school early if you need an enrolment letter after booking.
- 3Your family arrangement
Host families and au pairs on AuPair Connect usually agree on 25 to 30 hours of childcare a week, Pocket Money and days off in writing before arrival.
Agree your weekly timetable and pocket money in writing with your host family before arrival.
Keep going
Photos: Blennerville Windmill, Kglavin (CC BY-SA 3.0); Denny Street, 瑞丽江的河水 (CC BY-SA 4.0); Town Park rose garden, 瑞丽江的河水 (CC BY-SA 4.0); Banna Strand, Kglavin (Public domain); Dingle marina, Maoileann (CC BY-SA 4.0); Slieve Mish Mountains, Maoileann (CC BY-SA 4.0); Town Park fountain, Ian S (CC BY-SA 2.0); Rose of Tralee statue, Lozleader (CC BY-SA 4.0); Blennerville and Tralee Bay, CM Cogollo (CC BY-SA 4.0); Slea Head, Jim (CC BY 2.0); Ladies View, Karie Kuiper (CC BY-SA 4.0); Torc Waterfall, edward982 (CC BY 3.0); Tralee Bay, Maoileann (CC BY-SA 4.0); Slea Head panorama, Einaz80 (CC BY-SA 4.0); Conor Pass, Nomasoft (CC BY-SA 4.0); Dingle harbour, Jim Linwood (CC BY 2.0). School facade, students and logo: courtesy of Celtic School of English (celticschoolofenglish.com).
Your English, from A1 to C2
Celtic School of English holds adult classes for all levels from A1 to C2 year-round. Next to each level, a sentence you could really say in Kerry with your host family.
- A1On Denny StreetTwo litres of milk and a loaf of bread, please.
Everyday words, simple requests
- A2In the Town ParkCan we go to the playground after school? It’s not raining.
Routine tasks, direct exchanges
- B1
By the Town Park fountainNo bother, I’ll collect the children at three and we’ll walk through the park on the way home.Most situations of daily life
- B2
On Banna StrandIf the weather holds, I’d rather take the children to the beach than stay in town.Explain and defend a point of view
- C1
In DingleI’d have loved to stay for the music, but the last bus left before the session started.Fluent, spontaneous expression
- C2
Under the Slieve MishHis accent was so thick at first, but now I get every joke, and I can give as good as I get.Understand almost everything, nuances included
All levels A1 to C2 confirmed by Celtic School of English. Adult General English (ages 17+) is never mixed with junior groups.
Want an official exam certificate?
- Trinity ISE (at the school)Offered directly at Celtic School of English for €160. An official result to show for your stay in Kerry.
- IELTS and other examsStudents interested in other exams, such as IELTS, can book them independently at test centres in Cork or Limerick (less than two hours away).
Trinity ISE (€160) is offered at Celtic School of English. Other exams, such as IELTS, can be booked independently in Cork or Limerick. Confirmed on 5 November 2026.
One morning course built for your week, plus exams & options
General English (9:30–13:00) is the standard formula for au pairs in Tralee. You can sit the Trinity ISE exam at the school, or register your interest for an evening group if your family needs you in the morning.
| General English (Mornings) | Trinity ISE Exam | Afternoon / Evening Class | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Adult group (ages 17+, 6 to 10 students, max 12), 15 hours a week, all levels A1–C2 | Official Trinity Integrated Skills in English (ISE) assessment at the school | Part-time classes organised around demand (the school has run evening courses for au pairs in the past) |
| When | Mon to Fri, 9:30–13:00 (with a 30-minute break) · start any Monday (except public holidays) | Taken at Celtic School of English | Afternoon or evening slots opened when enough students request them |
| Load | Class in the morning · afternoons and evenings free for the host family | Pairs naturally with your morning General English classes | Designed for au pairs who look after young children in the morning |
| Price | €225 / week (course materials included) + €50 one-off registration fee | €160 exam fee at the school | On enquiry with the school depending on group & hours |
| For you if… | You live with a host family and want a steady morning schedule that leaves every afternoon free. | You want an official Trinity ISE result at the end of your stay. | Your host family needs you in the morning, and you want to register your interest for an afternoon or evening group. |
2026/2027 fees confirmed by the school
- Weekly tuition fee€225 / weekGeneral English, 15 hours a week (Mon–Fri 9:30–13:00 with a 30-min break).
- Registration fee€50One-off registration fee upon enrolment.
- Course materialsIncludedAll learning materials are included in the €225 weekly fee.
