The Burren Outdoor Education & Training Centre was established by Co. Clare VEC in the early 1980’s. It is now run under the aegis of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board. It is a purpose built and fully equipped centre, situated amidst curved limestone hills and provides quality outdoor education and adventure experiences to participants of all ages. Outdoor education promotes cooperation and teamwork, offers challenge and adventure and explores potential, achievement and life long learning.
At the Burren OETC we hope you will
- Experience challenge, adventure and fun while participating in adventure activities
- Learn new skills – how to paddle a kayak, read a map etc
- Learn about the unique Burren environment
- Learn and develop life skills – how to live and work as a group, solve problems as a team, improve communication skills.
- Learn about yourself – improve self confidence, deal with fear, cope with new and challenging situations.
Outdoor Education
is an approach to learning and education that focuses on learning through doing or learning from experience. It covers areas such as adventure activities, environmental studies as well as a residential experience and it presents a unique opportunity for people to be involved in situations where
- Cooperation is essential
- Social barriers can be overcome
- Life long skills and leisure interests can be acquired and improved
Programmes for schools, youth groups and further education and training groups include:
- Multi-activity
- Transition Year
- Leaving Cert Applied
- National schools
- An Gaisce
Other information
The centre operates on a self help basis – you will be expected to help keep the centre clean and tidy and to help with simple domestic chores e.g. washing up. You will be responsible for your own belongings and we advise you to leave valuables at home. Any unclaimed items will be kept in lost property for a limited time only.
WHO WE ARE:
A dedicated, enthusiastic and experienced team works at the centre. Outdoor staff have the necessary training and qualifications as well as being experienced working with people out of doors. They are in turn supported by a friendly and capable administrative, domestic and maintenance staff.
Manager: Alan Fairweather
Office : Marie Byrt
Marie is the secretary and administrator at the centre. She runs the office and handles all queries and bookings.
Field Studies:
Jess Buckley
Jess is a the head of field studies tutor at the centre. Jess holds a teaching degree in PE and Geography and has been involved in both formal and non formal education for some years. She is also a sailing and kayak instructor and cave leader.
Anna Jeffrey Gibson
Outdoor Education Programmes & Activities:
Eoghan Mullen
Carmel Broderick
Carmel is an Outdoor Education tutor at the centre. She holds a Diploma in Outdoor Education, is a qualified cave leader and kayak and mountain leader trainee. Carmel has been involved in outdoor education for over twenty years and is experienced with working with a wide variety of groups
Terry Casserly
Terry is a Sport Ireland coach developer. He is a Cave Instructor and a mountain leader trainee. Terry also looks after maintenance and the grounds at the centre.
Eophan Robson
Tess Casasín Sheridan
Tess is a local outdoor activity instructor with a passion for nature and Gaeilge. She is a level 1 Kayak instructor, a trainee rock climbing instructor, swim teacher and lifeguard. She also holds Mountain Skills 1 and 2 awards.
Support:
Irene Burke is our chef and head of housekeeping. She is responsible for running the housekeeping and catering areas and has a well deserved excellent reputation for providing quality home cooked meals to visiting groups and is responsible for keeping the visitors and staff well fed!