10 Things you might like to know about Killorglin Campus

Jennifer O Carroll

1. Location – Killorglin Campus is nestled in the mountains and lakes overlooking Caragh Lake and provides the perfect scenic backdrop for those who wish to study outdoor education.

2. Name Change – In September 2020, it was agreed that Cappanalea OETC would be designated as a FET centre and became the fifth Campus of Kerry College.

3. New AEO – Aodhnait Carroll took up the position of Adult Education Officer of Killorglin Campus in January 2022. Aodhnait has an extensive background in outdoor education and FET and a passion for pedagogy in the outdoors.

4. Outdoor Activity Instructor – Provides learners with the opportunity to achieve personal proficiencies in kayaking; rock-climbing; hillwalking; powerboating and become a kayak instructor.

5. Advanced Outdoor Activity Instructor – QQI Level 6 award helps those that have gained some qualifications in the outdoors and want to further develop their instructorship and leadership skills in rock-climbing; canoeing; orienteering; sea kayaking and trail cycling.

6. Connect Outdoors - This bespoke one-day wellbeing programme is offered to all courses in Kerry College. Learners connect with fellow learners / tutors while in the outdoor setting of the Killorglin Campus.

7. Scuba Diving - This is the only PADI Scuba Diving Instructor programme run by an ETB in Ireland. It provides learners with the opportunity to achieve the PADI Open Water Diver certificate; PADI Advanced Open Water Diver; PADI Rescue Diver course and PADI Dive Master.

8. Ecology & Practical Fieldwork – Utilising the Killarney National Park, this course is highly practical and focuses on the key skills & knowledge necessary for working in an ecologically based role.

9. Surf Instructor & Beach Lifeguard – Learners will gain qualifications in surfing, lifeguarding, first aid, with the view to becoming a Surf Instructor and Beach Lifeguard.

10. Future Developments - Supporting Kerry’s hospitality sector / local communities, the development of renewable energies in Ireland, providing upskilling opportunities in outdoor education and training for all, i.e. Adventure Skills and Leadership Series, Star Gazers Guide, Commercial Diving and Greenway and Blueway Guide.