College Profile
About Us
ATU Connemara is regarded both nationally and internationally as a leading provider of third-level programmes in furniture design and technology, and teacher education (design, graphics and construction).
Located in the beautiful village of Letterfrack, ATU Connemara is the National Centre for Excellence in Furniture Design and Technology. Renowned for its live traditional Irish music, Letterfrack is also surrounded by beautiful coastal destinations.
Letterfrack is overlooked by the majestic Diamond Hill and Connemara National Park. This park covers almost 3000 hectares of scenic mountains which are part of the famous Twelve Bens range.
The main entrance to Connemara National Park is in the village and is the starting point for an array of stunning walks. Beautiful coastal destinations such as Inishboffin and Cleggan are also within easy access of Letterfrack.
There is an excellent choice of places to eat and drink in Letterfrack including cosy pubs, restaurants, coffee shops and a hotel. Clifden, which is often referred to as the capital of Connemara, is only 15 minutes away and is the largest town west of Galway City. This thriving town is home to shops, cafes, fine dining restaurants and lots of quaint Irish pubs. There are regular bus services to Letterfrack, with daily connections to Clifden and Galway City available.
Why Us?
Students regularly get to showcase their work at local, national and regional levels. This not only highlights their talent, it also allows students to engage with potential employers.
All students undertake year long work placement in year three as part of their programme, including overseas placement opportunities. Through placements, students broaden their understanding of how enterprises operate and depend their knowledge through practice in a work environment. School placement in all four years for those on the Bachelor of Education degree provides experience of the classroom and the role of the teacher.
Our students frequently top award lists nationally and internationally. These include design and craft, IrelandSkills and WorldSkills, undergraduate and wood marketing awards.
Key Facts
Facilities
Students benefit from learning their skills in state-of-the art facilities. Our machine halls and bench rooms are fully equipped and include CNC equipment, laser cutting technology, sawmill and drying kiln, computer labs with specialist CAD software, along with a range of other specialist wood processing machinery.
Sports & Fitness
Students have access to local sports facilities including a grass football pitch, floodlit Astroturf pitch, fully equipped gym and a tennis court. Those looking to explore the great outdoors have a huge range of options to choose from, with pursuits available on land and sea. Scenic walks and
cycles, horse riding, angling and sea swimming offer ideal opportunities for relaxation. The more adventure orientated individual may find the perfect option in mountain climbing, abseiling, surfing, windsurfing or scuba diving.
Accommodation
Purpose-built student accommodation, Aras Ghuaire, is located within one-minute walking distance of ATU Connemara. To contact Aras Ghuaire please go to www.letterfrackaccommodation.comTo find out about private rental and digs options, please contact the Students’ Union at www.atustudentpad.ie Please note student villages are owned and run by private operators and not by ATU.
Transport Links
There are regular bus services to Letterfrack, with daily connections to Clifden and Galway City available.
Our location
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Connect with us
National Centre for Excellence in Furniture Design and Technology,
Letterfrack,
Co. Galway,
H91 AH5K