Activities
Fun-Filled Daily Activities
From beach games and sports to music sessions and themed céilí nights, students enjoy an exciting mix of activities, all while practicing their Irish language skills.
culture
Experience True Irish Culture
Students are immersed in authentic Irish culture, with music, dance, and traditional céilí nights, creating an unforgettable experience that deepens their connection to the language and heritage.
home
Comfortable Accommodation with Home-Cooked Meals
Students stay in welcoming, local homes with vetted families, enjoying a safe environment and delicious home-cooked meals, fully immersing themselves in the language and daily life of the Gaeltacht.
travel
Adventure Awaits
With scenic tours to the breathtaking Aran Islands, the majestic Twelve Pins Mountains, and the medieval streets of Galway, students will explore the wonders of Ireland while practicing their Irish in real-world settings.
Fáilte go dtí Coláiste na nOileán
Welcome to Coláiste na nOileán, the premier destination for immersive Irish language and cultural experiences in Connemara. Located in the heart of the Connemara Gaeltacht, just 35 miles west of Galway City, our college offers a vibrant summer program where students dive into the Irish language through engaging, fun-filled activities.
With over 50 years of expertise, we blend traditional methods with modern teaching techniques to ensure an enriching and memorable learning journey. Discover a world where education meets adventure at Coláist na nOileán—where every moment is an opportunity to explore and excel in Irish language and culture.
Don’t miss out on an unforgettable Irish language experience
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Activities
We place great emphasis on learning Irish while having fun as this helps to cultivate and excellent learning environment as well as a love for the language. To ensure this we have a wide variety of indoor and outdoor games, competitions and adventure activities.
Swimming
Enjoy swimming at the college's nearby safe, sandy beaches. Beach activities and games are always organized and supervised to ensure safety
Games
Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Soccer, Hurling, Uni-hoc, Netball, Cycling, Table Tennis, Canoeing etc.
Music
Pupils can participate in musical activities, sketches, debates, drama and talent shows.
Theme Nights
Black & White, 60's Céilí, Céilí Gleasta, Hawaii Night, Hollywood Night, Popstars Night, Culchie Night, Counties Night, Country Céilí.
Tours
Tours will be organised to the Aran Islands, scenic Twelve Pins Mountains of Connemara or a tour of the medieval city of Galway (weather permitting).
Céilí's
Disco Céilí, Singing Competition, Concert, Scoraíocht
Testimonials
Just collected my daughter from a 2 week course, she had a great time.... thank you all at Coláiste na nOileán
Bhí sé go hiontach agus bhí an Craic agam ansin
Everybody should go at least once, best two weeks
Hi there. My daughter has just completed cúrsa C with you. I would like to thank you for all the work. She has definitely a healthier attitude toward learning Irish and has a confidence she sorely lacked previously.
Firstly wanted to say thanks so much for looking after all the teens in the last 2 weeks. That’s not an easy job but they all had a blast. Loved it and made memories for a lifetime. My son loved every moment and a special thank you to his Bean an Tí for the care she had given him on his stay with her
Firstly I would like to thank you all, Sara had a wonderful time over the last two weeks. Her time was packed full of activities and she hardly had time to be homesick.
Our daughter was with you for Cúrsa A over the last two weeks. From everything she has told us she had an amazing time and loved every second of her experience so thank you to all the staff for that - it's not easy to impress 14 year old girls!! Could you please pass our particular thanks to the bean an tí, We cannot over-express our appreciation for her kindness and care towards her for the duration .
Tá mé an buíochas as gach rud. Ní raibh mórán Gaeilge agam. Tá mé an sásta anois agus mé sásta níos mó Gaeilge a fhoghlaim. Tá sé iontach!
Chuaigh mé chuig Coláiste na nOileán 10 mbliana ó shin mar scoláire. Ansin mar Ard Chinnire ar feadh dhá bhliain.
Bhí mé ag obair ann i mbliana mar mhúinteoir. Níl aon áit níos fearr.
Fíor Choláiste i bhfíor Ghaeltacht.
Chuaigh mé chuig an cúrsa ardteistiméireachta do chúrsa E. Bhí sé thar barr. Fuair mé Ard ghrád sa Gaeilge.
Buíochas leis an múinteoir Áine
I can honestly say the best 2 weeks I've had away. I now actually love Irish and I hated it before this. Great craic with the lads in the house and great food. "Dinnéar a buachaillí "
Went to their primary school courses. Unreal. Much better than some summer camps I went to. Strict enough on the Irish. Learnt a good bit in a week.
This was my 3rd time going to the Gaeltacht to different colleges. I did Mayo first and then another one in Galway. Coláiste na nOileán was by far the best. A huge range of activities, the usual court and pitch sports but also adventure sports both on land, sea, lake and mountains. Totally exhausted now 3 days after returning.
Can't recommend enough. All 4 of my gang (3 lads, 1 girl) went multiple times. Came back talking Irish to me!! I have the cúpla focal but it was lovely to hear them talk to each other.
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