James Kavanagh: From bullied schoolboy to Kilkenny country life with partner William

Key facts

• James Kavanagh grew up in Churchtown, Dublin, and attended an all-boys school where he was bullied for three years.
• He was sent to Wilson's Hospital boarding school in Westmeath, where he came out as gay on his first day.
• Kavanagh met his partner William Murray on Grindr; they have been together for 11 years.
• The couple moved from Phibsboro to Kilkenny a year ago and host the podcast 'The Simpler Life?'.
• Kavanagh worked at PR company Thinkhouse from age 22 despite a poor Leaving Certificate.
• He found his core friend group through clubbing in Dublin.
• Kavanagh referenced the Enoch Burke controversy at Wilson's Hospital, praising the school's handling.

A brutal start in Dublin

James Kavanagh grew up in Churchtown, a suburb of Dublin, and spent two years at an all-boys school that he describes as a 'blurry and dark' period. Homophobia, he says, was the 'currency' of the school, and he was bullied relentlessly because he could not hide his sexuality. 'There’s not a lot that I can remember,' he recalls of those three years. His parents gave him a second chance by sending him to Wilson's Hospital, a boarding school in Westmeath. On the car journey there in his father's van, Kavanagh decided to be open about his sexuality. When a fellow student asked if he was gay, he answered 'yeah' — and that was it. The reception was overwhelmingly welcoming, he says, contrary to his fears of 'pitchforks and signs saying get the gay out'.

Finding his tribe on the dance floor

After returning to Dublin at 18, Kavanagh began going out frequently and found his community through clubbing. 'All my best friends that I’m still friends with today, we found each other on various dance floors around Dublin,' he says. This network became his support system as he navigated early adulthood. At 22, despite an 'atrocious' Leaving Certificate, he landed a job at Thinkhouse, a PR company. That role launched his career in media and influence, eventually leading to work as a podcaster, presenter, and entrepreneur.

A decade-long love story

Kavanagh met his partner, William Murray, on Grindr 11 years ago. They did not meet in person for three months because William was at art college in Limerick while Kavanagh worked in Dublin. Kavanagh invited William to a New Year's Eve party, and though he initially thought it odd that William had no other plans, they 'got on immediately'. The couple now lives together in Kilkenny with their cat, having moved from Phibsboro a year ago. They co-host the podcast 'The Simpler Life?', which explores their transition from city to countryside.

The move to Kilkenny and a simpler life

The decision to leave Dublin was driven by a desire for a slower pace. Kavanagh and William now reside in County Kilkenny, where they are renovating their home. The move has been a central theme of their podcast, which documents the challenges and rewards of rural living. Kavanagh has also become a local figure in Kilkenny, with his house-hunting and renovation journey covered by regional media. The couple's cat has become a minor celebrity among their followers.

Reflections on bullying and the Enoch Burke case

Kavanagh's experience at Wilson's Hospital left a lasting impression, particularly the school's handling of the Enoch Burke controversy. Burke, a teacher at the school, was involved in a high-profile dispute over transgender students. 'The school dealt with that amazingly, even though they could have bowed down to the pressure of evangelical types,' Kavanagh says. He also reflects on the importance of mixed-gender education, arguing that it 'diffuses a lot of things in both sexes that are, maybe, problematic.' As a young gay student, he says, 'I needed my girls.'

Life today and future plans

Kavanagh continues to work as an influencer, podcaster, and presenter, balancing his online presence with his rural life. The couple's podcast 'The Simpler Life?' has gained a following for its honest portrayal of downsizing and renovation. While Kavanagh has not announced specific future projects, he remains active on social media and in the Irish entertainment scene. His story — from bullied teenager to successful entrepreneur — has resonated widely, making him a prominent voice on LGBTQ+ issues and mental health in Ireland.

The bottom line

• James Kavanagh endured three years of homophobic bullying at an all-boys school before thriving at a mixed boarding school.
• He met his partner William Murray on Grindr; they have been together for 11 years and now live in Kilkenny.
• Kavanagh's career began at PR firm Thinkhouse despite poor academic results.
• He credits clubbing in Dublin for helping him find his core friend group.
• The couple's podcast 'The Simpler Life?' documents their move to the countryside and home renovation.
• Kavanagh praises Wilson's Hospital for its handling of the Enoch Burke controversy.