History / Stair

Coláiste Íde was originally Lord Ventry's Estate, and the present school building was formerly his residence, which was constructed in 1790. A new wing was added in 1929, two years after the establishment of a Preparatory College ( Teacher training college ) on the site. In 1961, the Sisters of Mercy bought the building, which was used as an all-Irish Secondary school for girls until June 1996. When the Sisters of Mercy ceased their educational activities in Corca Dhuibhne, the College was aquired under long term lease by a group of parents, teachers and their friends, who formed a limited company - Cairde Choláiste Íde Teoranta. The Company is registered as a charity in Ireland.

Coláiste Íde is in an area remarkable, not only for the beauty and variety of its landscape, but also for its rich share of pre-historic and Christian remains as well as its diversity of flora and fauna. The earliest recorded form of the Irish language 5th - 7th century is provided by the inscriptions on the ogham stones, on the edge of the avenue, leading to the school.

For more information on these Ogham Stones please click on link below.
Ogham Stones

Noted Irish scholar and Irish Senator, Pádraig Ó Siochfhradha ( 1883 - 1964 ) commonly known as " An Seabhac ", author of the much loved exploits of Jimín Mháire Thaidhg was reared in the grounds of the school. Cairde Choláiste Íde have recently aquired his priceless personal library from his generous relatives. The Library will be housed in the college and will be open to students and scholars.