Information about Carna

Sorcha Ní Ghuairim

Local Culture

Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim is situated in Iorras Aithneach, an area renowned for its rich cultural heritage. All students who pursue academic studies in Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim are brought on an educational and cultural tour of the area. Intertwined in the ancient culture of this area is a strong tradition of singing, music, Irish dance and boating. One could perhaps, even suggest that Carna is the best place in Ireland, as regards language and culture, to gain an understanding of the vast differences that exist in the Gaeltacht. 

Every student who pursues an academic course in Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim gets a unique insight into our native language, our traditional and contemporary arts as well as our culture, in ways that encourage imagination, realism and that unique spirituality that is associated with the local people and indeed the general area. These various features can be sampled and celebrated at various traditional boating festivals, during social evenings and entertainment in the area and also during the other major cultural events that are held, Féile Chomórtha Joe Éinniú (Seosamh ó hÉanaí) for example, a festival that entices artists and scholars to Iorras Aithneach, as well as crowds of people, both young and old.

Local Environment

The scenery in Iorras Aithneach is absolutely spectacular.
On one side are the vast waters of the Atlantic and on the other side is the magical, rough terrain of Connemara; bogs, valleys, lakes, and of course the majestic Maumturk Mountains and the Twelve Pins.

There are numerous white sandy beaches, sheltered harbours and walkways in the area that provide splendid views and you'll never be too far away from the sea. 

There are many small islands to be found along the coast, islands such as Oileán Mhic Dara, named in honour of the patron saint of the area, and a celebration is held every year on the 16th of July; a day when people traditionally go on a pilgrimage to the island. Among the other notable islands in the area are Oileán Fhínise and Bior. A trip to these islands is organised as part of the cultural and heritage programme of the academic courses that are provided in Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim. 

Archaeological sites are plentiful in Iorras Aithneach, Teampall Mhaorais amongst them – a medieval church that was used by the locals; Aireagal Mhic Dara, a national monument that is thought to have originally been part of the monastery that was on Oileán Mhic Dara; and Caisleán Thadhg na Buile, a castle that was built around 1574 and home to Tadhg na Buile Ó Flatharta.

The Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim Centre

The mission statement of Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim is to sustain and to promote the Irish language and culture, through educational, cultural and community development initiatives. To aid the fruition of this mission statement we provide a wide range of university programmes as well as community development activities that are aimed at creating vibrant communities in the Gaeltacht, in the area around Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim agus indeed the Gaeltacht in its entirety, in relation to aspects of language, economy, cultural and social life. 

Amongst the undergraduate courses that are provided in Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim are courses in computing, business administration, folklore and applied Irish.  Postgraduate training and research programmes in Information Technology are also provided. Issues relating to linguistics, computer science, community development and modern day society are amongst the relevant themes that are explored in the more comprehensive research programme that is also provided in Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim. 

Irish Culture

Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim also has a part to play in the preservation of the indigenous culture, a culture which includes precious traditional aspects of the locality; folklore for example. To this end, academic and development programmes are provided in Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim, programmes which will greatly enhance the ability of the area around Iorras Aithneach to generate further income from language and culture-based tourism, and will in turn entice both visitors and scholars to the area. 

Facilities and support is provided for the local community to help them organise celebratory events based on the traditional culture and arts of the Gaeltacht – events that take place during festivals, workshops and various gatherings that attract both young and old. These events give traditional Irish artists the opportunity to showcase their work in the community. Events such as these add greatly to a sense of pride and place as well as respect for the Irish language and the indigenous culture of the area.