About us

Nicky Dowling
B.A (Hons) P.G.C.E (Hons)
Programme Director
An experienced language teacher in both French and German, she has Nicky devised specialised tuition courses, at both ordinary and higher levels, for various age groups. She has been involved in language reinforcement and adventure programmes since 1998. She will supervise and participate in every aspect of the language programmes from liaising with teachers on room allocation to organising buses, to ensuring that the students have students have a very safe enjoyable time, as well as an academically rewarding experience.

Niamh Hamill
Niamh Hamill is the general manager of Donegal Adventure Centre. Niamh was a primary school teacher in Tallaght for eight years, and then became head of fifth form at Ashfield College, Templeogue. She developed many outdoor educational programs for secondary school students from home and abroad, and in 2001 decided to develop an outdoor education centre that would specifically address the needs of teachers and students. As well as running the Donegal Adventure Centre, Niamh is also the director of ‘Adventure Ireland’, which is a second and third level program for students from USA and Europe. Niamh is committed to the idea that sport, music and arts are essential ingredients in education, and that students thrive when guided by enthusiastic leaders in a safe and positive environment. She is very active in local and national tourism projects, and she is also a musician and music promoter. This year, she is completing a master’s degree in American Studies at UCD.

Ken Keane

Ken Keane is the vital part of the team that keeps all the activities going so smoothly at Donegal Adventure Centre, Ken also oversees the maintenance and repair of wetsuits, surfboards, skateboards , leashes and much more. He is constantly monitoring the condition of all safety equipment such as ropes and harnesses, and ensuring that all staff look after the outdoor gear properly. Ken’s stores are kept in immaculate condition, and only the bravest of the brave would dare leave work unfinished. Ken is an excellent instructor, and also due for a haircut real soon.

Collie MacPhaidin:

Collie Mac Phaidin is our multi-talented and versatile media chief. Collie also taught in Dublin, and over the years here, has entertained and educated thousands of teens. Renowned for his wonderful personality and superb way with kids and teens, ‘Jolly Collie’ is a DAC legend. While he continues to work with overseas groups, he has overseen the development of our new Homefield Rock Hostel, and handles all the DAC websites and brochure design. Collie is a colourful character, famous for his Hawaiian shirts and sense of humour, and contributes in an enormous way to the positive atmosphere of Donegal Adventure Centre

Trish Corr and Ciara O’ Shea handle all of the bookings for Donegal Adventure Centre, arrange the paperwork, payments and everything else that goes on in the very busy DAC office. Trisha has been with us since the beginning of DAC, and we imported Ciara from Dublin a few years later. They are a formidable hothouse of organization, and the hub of the centre.
Trish and Ciara are usually the first people you will meet when you come to DAC, and they have magical powers no one else can quite understand. These girls are super helpful and will make sure everyone who books here gets the best possible experience.

Philip Doherty

Philip Doherty is another of our versatile staff, with qualifications in surfing and lifeguarding. He is also one of our drivers, and when he is not on session, he will be working on the upkeep of the centre activities, grounds and buildings. Philip has built much of our equipment, including the skateboard half-pipe and many of the tasks in our adventure field. Known affectionately as ‘Fiddy’ because of his penchant for gangsta rap.

Kyle Wilshire

Kyle Wilshire is one of our longest serving instructors, and is our chief surf instructor. Kyle has taught hundreds of kids, teens and adults the joys of good surfing, and his surf camps are packed each summer. Kyle, who comes from South Africa, is loved by all who come here, for his patience and good humour. A fanatic ‘Motley Crue’ fan, and former long-haired dude, he is now proud dad to gorgeous baby Ella, and cut his hair!

Richard "Dickie" Gillespie

Richard Gillespie (Dickie) is the media star of Donegal Adventure Centre. A brilliant surf instructor and GAA & Rugby athlete, Dickie’s exuberant personality has put him in front of the TV cameras on many occasions. He combines great patience and professionalism with a terrific sense of fun, and he is usually the loudest person on the beach.

Rachelle Keane

Rachelle Keane is a senior instructor at Donegal Adventure Centre, and a powerhouse of energy and enthusiasm. Don’t let this innocent face fool you… Rachel can marshal a group of rowdy teens better than a sergeant major! Rachel did her training here on our OITC course and has been a great asset to the centre since joining us on staff in 2007. She would like us to point out that she has the smallest feet on any of the staff (Size 3.)