Course FAQs
We’ve pulled this list of FAQs and responses together based on questions from other course participants. If you have a question, please check to see if it is covered below first, and if not just let us know via the live chat button, or by dropping us a mail at info@ourcommonknowledge.org.
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Booking your course
FAQs
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We release our courses on a monthly basis, roughly 2-6 months prior to their commencement date. To be the first to hear when courses go live, please subscribe to our newsletter.
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Unless otherwise stated, the fee covers all course materials, tuition costs, nutritious daily meals including a light breakfast, lunch and baked treats, as well as delicious locally roasted Anam coffee and selection of herbal teas.
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To protect the safety and security of minors, our courses are designed for those over 18 years of age. We plan to run courses which are suitable and designed for younger people in the future.
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As a non-profit social enterprise, we hope you will appreciate that we need to have a reasonable but strict change and cancellation policies to ensure our sustainability.
Whilst we understand that life can be full of surprises, following your booking will have committed significant time and resource to planning and delivering a great learning experience for you. Changes and cancellations also create pressure for our small team in terms of administration and filling bookings to avoid a loss at short notice. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the following refund rates apply to all cancellations and changes:
Up to 28 days prior to the course: Refund of 75% for any course fee or change fee of €150 (€75 for short courses) to move to another course.
From 28-14 days prior to course commencement, we will provide a refund of 50% of the course fee. No date change is available.
Less than 14 days prior to course commencement, you will not receive a refund and cannot be changed. Thank you for your understanding.
If any of our courses are cancelled or postponed by Common Knowledge, due to Covid 19 restrictions or other circumstances which prevent us from proceeding with the course, you will receive a full refund.
To cancel or change your booking, please contact info@ourcommonknowledge.org. All refunds will be made within 5 working days and exclude booking fees, we will have already paid to our payment processor when you book.
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Sorry, we cannot allow pets on-site for health and safety reasons. There is a cat and a dog here already and we are surrounded by farms with livestock. If there’s no one at home who can take care of your doggo, we’ve heard great things about local kennel Dysert O’Deas, which is about 15 mins drive away (https://www.facebook.com/DysertKennels/). We thank you for understanding.
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Yes we do, please drop us a line at info@ourcommonknowledge.org for more information.
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Yes, you can purchase vouchers here.
If you’d prefer to purchase them a specific course, drop us a line at info@ourcommonknowledge.org. We’ll provide a link for you to pay directly, and then supply a link you can send them to register themselves directly.
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When you book directly on our site, we use a 3rd party platform, Stripe, to process the payment. We also pay a fee to TicketTailor, our ticketing platform. Together these charges can range from 2-5%.
Should you wish to avoid booking fees, we can accept payment by direct bank transfer. Please note, we cannot hold a place until we have received payment.
Contact info@ourcommonknowledge.org for bank details.
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Yes, you can select ‘Klarna’ as a payment option for courses, which will offer the option to pay in three instalments at checkout.
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Our courses are priced to reflect a balance between accessibility, the value we know our courses offer, and what it actually costs to deliver the quality of learning and on-site experience we believe in.
We provide discounts only through a structured Access Programme for our Build School courses which are offered to those most in need in our local area in collaboration with Clare Local Development Company. These are offered periodically. Stay tuned to our social media and newsletter for Access Programme announcements, normally in the new year.
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For the initial 6 months of pregnancy, you can attend without any of our courses however beyond this period, we suggest refraining from attendance due to concerns regarding practical movement, safety, and overall comfort. It's important to consult with your healthcare provider before enrolling in any courses during pregnancy. Please also share any specific needs or concerns with us in advance. This way, we can ensure we provide the best support and make necessary accommodations for your comfort and safety.Item description
Accommodation & nearby amenities
FAQs
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STAYING AT THE COMMON KNOWLEDGE CENTRE
If you have yet to arrange accommodation for your course, staying on site offers convenience and greater sense of connection to others taking your course. You can check our availability on site here.
We have shared rooms from €35 per night and private rooms from €60 per night. Accommodation fills up early, so be sure to book once you have confirmed your place if you plan to stay with us.
