About Us

Spóirt trí Ghaeilge

What is Coláiste UISCE?

Coláiste UISCE is a unique activity-based Irish Language College and Adventure Centre situated in the heart of one of Mayo’s Gaeltachts, where the teaching of Irish is intertwined with the enjoyable experience of modern exhilarating adventure and water sports. ‘Learning Irish is fun’ is our motto at Coláiste UISCE. We now have over 25 years’ experience in providing safe, educational and enjoyable Irish and Adventure courses. The teaching of Irish through the thrilling medium of adventure sports helps students develop a  positive attitude towards learning Irish.  We believe that changing a childs’ attitude towards Irish is the most important step towards learning the language.  As Henry Ford once said;-

If you think you can or if you think you can’t – you’re right!

For more information on our unique approach to teaching Irish see our page on Gaeilge.

Lower Ratios for Maximum Results!

We are extremely proud of our excellent teacher to student ratio of 1:6 during watersports.  The 1:6 ratio ensures that each student receives quality instruction and personal attention which is unparalleled in any other Irish college.  Outdoors our experienced instructors put into practice what students have learnt in the classroom. Learning Irish and changing students’ attitudes is much easier in the outdoor classroom.

I Hear I remeber
Students attending Coláiste UISCE not only return from the Gaeltacht speaking Irish with increased ease but they will also have a greater understanding of the language as a result of our practical approach to teaching the language.

Personal Development  At Coláiste Uisce we believe that the personal development and emotional needs of each individual are as important as learning Irish at Coláiste UISCE. Our activities are geared towards instilling confidence and giving students new life and leadership skills.

National Accreditation

  • Colaiste UISCE is also unique in that;-
  • In addition to learning níos mó Gaeilge students can also achieve National Qualifications in a number of different water sports !
  • We are the only Gaeltacht College in Ireland that is open on a full time basis
  • We are the only Gaeltacht College with National Accreditation from the Irish Sailing, Windsurfing and Surfing associations
  • Our Irish Classes and teachers are recognised and inspected by the Department of Education
  • Our Coláiste Accommodation and all Bean an Tí accommodation are assessed and approved by the Department of the Gaeltacht

School Tours, Corporate Events and Team Building Students and groups wishing to be immersed in the Irish language and looking for a fun, exciting and educational experience are not limited to the summer months. From September to May we offer bespoke packages to school tours, transition year groups, third level universities, MBA courses, corporate clients and adult activity clubs and societies. We can tailor make a package to suit the needs of your group ensuring that you have a positive experience throughout your time with us.

UISCE Staff We are proud to we have over 15 people employed in UISCE on a full-time basis throughout the year.   This number rises to over 70 employees during our summer season.  The UISCE team  are young, positive, enthusiastic and highly motivated; this creates the ideal positive, natural environment for teenagers to come on an Irish course with a difference and a holiday of a lifetime. UISCE has received numerous awards and has achieved national acclaim on many television programmes for its innovative method of teaching Irish (e.g. Nationwide, PONC, Cúla 4, Muintir na Mara, Summer Signposts, Cúrsaí, JMTV) As a result of the last 25 years of tireless work by both Ciarán and his wife Máire and their enthusiastic staff we have now earned a reputation for commitment to quality, safety and customer care.  We are now proud of our centre, staff  and facilities which we believe are the best in the country! We warmly invite you or your child to follow in the footsteps of more than 20,000 students since 1992, who have been fortunate enough to have taken part in the fun, enjoyable UISCE experience. For more information about us, read more here in our Story.

Each year I came home bursting with self confidence, amazing memories, heaps of new friends and of course a WHOLE new outlook grasp on the Irish language.

Aaron Kelly