About Us

  • Coláiste Chamuis was founded in 1973 by the Denvir Family to provide authentic Irish language, cultural and educational experiences in Ireland for students.
  • The College is based in Ros a’ Mhíl, a coastal village situated in heart of the Connemara “Gaeltacht” (an Irish speaking area) of Galway in the West of Ireland.
  • Coláiste Chamuis caters annually for some 1,900 students from all over Ireland would be regarded as the premier standard and market leader in the Irish Language College Sector.
  • Over 50,000 students have received “Fáilte Chroíúil na Gaeltachta” – “An Open Hearted Gaeltacht Welcome” from us since 1973. It has been, and continues to be a privilege, to introduce An Ghaeilge to our students as a living, vibrant language. As our motto says “Is fiú agus is féidir” (Is it possible and it is worth it)
  • The Denvir family tradition continues as the second generation of the family are now involved in all aspects of the Coláiste Chamuis.
  • It’s sister company Celtic Culture was founded in 2011 to provide that same authentic cultural and educational experience in Ireland for students and visitors from North America and Canada.
  • Since then, we have hosted hundreds of students, adults, families and groups, and provided many unique and unforgettable Irish programs.
  • We work with several educational, leisure and cultural organisations in Canada, the United States, Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Teaching Approach/Philosophy

  • Learning will be by means of lectures, seminars, dramatic performances, guided tours and informed contact with the music, language, and people of Ireland. An interdisciplinary approach will be used within each module and between the modules taught on campus.
  • Students have the unrivalled opportunity to delve into Irish culture in the heart of the Irish-speaking Connemara Galway Gaeltacht region. Students do not merely read about Ireland; they live the Irish experience through hands-on seminars led by accomplished scholars and local experts using Connemara as the campus classroom. All of our programs feature active participation and immersion – both in and out of the classroom. What develops is a profound understanding of Celtic culture and society, historically and in the modern world.
  • Our programs focus on the goal of in-depth experience of another culture, culture as rich and varied as Connemara and its community. To achieve the cultural immersion objective, we design the academics, excursions, housing, and community engagement opportunities to interrelate and intensify the immersion experience.
  • Courses include local field trips and community-based projects that give students the opportunity learn first-hand the lessons and theories of the classroom. Also, a variety of excursions and cultural activities are included to provide students with a living experience of Irish culture and history.
Our core values are embedded in every aspect of our programs. These are:
  • Safety, Security and Well-Being of each participant
  • Meaningful & Intentionally Directed Education
  • Authenticity, Empathy and Equality
  • Access & Diversity
  • Environmental Care & Sustainability

See Activities for further details of some of the activities we have catered for. Please note the lists are not exhaustive – we can cater for the most niche of requirements – we always love a challenge!