Leinster School Tours

Irish National Stud           
Get back to nature with their brand new Interactive School Tour for 2-4 hours of pure freedom. With two fab gardens to explore at leisure including the new bug hotel (The Buglington), monastic cells, caves, and stepping stones within the century-old Japanese Gardens, the kids will also be treated to a 90-min walk/talk session with their newly appointed educator, Marie-Lou Donnelly.

Guiding them through a meet and greet walkabout, kids will learn how the mares (mums) are cared for, how the foals are born and what happens to them next.  They’ll meet retired racehorses and discover how famous they were, where they travelled and who named and trained them. 

Back in the classroom an interactive 30-minute session will allow a sensory experience with horse equipment, feed, and other accessories available for kids to touch and try on.  A quiz with spot prizes will round off the session and activity sheets will be available on departure.

Then lunch can be taken in the classroom or in the fantastic playground nearby with café in the Pavilion.

A final stroll around St Fiachra’s Garden and lake will take in their resident bugs, fairies, swans and ducks – all outdoor fun which should energise (and hopefully tire out!) the whole class.

Prices from €7 per child

EARLY BIRD BOOKINGS (before the 31st March) receive FREE tea and scones in the Playground Pavilion for all teachers and helpers.

BOOK NOW  Email: nflynn@irishnationalstud.ie  or call reservations on:  045-521617

NEW School Tour package at Tayto Park 
2017 is shaping up to be a very exciting year at Tayto Park. You can expect a SPLASH of fun on their brand NEW Viking Voyage at the park and be prepared to be swooped into the fascinating World of Raptors. Home to Europe’s largest wooden roller-coaster complete with an inversion, there are plenty of things to do and see. Other new attractions include the ‘Air Race’ ride, the ‘Rotator’ high speed spinning ride, road train, steam train track ride and the only 5D cinema in Ireland! They also have over 80 different species of animals to see including their mischievous meerkats, otters and Amur tigers. 

A visit to Tayto Park is like no other school trip in Ireland. With over 100 attractions, including exotic wildlife, play areas, thrilling experiences, great food and tour of The Tayto Factory. 

NEW School Tour Package: €14.00 per pupil including a full day admission to Tayto Park, a guided tour of the zoo area, unlimited access to activities in the Adventure Zone and activity worksheets for after your visit.  **T’s&C’s apply

 Tayto Park, Kilbrew, Ashbourne, Co. Meath. For more information contact 01-8351999 or email info@taytopark.ie  www.TaytoPark.ie 

Jump Zone 
Looking for your next school tour venue????? Jump Zone is Ireland’s First and Europe’s Largest Indoor Trampoline Park. Located in both Sandyford and Santry, this Irish owned Jump Zone has fast become one of the country’s most popular sports and entertainment attractions having catered for more than 700,000 visitors to date! Led by a team of top trampolining athletes, Jump Zone specialises in school tours for kids 5+ years of age looking for a fun and new way of keeping active. Groups can enjoy individual open jumping on the 10,000sq.ft. main trampoline court, and practicing new skills in the foam pit. Fight to the end in their newly fitted Battle Beam in Sandyford, Slam Dunk on their Basketball lanes or high energy trampoline Dodgeball games. The courts are carefully designed to create a healthy and enjoyable experience for all jumpers.

 When you book, party hosts will be allocated who will run mini Dodgeball competitions, interactive games, foam pit access and provide refreshments. On arrival, the dedicated staff will lead the group down to the induction area where a safety video is shown and the rules are given. Large groups are then divided into smaller groups and led out to the courts where the fun really begins!

 Extreme fun is so important but so is the safety of the guests. At Jump Zone, they do all they can to ensure that your group will have maximum fun with maximum safety! With court supervisors on the courts at all times and heavy duty spring loaded frames covered by 2+ inch thick safety pads, Jump Zone combines fun and safety in all areas to create a fun experience like no other. Groups of up to 200 can be accommodated at one time. For more information see www.jumpzone.ie or phone Sandyford 01 2939356/Santry 01 8623366

GAA Museum & Tours The Ultimate Field Trip - Croke Park School Tours 2017
A visit to Croke Park offers primary schools pupils a unique opportunity to learn more about the history of the Gaelic Athletic Association through guided tours and interactive exhibits. From educational explorations in the GAA Museum to the ‘behind the scenes’ Stadium Tour and thrilling rooftop walks on the Etihad Skyline, there is an experience suitable for every class.

Croke Park Stadium Tour - Walk in the footsteps of legends on this access-all-areas guided tour. Price is €8 per child (€7 for groups of 40 or more). Duration is 2 hours (including GAA Museum visit).