If you are staying with us on site, you can check in from 16.00-20.00 the day before your course. When leaving, you will need to check out by 10.00 on the day of your departure.
CAMPING ON-SITE (MAY-SEPT)
You can also book camping on site from May to September here. For a small fee, our campsite facilities include electricity, a camp kitchen (with microwave, hob, and limited refrigeration space), showers and compost toilets.
STAYING ELSEWHERE
If you’d prefer to stay in a guesthouse or hotel, be sure to book early as the area gets very busy and costly during the summer months. We recommend using a search engine like Booking.com to find the best deals and see reviews from other guests, but to book directly with the hotel or guesthouse website to avoid them having to pay commissions.
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As custodians of 50 beautiful acres in the Burren, we recognise that repairing our relationship to the earth and nature in a reciprocal way is an integral piece of the sustainability puzzle.
Our ambition for this land is for it to become a living example of permaculture in action. From the way we work in our Common Knowledge Gardens, to the wild land around us, we are committed to embracing a regenerative way of working with the land, and it is our hope that it can be an inspiration for others.
VISIT THE GARDENS
As you wander through our gardens during summer, you meander past thriving organic vegetable beds and polytunnel, a chicken coop, native tree plantation, beehives, and an orchard. This area of our site is a ‘living classroom’ of sorts, where our permaculture, gardening, foraging, and nature connection courses are held. Our intention here is to create a space which invites visitors to really consider where their food comes from, whilst empowering people to start their own food growing journeys.
This space also serves the function of growing food for the meals offered on our courses and venue hires. Freshly harvested organic fruit, vegetables, medicinal herbs, aromatic edible flowers, eggs and honey are brought to the kitchen weekly. And with the Common Knowledge Kitchen situated less than 20 metres away, it doesn’t take much to go from farm-to-fork!
In the winter, the garden still offers a peaceful place to go for a wander and find some space between workshops.
WALK THE NATURE TRAIL
Of our 50 acres, just five acres are actively used by the centre and Common Knowledge aims to repair and nurture the rest of this traditional peatland. We wish to encourage biodiversity and ecology to allow the land to regenerate, whilst protecting it as a natural, educational resource in the heart of the Burren National Park.
Entered via a beautiful standing stone circle, our Nature Trail brings guests through the many distinct features of the land where wild plant and animal life can thrive, including peatlands, meadows, grasslands, hedgerows and a recent plantation of 3,000 native Irish trees.
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We provide satellite broadband in our Common Room and Lodge/Courtyard accommodation. 4G signal is generally ok at the site.
All of the cafes and hotels in Ennistymon provide wifi if you need a stronger signal, or there is a digital hub which can be booked for hot desk drop ins.
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LISDOONVARNA (5 MINS)
The nearest petrol station, shop and pharmacy.
ENNISTYMON (15 MINS)
Here you’ll find the nearest ATM and Builders Providers (Cullinan’s).
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Our local area is steeped in natural and cultural heritage, nearby to gorgeous swim spots and has a lively variety of independent businesses. The following recommendations are all located within close proximity of our Centre.
Lisdoonvarna (5 mins) - Nearby Lisdoonvarna is one of Ireland’s original Victorian Spa towns and has a deep heritage of wellness and cultural events. Though the Spa Well is currently closed, you can sample the mineral water from the spring at the Twin Wells, before tasting the delicious salmon at The Burren Smokehouse experience. Top it off with a pint at the Roadside Tavern or dinner at the Michelin-starred Wild Honey Inn.
Kilfenora (7 mins) - Renowned for its traditional musical festival, Kilfenora is also the home to The Burren Centre, which has been recently renovated and offers a broad and engaging introduction to this special area. Grab a bite in the café there or head on to Vaughan’s pub any time of day for great food, friendly service and warm, welcoming surroundings.
Doolin & ferry to The Aran Islands (12 mins): For a special meal at an independent, organic and family-owned business, we highly recommend the tasting menu at Homestead Cottage. For day trips, Doolin Cave is home to Europe’s largest free hanging stalactite and you can also hop on a ferry to beautiful Inis Oirr to disconnect from mainland life, enjoy epic views of the West coast from afar and maybe even speak some Irish.
