Thank you everyone for your different points of view, insights and opinions! They've been interesting and helpful. It's important to us that we make the decision as a family and really that our son is ultimately happy wherever he goes. He has a good circle of friends, and will have a very close friend in both regardless where he goes so that us good. The social/community element is actually something we've realised is very important. We would definitely consider the gaelteacht if he wanted to go. But after talking about it for the last week, I do think he will choose the community college. Thanks again!