Etihad Skyline Tour - Discover Dublin’s famous landmarks from 17 storeys high on Croke Park’s rooftop walkway. Price is €10 per child.
Duration is 2 hours (including GAA Museum visit)

GAA Museum - Discover the rich heritage of Ireland’s national games at the GAA Museum. All tours include admission to the GAA Museum and Interactive Games Zone.

Book Today! Call Gemma 01 819 2374 or email tours@crokepark.ie.  Or for more information, visit crokepark.ie/gaamuseum  

HISTORY  Dublinia
Education at Dublinia, one of Ireland’s top school attractions, involves the learning, research and sharing of information on Dublin City’s Viking, Medieval, and Archaeological history.

There are a wide range of learning facilities at Dublinia for all primary and secondary schools. The authentically costumed guided tours are age and ability specific to ensure classes get an individually tailored educational experience based on teachers’ learning goals whilst also paying particular attention to areas relevant to the curriculum.

With many resources for teachers including Learning Packs, students can learn in a multisensory and unique way.  This encourages all students to engage with the exhibitions in Dublinia and also gain both analytical and social skills.

They also have an exciting online learning programme for primary schools. Dublin’s Viking and Medieval history is brought to life in schools and classrooms through online learning on an audio-visual interactive website.  It includes animated videos, an interactive animated map of Dublin and multiple choice quizzes.  This ground-breaking learning experience is an invaluable resource for the teaching of history in Ireland.  This online learning platform will be accessible from Dublinia’s website.

For more see www.dublinia.ie or call 01 6794611

Russborough House & Parklands 
Russborough House & Parklands is a stunning Palladian Mansion.  The house was designed by the German Architect Richard Cassels and built in 1741.  It has the longest façade of any house in Ireland stretching over 700 feet across the Wicklow landscape.             2017 will see the 18th century walled garden opening for pre-booked groups.  Walled gardens played a major part in the running of large period houses by supplying vegetables, fruit and flowers for ‘the Big House’, staff and some neighbours in the locality. 

 For Primary school tours there will be a tree trail taking in approximately 8 -10 trees on the DemesneOne of the oldest trees is called a Wellingtonia (Giant Sequoia) planted in 1861 by the then Prince of WalesAnd Earl of Dublin.  At that time Joseph Leeson 4th Earl of Milltown (1799 – 1866) lived in Russborough. He was the Grandson of the 3rd Earl and he inherited the peerage at the age of 8 years of age.

The tree trail will form part of a school tour for Primary children ages 5 to 8 years.  It will also take in

The Fairy trail, Playground & Maze.   For older children aged 9 to 12 years a guided tour of the house will be offered together with the Maze and Playground.   

Russborough ‘Where History & Culture live on’   Come visit us!

www.russborough.ie email info@russborough.ie tell: 045 865239

Glasnevin Cemetery
Glasnevin Cemetery Museum offers exciting and engaging education programmes and activities for primary students, closely linked to the school curriculum. Students and teachers can make use of interactive exhibits and work packs which are sent out prior to your visit. The museum and its educational activities explore the diversity of Irish life since 1800 through the stories of the famous (and not so famous) people who are buried there. 

Their programmes for primary schools at Glasnevin in 2017 include:

All school groups booking with Glasnevin Cemetery Museum are sent educational work packs for use in the classroom before or after a visit, and students obtain access to their unique records. Contact them to tailor a tour to fit your needs. 

www.glasnevinmuseum.ie Email: bookings@museum.ie Tel:  (0)1 882 6550

WATERFORD TREASURES – EPIC TOUR OF THE VIKING TRIANGLE
The award-winning all-weather guided tour of the oldest part of Ireland’s oldest city, the ‘Epic Tour of the Viking Triangle’ is an interactive fun guided tour of the Viking Triangle, taking in six national monuments within one hour. The larger-than-life guide speeds you through the streets and through 1,100 years of Waterford’s history from the Vikings to the Victorians. 

Discover Reginald’s Tower, Greyfriars Medieval Franciscan Friary, Choristers’ Hall, the Mayor’s Wine Vault, Bishop’s Palace, and (if a church service is not in progress) Christ Church Cathedral is also included. It’s a fun, engaging tour with many props to engage and entertain children, and numerous photo opportunities along the way.

***For 2017, Waterford Treasures has added to the Epic Tour -  ‘Mayors through the Ages, Eight Centuries of Civic Government in Ireland’ which is located at City Hall, built in 1783.***

Booking enquiries 0761 10 2501 or email: bookings@waterfordcouncil.ie www.waterfordtreasures.com  FB: WaterfordTreasures Twitter@WFORD_Treasure

Athlone Castle Visitor Centre –Where History Comes Alive
Visit Athlone Castle Visitor Centre on your school tour and discover tales of bravery and sacrifice, and battles and territories won and lost, through a series of eight interactive spaces highlighting the rich history of the castle and the town.  

