The Burren Outdoor Education Centre was established by Co. Clare VEC in the early 1980's. It is a purpose built and fully equipped centre, situated amidst curved limestone hills and exists to provide quality outdoor education and adventure experiences to participants of all ages by exploring potential and achievement; using group work and support to achieve life long learning.
Facilities include dining area, games room, meeting/ lecture room, showers, drying room, playing pitch and volley ball area. Hostel style accommodation is provided in 2 dorms of 16 with 2 single rooms for leaders in one area and in 4 rooms of 4 and 2 twin rooms in another area. Quality home cooked meals are provided for residential groups.
At the Burren OEC you will
. Experience fun, adventure and challenge 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.
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 and youth groups include
- Multi-activity
- Transition Year
- Leaving Cert Applied
- National schools
- An Gaisce
- FETAC 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 : Collette Burke
Collette is the secretary and administrator at the centre. She runs the office and handles all queries and bookings.
Field Studies / Outdoor Education
Colin Bunce
Colin is the head of field studies and a senior instructor at the centre. He holds a geology degree and H. Dip and has many years experience in developing and providing environmental courses, field study programmes and in-service training courses. Colin is a Cave Leader and is actively involved in cave exploration in the Burren. He also holds mountain leader and orienteering leader certificates.
Jess Buckley
Jess is a field studies tutor at the centre. Jess has been involved in both formal and non formal education for some years. She holds a degree in PE and Geography as well as being a qualified sailing and kayak instructor and basic cave leader.
Anna Jeffrey
Anna works with us in a part time capacity. She has a post graduate degree in Geology and H. Dip; she owns a local organic farm and also runs her own gardening courses
Outdoor Education
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 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
Support
Sean Shannon is a full time local farmer and works with us in a part time capacity. He is responsible for maintainance of the centre and grounds and has been with the centre for many years.
In the kitchen you will find Marie O’Halloran, Marie Burke, Phil Kerins and Irene Burke. They are responsible for running the housekeeping and catering areas. They have 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.
