Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
General Information
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The difference between Coláiste UISCE Elly and Eachléim
Elly offers both Bean an Tí and Coláiste (on-site) accommodation. Only about 40 students in Elly stay with a Bean an Tí, while the majority stay in the on-site accommodation. Eachléim, on the other hand, has Bean an Tí accommodation only. Both locations have the same number of students and follow the same timetable.
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How many children are on each Gaeltacht course?
There are currently 288 students on each 2-week Irish College Summer Gaeltacht course, 96 students on the Easter Irish College Gaeltacht course and 104 students on Cúrsa F Summer Gaeltacht course.
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I have 2 children going to Coláiste UISCE, is there a family discount?
Yes, there is a €100 family discount for immediate members of a family attending an Irish College course in the same year. Where a family discount is availed of no other discount vouchers will be accepted.
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Is it a mixed course?
Yes, there is roughly a fifty/fifty split on each Gaeltacht course, but it can vary depending on applications
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How do I make a booking?
You can book your place online via our ‘Book Now’ page on the website.
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What is the payment policy?
A deposit of €300 must be made to secure a place. A course place is only confirmed on receipt of a course reference number (uimhir thagartha). The balance due must be paid 2 months before the course start date.
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How can I make further payments?
Once an application form has been complete an online account will be automatically set up. You must validate your email address prior to logging into your account with the details provided in the email (please check junk / spam folder). You may login to your account to make further payments, pay by banking online using your child’s full name or reference number, or by calling the office on 097-82111.
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What are the bank details?
Name on account: Ionad UISCE C.T.R/CA
IBAN: IE43 BOFI 9052 9990 4286 67
BIC: BOFIIE2D
Account: 90428667
Sort Code: 905299
Bookings, accommodations & special requests
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How is accommodation organised?
Our accommodation policy is based upon guidelines from Fáilte Ireland, the HSE and the WHO. A maximum of one friend can be listed and both forms must correspond. Larger groups will be broken in separate accommodation. Groups of three will be subject to availability and granted on a first come first serve basis. There is more availability for groups of three within the Bean an tí accommodation.
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How many students are in the houses together?
The numbers vary from house to house ranging from 8 to 13 per house.
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How will the students with a Bean an Tí / in local houses get to and from the Colaiste?
Coláiste UISCE uses a private bus service to bring students to and from our Bean an Tí houses to the centre.
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If my preferred course is full, how do I put a name on the waiting list?
If you are booking online, you have the option of placing your name on the waiting list, no deposit is taken when you do this. When a place becomes available the next person on the waiting list will be contacted. Your place isn’t guaranteed until we receive a booking deposit.
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My child has a learning disability; will he / she be able to attend?
Yes, however we would request that details be specified on the application form or by phone, and contact made with the Education Manager following application.
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My child has an illness; will he / she be able to attend?
We would hope that all children attending Second Level Education could attend our Irish College courses, however for children with serious illnesses; we can only accept bookings provisionally until clearance is received by their doctor to allow attendance.
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My child has special dietary requirements; will he / she be able to attend?
We would hope that all children attending Second Level Education could attend our Irish College courses, however for children with serious dietary requirements or allergies; we can only accept bookings provisionally until clearance is received.
Coming to UISCE
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Can my child bring their own wetsuit?
UISCE provide all students with their own wetsuit for the course duration. We would advise students that would like to bring their own to take care of their wetsuit during the course and to ensure that they bring it home upon course completion. UISCE cannot take responsibility for loss or theft of any personal belongings during the course or of any personal belongings left behind after a course.
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How can we travel to/from UISCE?
Private transport is available to students travelling from Dublin, Longford and Ballina. Arrangements are made for those travelling from Cork, Limerick to use public transport as far as Galway where they will meet Coláiste UISCE’s bus.
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How do I book transport?
Transport can be booked at the time of booking or via your online account at: UISCE Online Booking. Travel must be booked at least 2 weeks prior to the course start date, any travel booked after this time cannot be guaranteed. We require travel arrangement for all students, even those attending to travel by car.
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How much pocket money do we need to bring?
Pocket money is a personal matter. There is a small shop in the Coláiste where students may purchase drinks and crisps. The Coláiste runs a bank for the safe keeping of students’ pocket money. All students are strongly advised to put all their pocket money in the bank on arrival and this money can be withdrawn as necessary daily.
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Does the shop accept card?
Unfortunately, the small shop does not accept card, however, our vending machine accepts card.
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What to pack?
ESSENTIAL ITEMS
Swimming togs (2 if possible)
3 x Towels (old towels advisable)
Booties or old runner and socks (neoprene if possible) for water sports
Thermal top or polyester jersey / top for under wetsuit
High factor sun cream
Tracksuit and runners
Rain jacket or rain gear
Spare inhaler for students with asthma
Old shorts for wearing over wetsuit
STANDARD ITEMS
Jeans, T-Shirts, Sweatshirts / Fleeces
Toilet bag and toiletries
Writing materials, A4 pad and A4 binder for notes
Pens, colouring pencils
Dictionary Irish/EnglishLunch box
OPTIONAL ITEMS
Camera, Football boots, Musical Instrument -
Are there themed Ceilí?
Yes, there will be themed ceilí’s during the course. Some of the themes are as follow: County Colours • Black & White • Night on the beach • Colourful • Hawaiian • Fashion show/dress up
During the course
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What is your mobile phone policy
Coláiste UISCE allows students to bring mobile phones, but to maintain an Irish-speaking environment, phones are collected on arrival and only returned for a set period each evening. Students may text only, and phone calls should be kept to a minimum, especially during the first three days. Important messages can be passed on through the office phone at 097-82111.
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Can we visit our son/daughter during the course?
During the course in Coláiste UISCE an atmosphere Gaelach is created. As the duration of this course is 2 weeks, we discourage unnecessary visits as they cause disruption to the students’ Irish language learning environment and prevents them from gaining maximum benefit from the course. However, if parents deem a visit necessary, we would recommend Saturday as this will cause the least disruption to the course. The Coláiste must have formal permission from a child’s parents at least 2 days in advance if their child is to be allowed out with other parents/guardians/people. Parents must sign a permission slip in the office to let us know that their child is being taken out.
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How are the classes divided?
Students are primarily divided into classes based on age / current year in School and friend requests, unless otherwise specified by parents.
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How are the groups divided?
Groups are sub-division of the Irish classes, a mixture of boys and girls in each. Depending on numbers etc. students may be divided into groups of similar water sport experience at the discretion of the Activities Manager.
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What happens when the weather isn’t suitable?
UISCE operates in adherence to national guidelines regarding wind strength, sea state and visibility for each activity. We also offer a range of land activities both indoor and outdoor where perhaps the weather isn’t suitable for water activities.