Colaiste UISCE is a unique activity based Irish College Adventure Centre in the heart of Gaeltacht Mhaigh Eo, where learning Irish, adventure and water sports are intertwined. The enjoyable experiences of adventure sports through Gaeilge help students develop a more positive attitude towardsr learning Irish. 'Making Irish fun' is our motto. We now have over 17 years experience in providing safe, enjoyable Irish activity courses both Gaeltacht Irish College and Adventure Centre courses.



Coláiste UISCE Irish College started its days in a small house overlooking Elly Bay, Belmullet in a partnership between John McNamara and Ciarán Ó Murchú from 1992 to 1995. Having a huge interest in watersports, adventure activites and their native Irish language, they wanted to bring their experience to Ciarán's native area. With stunning landscape and untouched natural beauty, it was the perfect spot for their business to flourish. With the support of Gearóid Ó Murchú, a local school teacher and Ciarán’s father, the decision was made to blend the activities with learning Irish.

Ciarán was still working fulltime as a pilot in the Air Corps at the time. He had been taking all his annual leave at once to run three summer courses back to back. Tribute must be paid here to Ciarán’s mother Máirín who worked flat out on the course administration at the time – you can always depend on your mammy to help you out in times of need!
In 2000, Ciarán and his wife Máire decided to leave Dublin and move west to develop Coláiste UISCE further and in doing so created the first fulltime centre working trí Ghaeilge in the country.

A huge renovation was undertaken to develop the site and the buildings. The work that was due to take two years was finished within nine months, due to the exceptional energy and dedication of local builders. Today, the result of that hard work is seen in this first-class centre with 24 bedroom, 3 classrooms, large kitchens and dining room, changing rooms etc, which opened its doors after renovation on the 1st June 2006.

Further development followed, with the expansion of the operation from a Summer-only season to working with schools, groups and other events from early Spring right through until late Autumn.

UISCE has gone from strength to strength since its conception in the early ‘90’s. Nowadays, there is a skilled and accomplished team, many of whom are past-students, prefects, teachers and instructors of Coláiste UISCE, working together to continue Fís UISCE.

UISCE Milestones:
Pádraigín: Príomhoide agus Bainisteoir Chúrsaí 1993 -2002
Dara Rua: Striúirtheoir Eachtraí srl 1994 – fós linn
Áine: Rúnaí an Choláiste 2000 - 2004
Cyril & Mandy: Bainisteoirí Airgid, Eachtraí, Forbairt srl 2002 - 2007