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Our StoryContactAsana was started by Adi and Colm in 1993. Today it is run by the whole family, with teachers, local artists, musicians and storytellers, in a small town on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Our story
For over 30 years, young people from around the world have learned English with us, and many families come back year after year.
1993
Adi and Colm start their first school in Dublin, The Land of Scholar Tours, a nod to Ireland's ancient name: the Land of Saints and Scholars.
1999
Looking for the real Ireland, they move the school to Cahersiveen, won over by the warmth and hospitality of the people and the wild beauty of the Atlantic coast.
Today
Their four sons, Oisín, Finn, Caoimhín and Ruadhán, now run Asana alongside them: still small, personal and family-run.
Why “Asana”?
Asana is a Sanskrit word for posture: the way you hold yourself. We chose it because we believe English is something you embody. It's in how you stand up to speak, laugh with your host family or find the words on a mountain path.
That's why Asana is a holistic, student-centred school. We care about the whole person, not only their grammar: their confidence, their curiosity and how they feel, as much as what they learn.
✓Family-run for over 30 years
✓Holistic and student-centred
✓Small, mixed-nationality classes
✓Workshops led by musicians, storytellers and makers
✓Every student lives with an Irish host family
✓Member of MEI, Marketing English in Ireland
The family
Asana is run by one family, so you'll always know who is looking after your child.
Co-founder · Student wellbeing
A holistic educator and counsellor, and the soul of Asana. Inspired by integral psychology, Adi looks after the whole student: she welcomes everyone on their first morning, matches each student with their host family and is there for anyone who needs to talk.
Co-founder · Parent contact
A musician at heart, Colm is usually the person parents talk to by email, happy to answer every question before and during their child's stay. You might also catch him playing folk and rock music in town.
Teacher · Musician
A musician who leads workshops on creativity, mindfulness, music, body language, communication and emotional wellbeing. Oisín invites every student into the wild Celtic ways of the Atlantic.
Programmes · Excursions
Finn plans the excursion programme and keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes. He's also the person in the office students can drop in to see about anything to do with their programme.
Teacher · Sport
A rugby player who also trains in Muay Thai. In class, Caoimhín is known for lively debates on the big questions of the day, getting everyone talking and thinking in English.
Teacher · Film & magic
Rugby player, magician and the brains behind our film trailer workshop, where students shoot their own trailers around Cahersiveen. Ruadhán is all good humour, and always keeps an eye on how students are doing.
“An exquisite learner can learn from anyone: an infant child, an ancient song, a three-legged dog, an invisible drum or the rhythm of the ocean.”
Oisín Breathnach · Teacher and musician
The 2027 team
Linguists, storytellers and makers, each bringing something of their own to the classroom.
Teacher · Irish culture
Stephen shares his love of Irish mythology and culture, and gets students out into the garden.
Teacher · Digital storytelling
A linguistics graduate specialising in bilingualism, Corina leads our digital storytelling workshops.
Teacher · Games
Max uses games to build students' confidence, so speaking English feels like play.
Teacher · Linguist
A trained linguist from England, Harry is fascinated by how people communicate across cultures.
A world in one classroom
Mixed-nationality classes and host families mean English is the language everyone shares.
Summer 2027
Reserve with a €200 refundable deposit. The balance is due six weeks before arrival.