About CTY Ireland

The Centre for Talented Youth, Ireland (CTY Ireland) was set up in 1992 to meet the needs of high ability students aged 6 -17 years old from Ireland and abroad. CTY Ireland aims to allow gifted students to reach their potential both academically and socially by providing relevant and interesting courses based on ability and interest rather than age. Since the first summer programme in 1993 over 70,000 students have attended or participated in courses run by CTY Ireland.

In addition to the CTY Ireland’s enrichment courses for gifted students in 7 centres nationwide, the organization also run an innovative Early University Entrance Programme and a linked Centre for Academic Achievement, which caters for high ability students for a socio-economic disadvantaged background.

CTY Ireland aims to allow all talented students to reach their potential both academically and socially by providing relevant and interesting challenges based on ability and interest rather than age.

CTY Ireland has played an active role internationally and has strong relationship’s with international partners including the Center for Gifted Education at William & Mary University. In 2015, CTY Ireland published a detailed report called ‘Gifted Education in Ireland: Educators’ Beliefs and Practices’ and in partnership with WIlliam & Mary the Centre also published ‘ Gifted Education in Ireland and the United States’. The 2026 ECHA meeting will be a wonderful opportunity to reflect on this work just over a decade later to assess the changing nature of the environment within which we operate.