New Course

Do you know someone who might be interested in our new course?

Centre Recruitment

Did you know someone who is interested in starting a new course in September?

Trainee Holiday

We hope all our trainees have a restful holiday and we will see you back in the centre on Monday the 2nd September

An Gaisce Adventure Journey 2019

Our trip started off when we were dropped at a farm in the Drumcliff area of Sligo. Barry, from Northwest Adventures was our guide for the day again and after he went through some important advice and tips we set off on our way up the Dartry Mountains. The hike started with what Barry told us would be the toughest incline of the day, and he was right! We crossed gullies to make our way to Kings Mountain, from a spot known as Kings Table we were able to take in spectacular views of Sligo town and its surrounding areas including the Atlantic coastline. 

Over 14 kilometers of walking and climbing of over 3,000 feet in total took us to many vantage points where we could look down from the Mountain top taking in beautiful scenery such as Glencar Lake and Glenif Horseshoe. We were also lucky to take in Glencarbury mines, where some old equipment and buildings are in ruin but clearly show that it’s not so long ago that these mountains were a very active part of the Sligo community and working industry. Barry’s knowledge of the area brought the area to life for us as he spoke about how the workers would transport the rock and minerals which were been mined at the time, showing us ruins of equipment which are still very evident along the mountain range. We made our way down the mountain to the picturesque Glenif horseshoe where we met William from Northwest Adventures, who was ready and waiting with bikes and safety equipment for us all. As the rain started to fall we headed off on our cycle taking in some lovely views of the mountain range we had been looking down from earlier in the day. 

After 7 kilometers on the bikes we reached our accommodation for the night, Benwiskin Centre. If anyone was feeling tired or de-motivated at this stage they couldn’t help but get a lift when walking in to the recently refurbished Benwiskin Centre, which would rival many hotels for quality and comfort! The entire group helped out with getting dinner ready, which had been kindly pre prepared for us by the wonderful catering tutors and trainees in our own centre. As always the food was a big hit!

Later in the evening Barry invited all of us outside to the side of the Benwiskin centre where he went through some bush skills which led to a camp fire been lit and marshmallows been toasted for all to enjoy! All that was left for the group to do was enjoy some well-deserved rest time, and the common area in Benwiskin centre certainly allows this with its comfortable décor, smart TV and Wi-Fi for all to avail of. Some stories and laughs later, the day and activities had took its toll on everyone and it was off to bed for some much needed sleep, again we wouldn’t be let down by our hosts for the night as everyone enjoyed a good night’s sleep in the newly refurbished bedrooms which are as clean as they are comfortable.

The next morning there was a lot of tired limbs but everyone chipped in to avail of the wonderful facilities one last time where a gorgeous breakfast was prepared and eaten in comfort. A trip that will live long in the memory for all involved!

Group starting their climb on the first day

The group in enjoying the views from on top of the mountains

Spectacular views from up top

The group descending down the valley

A group picture outside the Benwiskin Centre

The group made a bonfire at the Benwiskin Centre and had some marshmallows

Taking a well earned break

The hard work paid off

An Gaisce Adventure Journey Begins

Members of the An Gaisce group began their adventure journey this morning.

Football Tournament

We enjoyed a fantastic sporting football tournament on Monday involving trainees from all the departments in the centre together with many of the trainees from Leitrim CTC who travelled for the event.

Well done to the winner team on the day Cormac, Tyreike, Oskar, Owen, John, Troy, Katelyn & Alice

Other prize winners on the day included Sean Flanagan, Brittney Sweeney, Diego Colburn and Andrew Kelly.

We would like to thank every player would look part and also a special word of thanks to Danny and Steve for organising the event.

Have a look at just some of the photos from the day.

Hike

Some trainees took part in an enjoyable hike of Knocknarea today. Well done to all who participated!

Football Training

Hairdressing trainees football session

Garden furniture getting a Make Over

   
    Ahmed, Dylan and Seamaidh from the Computer Group painting the tables in the Garden

Everyone is getting into gardening...

Marian showing us how it is done!