As a mother of three children, Fiona O’Riordan believes that learning holidays are one of the best ways of introducing people to English and improving their existing language skills – especially children. She has developed her courses around what she would want for her own family when abroad – interesting and enjoyable lessons in a safe, relaxed environment combined with all the security and traditional benefits of a holiday with your own family. |
 Fiona graduated from University College Cork with BA in English and Geography and Hdip in Education. She taught in mainstream education for over 12 years while at the same time co-ordinating education courses for both adult literacy groups, and children with special needs. Fiona is also qualified as a TEFL teacher and has worked at home and abroad in this area.
“After working in mainstream English teaching for many years, we left our city home and bought a beautiful country farmhouse and stables at Ardagh, Rosscarbery and started what is now Rosscarbery English School. Since then we have converted the stables into ‘Byre Cottage’ – an attractive and luxurious self catering holiday home. You can stay either on the premises at Byre Cottage or in a choice of accommodation nearby. Whether you prefer self catering, bed and breakfast or hotel we can arrange it for you. We teach the children in the morning while you relax or enjoy your own favourite activities (or you can join them and improve your English skills, too). In the afternoon you are together again as a family – free to enjoy yourself as you would on any holiday. We also offer courses for adults only, either as individuals or groups.
We try to keep things as informal and flexible as possible. Just let us know how many hours of lessons you would like, what type of accommodation you prefer, and if there are any services or activities you want us to organise for you. We’ll then send you a detailed personal quotation for your learning holiday.
I hope you’ll soon be joining the many people who
have already enjoyed a learning holiday with us.”
Fiona |
“When I’m working at my day job, I really look forward to relaxing at home with Fiona, playing with the children, meeting neighbours, gardening, tending to our many pets – and helping to run the English School, of course.
When all this doesn’t fill up the weekend, you’ll find me on the golf course, or playing music somewhere – why not join us at the local pub while you’re here and join in with a music session? Whether you play, sing or just want to listen, the Guinness tastes just as good!
The best thing about Rosscarbery is that, although it is a peaceful and serene place, there is always plenty to do if you get tired of relaxing. I’ve really enjoyed making friends with people of all nationalities who have stayed with us to learn English and holiday. They have all wanted different things from their learning holiday – surfing, hill walking, sightseeing, good restaurants – but we usually manage to point them in the right direction. We look forward to doing the same for you.” Finbarr |