- Trinity ISE exam€160Official Trinity ISE exam offered directly at the school.
Fees confirmed by Celtic School of English on 5 November 2026: €225/week for General English (15h, materials included), €50 registration fee, and €160 for the Trinity ISE exam.
Key details confirmed by Anne & Aisling
9:30–13:00 · Any Monday
Morning classes run 9:30am–1:00pm with a 30-minute break. Students can start on any Monday except Irish public holidays.
€225 / wk · Materials included
Registration fee is €50, and General English (15h) is €225 per week including course materials.
Adults 17+ · All levels A1–C2
Adult General English runs year-round across all levels A1–C2, and adult groups are never mixed with juniors.
Students at 3 Greenview Terrace
A photo supplied by the school: students outside the school with their certificates.
2027: start on any Monday
Adult General English (ages 17+) runs year-round and students can start on any Monday, except Irish public holidays and the Christmas closure (19 December 2026 to 11 January 2027).
Monday start availableChristmas closure (to 11 Jan 2027)Irish public holiday (school closed)Christmas 2027/28 (confirmed Summer 2027)Example 12-week stays
Choose your start
- You start inJan 2027
- General English
- Mon 11 Jan: school reopens after the Christmas break (any Monday thereafter)
- Good to know
- Closed from 19 December 2026 to 11 January 2027. Closed on Mon 1 Feb (St Brigid’s Day).
- You start inApr 2027
- General English
- Mon 5 Apr, or any Monday (except bank holidays)
- Good to know
- Closed on Wed 17 March (St Patrick’s Day) and Mon 29 March (Easter Monday).
- You start inSep 2027
- General English
- Mon 6 Sep, or any Monday at the start of the school year
- Good to know
- Adult General English (17+) runs year-round. Christmas 2027/28 dates confirmed in Summer 2027.
How to enrol
- Choose your start MondayGeneral English (9:30–13:00, Mon–Fri) runs year-round for adults (17+) across all levels A1–C2. You can start on any Monday except Irish public holidays.
- Coordinate with your host familyWith class finishing at 13:00, you are back in time for afternoon school pick-ups and family life. If you need an evening slot instead, ask the school about current demand.
- Enrol with the schoolWrite to [email protected] or use the enquiry form on celticschoolofenglish.com. Weekly fee: €225 (course materials included) + €50 one-off registration fee.
- Come to 3 Greenview TerraceThe school is at 3 Greenview Terrace, Tralee (V92 EE37), a short walk from the town centre and Tralee Town Park.
Calendar confirmed by Celtic School of English on 5 November 2026. Closed from 19 Dec 2026 to 11 Jan 2027 and on Irish public holidays in 2027: 1 Feb, 17 Mar, 29 Mar, 3 May, 7 Jun, 2 Aug and 25 Oct.
Questions
Which course suits an au pair?
General English, 15 hours a week, in the morning (9:30–13:00 with a 30-minute break): it leaves your afternoons and evenings free for your host family. All levels from A1 to C2 are taught year-round.
What time are the classes and office opening hours?
Morning classes run Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 13:00 (with a 30-minute break). Office opening hours are Monday to Thursday 9:00–16:00 and Friday 9:00–13:45.
Can I start on any Monday?
Yes! Students can start on any Monday year-round, other than Irish public holidays (1 Feb, 17 Mar, 29 Mar, 3 May, 7 Jun, 2 Aug, 25 Oct 2027) and the Christmas closure (19 December 2026 to 11 January 2027).
How much does it cost?
General English (15 hours/week) is €225 per week, which includes all course materials. There is a one-off registration fee of €50.
Are there afternoon or evening classes?
Evening and afternoon classes run depending on demand. Celtic School of English has run evening courses for au pairs in the past — let Anne and Aisling know if your host family schedule requires an afternoon or evening slot.
Which exams can I take?
The school offers the Trinity ISE exam on site for €160. If you are interested in other exams, such as IELTS, you can book them independently in Cork or Limerick.
Will my class be mixed with junior students?
No. Adult General English (for ages 17+) runs year-round and the school never mixes adult and junior groups.
Do I need a visa?
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a visa to study and live in Ireland. Other nationalities should check the Irish Immigration Service rules before booking.
Details verified directly with Celtic School of English (celticschoolofenglish.com) on 5 November 2026.
Ready for your first class in Tralee?
Start on any Monday · €225/week (materials included) · 9:30–13:00 at 3 Greenview Terrace.
Contact Celtic School of English ↗