Ennistymon (17 mins) - Take a trip to the charming market town of Ennistymon. Grab a coffee in The Cheesepress whilst browsing the fair trade crafts and organic foods, before heading down the lane beside to view the famous cascading river falls. Continue along the river path past the Falls Hotel to reach an enchanted woodland walk, or stop into the Falls Hotel to use their hydro powered spa facilities. Returning to the main street, stop into Banner Books or Salmon Poetry to pick up a book to read over an authentic french crepe in Ooh La La, or a pint in Cooley’s Bar. Drop into the Aloe Tree to explore their joyous collection of organic health foods. In the evening, check out the lobster truck at Pot Duggans, where there are often pub quizzes and live music, or just to relax on their riverside terrace.
The Cliffs of Moher (18 mins) - Learn how to avoid the crowds and experience the cliffs like the locals do with our inside scoop and location tips for accessing this stunning area of dramatic beauty.
Lahinch (20 mins) - Tuck into one of the infamous pastries at our favourite bakery, Hugo’s, before heading for a walk or a surf with The Green Room Surf School on the bustling seafront. Finish with a coffee from Dodi Cafe, or a pint in Frawley’s.
Liscannor/Clahane (20 mins)- Head past Doolin for a restorative sea swim at our favourite spot Clahane strand, and don’t forget to bring a hot flask to warm you up. Head on to nearby Liscannor and order the best local takeaway fish and chips from Vaughan’s seafood restaurant, which the folks at Egan’s Pub will be happy for you to enjoy alongside a pint or glass of wine.
The Burren (Located within a 45 min radius): Dive into the Burren by following the Lough Avalla path to a magical, self-sufficient farm run by an enigmatic Dutch man, named Harry. The Burren Perfumery offers a trip deep into the unique karst landscape, with simple and delicious food, soap and perfume making displays and a fragrant gift shop. If you have a sweet tooth, head onwards to Hazel Mountain Chocolate for the most potent hot chocolate you will ever taste. The nearby Burren College of Art have shows and events throughout the year, see their website for more information.
Preparing for your course
FAQs
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However you’re reaching us, we recommend that you use our Eircode to plan your journey - V95DK38. For more information, please see our Location page.
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We provide all tools and building materials for our courses.
Whilst we provide all tools and materials, you may need site & safety gear to take part. This is detailed on the event page for your course, which you can find on our Course Listings page.
Please note that you will not be able to participate in building activities without this site and safety gear. When booking your course, if relevant, you will be offered the opportunity to purchase a Site & Safety pack from us. It will also be available for sale on site subject to availability.
CHECKLIST
We recommend the following for all courses
Safety kit as above
A pocket notepad and pen
A refillable water bottle
Tough, all-weather and warm clothing suitable for hands-on work. Our courses operate in all-weather conditions so be prepared for rain, hail or shine! We will hope for the best and expect the worst..
Protective, waterproof footwear (with steel toe capped boots if specified on the page or your course)
And swimming gear in case you might find your way to the coast for a swim, sauna or hot tub (highly recommended!)
We recommend O’Sullivan’s Safety for workwear as they are Irish and stock a wide range of sizes including in women’s footwear.
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Breakfast and lunch is provided by The Common Knowledge Kitchen during courses. We strongly believe that eating well and having happy bellies allows for the greatest learning outcomes so we always ensure that someone who is passionate about cooking is providing catering for our courses.
The menu varies but it is always vegetarian, homemade and wholesome with an emphasis on local, organic produce. We provide breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea / coffee. We can cater for vegan and severe allergies, just let us know in the booking form.
Most people on courses venture out locally together for evening meals (see ‘Local Amenities’), but please also feel free to bring your own supplementary food. There are limited cooking and refrigeration facilities available in our camp kitchen which can be used by anyone staying on site on a leave no trace basis.
For health & safety, we ask that no food is stored or eaten in rooms, or prepared elsewhere on site. Thank you for your cooperation on this.
