Amergin (a mythological figure sometimes known as Aimhirghin Glúngheal) was the poet, seer and lawmaker of the Milesians, the Gaelic invaders, whose first successful landfall was at what is now Waterville. As he stepped ashore, Amergin recited his famous poem claiming identity with the surrounding landscape. 'Tech' is the modern 'teach', a house. Waterville Vocational School, which is now reincarnated as Tech Amergin Community Arts & Education Centre was commonly known as 'The Tech' or Technical School. Hence the name, a wordplay on the centre's mythological and modern origins.

Tech Amergin under the aegis of KES (The VEC in Kerry) organises a wide and comprehensive range of courses for the local community as well as a regular programme of arts events.