Meet the Team
We're an eclectic mix of individuals from all walks of life and all corners of the world.
All GCI teachers are English native speakers and have a bachelor degree seconded by a widely recognised English teaching qualification such as CELTA or TOEFL.
A Galway local with a Master's in Music Technology and a passion for the outdoors. A proud vegetarian, enjoys dank brews, good design and has a dry sense of humour. Often found around town playing the drums, climbing on rocks in the Burren or hiking.
David-Paul Niland
Marketing
Galway born and bred. Degree in History, sociology and politics. Really loves history movies and documentaries! Enjoys socializing with friends and exploring different countries.
Aine Cunningham
Teacher
From Longford. Moved to Galway and never left, apart from years in South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand. My idea of fun is running 42.2km (a marathon). My idea of hell is life without meat! Will talk about most topics in class except the weather!
Dermot Doyle
Teacher
Native of Co.Clare but her heart belongs to Galway. She is an avid traveller who loves exploring new lands, experiencing different cultures and meeting people. It was these experiences which inspired her to become an English language teacher.
Jillian Loftus
Teacher
A journalist, blogger, and digital storyteller, Ciaran retrained as an English teacher in 2015 and enjoys the mix of nationalities at GCI. A professional scuba diver, loves music, Irish culture, and speaking Spanish, when not talking to fish underwater!
Ciaran Tierney
Teacher
Dublin boy with a passion for Galway. Can be found in Charlie Byrne's bookshop or upstairs in the Crane Bar listening to storytellers, poets and dreamers. Loves fresh country air, swimming in Galway Bay and bike rides in Connemara to awaken the spirit.
Stephen Shine
Teacher
Proud Galway luveen BA, PGDE, Dip French. Fiction writing dabbler. Ken Bruen fan. Loves Jean Reno films & cheese. Speciality chilli & scones. Can't abide cold tomatoes. Enjoys running, slowly. Random Irish dancer. Fondness for Dublinese, scarla!
Anne McCarthy
Teacher
Kenneth is a native of Galway and has a BA in History and Latin and a PhD in History. He believes in teaching others how to teach themselves and brings this core principle into the English classroom.
Kenneth Coyne
Teacher
Karen has a Delta qualification from the University of Cambridge. As a self-confessed nerd who loves teaching vocabulary & pronunciation. Karen loves a good coffee and getting handwritten mail.
Karen Gardiner
Assistant Director of Studies
A proud Galway native. Best thing about Galway is everything! My office has the best view ever and I work with the best people. Big passion is the outdoors, my dogs (actually all dogs) and spending time with my family. Love to laugh and dance often!
Mary McCarthy
Accounts Manager
25 years experience in the language industry with a great understanding of any difficulties language students might have living in a foreign country. Graduate of Social and Community studies in Dublin. Loves meeting new people, her family and friends.
Eithna McNamara
Accommodation Manager
A Roscommon lady with a passion for travelling, all things dogs, rugby and Elvis! A graduate in Social Sciences with a keen interest in environmental issues and current affairs. Enjoys all styles of dancing- preferably with a prosecco in hand!
Siobhan Gaughan
Administration
Darina has been involved in English language learning for 22 years and has loved every minute. The best part of her job is helping students gain confidence in English. Loves walking the Prom and her pet hate is the word "Awesome".
Darina Maguire
Director of Studies
Rose has a Masters in English Language Teaching and loves language word-play, especially puns. She prefers animals to people but still enjoys teaching English to humans. Although not from Galway, she considers it to be her home.
Rose O'Loughlin
Director of Studies
From Galway and was once a long term expat. Studied sociology and government policy. Currently interested in learning a new language to travel more! Also fond of yoga, a Harry Potter marathon, anything outdoors or cat-shaped. :)
Christine Conroy
Teacher
Study in the heart of Galway, Ireland
From €120
Get ready to pass the Cambridge Advanced Certificate CAE on this Exam Preparation Course online with 20 lessons/week, 6 week course - GCI, Ireland.
Cambridge CAE Online
From €120
Online General English Courses are delivered by expert GCI teachers and supported technologically by two cutting-edge platforms to support the learning of our students, Zoom and Moodle.
General English Online
From €3150
The Study Abroad Year programme is aimed at students from outside the EEA area who need to improve their General English while taking an international English exam.
Study English Abroad 20 lessons
Galway is one of Ireland's greatest treasures. Situated on the Atlantic west coast, this vibrant city – like its people – is warm, friendly and welcoming.
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