Gortatole Outdoor Learning Centre
A spacious residential centre set on an 80 acre site on the banks of Lower Loch MacNean. With close proximity to the Marble Arch Caves this centre is perfect for those looking to explore and adventure seekers.
Gortatole Outdoor Learning Centre is located in County Fermanagh and sits on its own 65 acre wooded and meadow site along the shore of Lower Lough MacNean. This unique location has easy access to the internationally recognised Marble Arch caves and surrounding Global Geopark. Gortatole programmes explore this learning-rich natural environment on hill walks, climbing adventures, in canoes, sailing and of course wild caving. The location of the Centre lends itself to the development of its specialisms in supporting the NI school’s curriculum; adventure activities and caving.
The Centre provides training in caving for instructors including volunteers at the Marble Arch Caves. The training in personal competency and caving leadership is delivered in partnership with the National Governing body and Marble arch caves management.
Gortatole currently offers curriculum support linked residential and single day programmes to both primary and post primary schools over 5 days during term time. During the summer and other periods outside of school term, the centre offers a variety of adventure activities; camping and programmes to support youth groups such TBUC camps and youth intervention programmes.
Accomodation
Gortatole can cater for 44 young people with accompanying leaders within the main residential building. There is a number of small group work rooms, chill out areas and a large dining hall and lounge for your group to congregate during the evening time. The site benefits from a large sports hall and hosts one of Ireland’s largest indoor climbing walls.
Gortatole also has a purpose built campsite located within the grounds and can accomodate 80 young people in tents. There are two “4-person” staff cabins available within the campsite as well as a toilet block and wind drying tunnel. The campsite has a campfire pit, perfect for a campfire singalong or toasting smores. This is a great resource for groups to avail of particularly during the summer season.
The adventure learning resources on site include a 13 metre indoor climbing wall, large sports hall and an indoor archery range. Support for exam led programmes is provided with classroom and field science laboratory space. The rich ecological environment supports the development of environmental and field studies in particular.
Activities Available
Pricing & Booking
Please find below the pricing structure for our outdoor learning centres and campsites. Should you wish to book one of our centres, please click the button below and complete the online booking request form. One of our staff will be in touch with you shortly after completion.
Preferential rates (previously referred to as a bursary), may be offered for bookings. Please contact outdoorlearning@eani.org.uk or 028 9598 5734 for more information. Discount is also offered to those groups who are EA registered organisations. To find out more information on how to become a registered organisation, please visit the EANI Funding webpage
Prices do not apply to schools or youth groups outside Northern Ireland and Third Level Educational Institutions. Please contact outdoorlearning@eani.org.uk or 028 9598 5734 for rates.
| Overnight Residential Rate (per person per night) | EA Registered | Non-EA Registered (+25%) |
| Schools | £49.50 | £62.00 |
| Youth groups | £28.50 | £48.00 |
| Staff training (with instruction) | £60.50 | £75.50 |
| Staff training (self programming) | £38.50 | £48.00 |
| Campsite (per person per night) | EA Registered | Non-EA Registered (+25%) |
| Tents | £5.50 | £7.00 |
| Cabins (Staff only) | £16.50 | £20.50 |
Groups staying after 11am on the day of departure will be charged additional day rate fee noted below.
All camp site rates are based on self-catering and self-programming, if your group require outdoor instructor support from EA Outdoor Learning services additional costs will apply based on need and subject to availability of staff.
| Day Visit | EA Registered | Non-EA Registered (+25%) |
| Schools | £27.50 | £34.50 |
| Youth groups | £22.00 | £27.50 |
| Staff training (with instruction) | £49.50 | £62.00 |
| Staff training (self programming) | £33.00 | £41.00 |
Contact our outdoor learning team:
Email: outdoorlearning@eani.org.uk
Phone: 028 9056 6569