Seosamh Mac Mathúna from Milltown Malbay, County Clare established Coláiste Laichtín Naofa in 1960. 50 students attended the course that year. The course has prospered ever since. Inis Oírr is a small scenic island with a rugged coastline and a beautiful sandy beach. Irish is the spoken day to day language of the islanders.

Students are accommodated with local families and thus have every opportunity to gain greater fluency in Irish. Inis Oírr uniquely provides the perfect total immersion environment for a safe and memorable Gaeltacht experience. Classes are held in the local secondary school, Coláiste Ghobnait.

The college avails of the local community hall which extends from the secondary school for the céilíthe and various other activities. The football pitch and basket ball courts are adjacent to the college. The beach and all local amenities are situated in close proximity of the college.