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.
Hostel style accommodation is available. In one section there are 2 dormitories with 16 beds in each and 2 single rooms for leaders; and the other section there are 5 rooms with 4 beds and 1 twin room. Free wifi is available throughout the building.
Quality home cooked meals are provided for residential groups. Our large kitchen can also be used by self catering groups. Other facilities include a dining area, showers, drying room, 2 multi purpose rooms plus outdoor play area.
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
- QQI Awards
- Skills Awards
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: Joanna McInerney
Manager of the centre since 1995, Joanna has been involved in Adventure and outdoor education for over 25 years. Joanna is qualified to highest level in inland and sea kayaking and also holds rock climbing leader, mountain leader and basic cave leader awards. Joanna is a keen sea kayaker and has been involved in many trips and expeditions worldwide.
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 basic cave leader.
Outdoor Education Programmes & Activities
Alan Fairweather
Alan is a senior instructor at the centre. He holds a degree in Outdoor and Environmental Education and is a qualified rock climbing leader, mountain leader and a basic cave leader.
Ger Cullen
Ger Cullen is an Outdoor Education tutor at the centre. He holds a degree in philospohy and sociology, another in psychology and a Diploma in youth and community work. Ger has experience of working with the youth services as well as in outdoor education. He is qualified rock climbing leader, cave leader and kayak instructor.
Carmel Broderick
Carmel is an Outdoor Education tutor at the centre. She holds a Diploma in Outdoor Education and qualified basic cave leader and kayak and mountain leader trainee. Carmel has been involved in outdoor education for a number of years and is experienced with working with a wide variety of groups
Terry Casserly
Terry is an Outdoor Education tutor at the centre. He is a Cave leader and a mountain leader trainee. Terry also looks after maintenance and the grounds at the centre
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 are responsible for keeping the visitors and staff well fed.