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Anyone staying on site is free to use the public areas of the Lodge until 9pm. After 9pm is quiet time indoors on site. If you fancy a drink or socialising indoors after that, we recommend Vaughan’s in Kilfenora and you can also check out the Roadside Tavern in Lisdoonvarna. You can arrange transport from Lisdoonvarna via Mooneys on 0872069019. Transfers to The Common Knowledge Centre for 1-4 people cost €10 and take about 10 minutes. For more information on local amenities, check out the ‘Amenities’ section.
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Anyone visiting or working on our site is asked to commit to the principles of our Code of Conduct:
1. Respecting Each Other - Please make a commitment to treat everyone on site with respect and not engage in any behaviour that is harmful to others through action or speech. Any form of discrimination or bullying will not be tolerated and the managers of the centre reserve the right to ask anyone to leave.
2. Respecting the Environment - Please respect the beautiful natural surroundings of the Common Knowledge Centre and the Burren including all of its flora and fauna. Please use eco-friendly products for cleaning and personal hygiene during your stay and take care to not leave any impact or trace on the surrounding environment.
3. Respecting Our Shared Spaces - Please adopt a ‘leave no trace’ policy and make a commitment to keep shared spaces clean and tidy. If you are staying with us, please leave your accommodation in good condition and bear in mind that we are a small social enterprise rather than a hotel.
4. Conserving Resources - We wish to model sustainable consumption on site and as such ask you to make the commitment to be mindful of the use of resources, such as water and electricity. Please try to conserve them whenever possible.
5. Being Flexible and Proactive - The Common Knowledge Centre is a brand new environment for our organisation and many of the systems and procedures are still being designed. Please make the commitment to be flexible and open to new experiences.
6. Creating a Safe and Healthy Environment - In order to create a safe and healthy environment for everyone on site, we are creating a drug-free space and ask everyone to refrain from bringing drugs of any type onsite. Please refrain from smoking anywhere near buildings or where there are people who are not smoking.
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We update our Covid-19 Safety policy in line with current regulations and it is available in full here.
Please ensure you familiarise yourself with this in advance of attending, and if you have any questions or concerns, drop us a chat at the base of this window or contact us via info@ourcommonknowledge.org.
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We’re sorry, but we don’t allow dogs or other pets on-site for health and safety reasons, including if they are kept in a vehicle for the duration of the course. There is a cat and a dog here already and we are surrounded by farms with livestock. If there’s no one at home who can take care of your doggo, we’ve heard great things about local kennel Dysert O’Deas, which is about 15 mins drive away (https://www.facebook.com/DysertKennels/). We also know a very nice couple in Ennistymon who love dogs and take care of them for locals who are away, and will be happy to connect you on request. We thank you for understanding.
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ENSURING A SAFE SITE
Although every effort will be made to ensure that the site is safe and as hazard-free as possible, it is up to each individual attendee to be responsible for themselves and their safety. You will sign a disclaimer to this effect when registering for your course.
You will be entering an active learning space, often with live construction taking place. This means that not only will there be tools in action around you, but also the people who are using them may be new to using those tools. This calls for you to use your common sense and make us aware if you are unsure or feel unsafe. Move slowly and look after yourselves and each other.
CLOTHING
We ask that or all site based courses, you tie back long hair and remove any jewelry which may get caught or become hazardous whilst using tools.
SPEAKING UP
If you have had any previous issues with lifting heavy items please speak up and do not cause yourself any unnecessary strain. We should be working as a team and no one individual should find themselves lifting or moving anything which could cause them damage.
Likewise, if you are concerned about anything health or safety related on-site, please let an instructor know. Item description
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IF YOU ARE STAYING WITH US
Our site is open for arrivals from 16.00 the day before your course if you are staying with us and breakfast will be served at 08.30 on the day of your course.
IF YOU ARE LOCAL / STAYING ELSEWHERE
If you arriving on the first morning of your course, park up and make your way to the dining room to join breakfast from 08.30. At 09.15, we will move to the Octagon classroom.
PARKING
If you are driving, please ensure to park nice and snugly beside other cars to ensure there is room for everyone.
If you are travelling a long way, please build in time for unexpected traffic and consider arriving to the campsite or your accommodation the night before.