Learn the story of settlement in this part of Ireland from the Neolithic period through Viking and Medieval ages to modern life in Athlone.  One of the highlights of the tour is a 360 degree cinema room where The Siege of Athlone is brought to life.  A school tour programme is available for students to work on before, during or after their visit reflecting early settlers, the Williamite – Jacobite Wars of the 17th century and domestic life.

With a rich array of artefacts in their collection and interactive displays, information touch-screens and games, replica weapons, and dress up areas throughout the centre, this is a must-see for primary school children. 

School Tour Bookings - Tel: 090 6442130 Email: info@athlonecastle.ie Web: www.athlonecastle.ie

ENERGETIC FUN! AquaZone at The National Aquatic Centre
AquaZone at The National Aquatic Centre, Dublin, is one of the biggest, most exciting and popular attractions for families, groups and school tours in Ireland. Since 2004 the centre has seen almost 9 million people pass through its doors. In 2016 over 1 million people enjoyed hours of fun in Europe’s largest indoor water park. The National Aquatic Centre is Ireland’s fourth-most popular visitor attraction.

The Leisure Pool, AquaZone, offers extreme thrills, raging water adventures and loads of fun. On this School Tour try the famous Surf Rider Surf Machine. Other Rides include: Master Blaster (water roller coaster), Wave Pool, Lazy River, Bubble Pool, Pirates Ship (for the little ones), Dark Hole Flume (water slide) and the Green Giant Flume. It’s the best and most exciting Leisure Pool in Ireland.

AquaZone is an ideal destination for a school trip, offering special group rates, a food option (saves stopping on the way home!), a pre-reserved bookings system, huge bus parking facilities, full accessibility facilities, Rumbles Restaurant and a picnic area. Also, as part of the entrance fee, children can swim in Ireland’s National Swimming Pool, an Olympic Swimming area featuring the 50-metre International Competition Pool, Ireland’s biggest.

Go and meet the famous mascot, Finnie the Frog, and have a great day out! Phone 01 6464300, email sales@nac.ie. Visit www.nac.ieand or www.aquazone.ie.

The NSC Experience: Spend a Day in the Life of an Elite Athlete
The National Sports Campus is the home of Irish Sport and this unique school tour provides all pupils with a chance to live a day in the life of a top class elite sports star! Last year’s inaugural NSC Experience completely SOLD OUT so extra slots have been added for 2017.

The day includes the following:

 This a full day tour and really is action packed, combining a great sporting experience with cultural and educational learning.

 For more information contact: Garystewart@nationalsportscampus.ie  Tel: 01 6464 330 or see  www.nationalsportscampus.ie    

Bounce a Lot is the new party venue for children featuring Ireland’s largest themed bouncy party zone. Ideal for School Tours, this high tempo, high energy class outing ensures that children get an amazing workout as well as a fun-filled and memorable adventure. Featuring a giant Inflated Gorilla, Shark and Giraffe, four 5 metre high slides, climbing wall, and lots more hidden secrets, they’ll definitely be tired but happy at the end of their outing!

The Bouncy covers an area of 4000 sq. feet and there are 3 themed seated party areas and a coffee dock. It is available for bookings Saturdays and Sundays 10am till 8pm suitable for ages 4 to 12 years old.

The Party package includes food and each party is for a duration of 1 hour 45 minutes. Party Packages start from €150 for a minimum of 10 children and €12 per extra child.

Bounce-A-Lot is situated at Celbridge Football Park and Golf Range, Dublin Road, Celbridge, Co. Kildare.

For walk-ins Saturdays and Sundays 10am till 8pm the hourly rate is €8 per child aged from 4 to 8 years old. For further details on School Tours and other packages contact them on (01) 628 8833, on Facebook at Celbridge Football Park or by email at info@celbridgefootballpark.ie.

Celbridge Playzone 
Is your family friendly play centre located at exit 6 off the M4, behind Apple Green Garage? Catering for children aged between 0 and 9 years, Celbridge Playzone has something for everyone to enjoy. 

Perfect for School tours, the Playzone caters for even the smallest classes making them affordable, accessible and inclusive. With a three tier play frame featuring a mega slide, roller racer track, snow globe bouncing castle and 3 climbing walls, your class will be spoilt for choice.

They offer two main packages:                  

Access to the globe bouncing castle and the climbing wall are added extras of €3 per child for both the wall and the globe or €1.50 per child for the globe and €2 per child for the wall.

Both packages come with unlimited jugs of cordial and water for the duration of your 3 hour school tour along with a party bag for each child at the end of the tour.

Tel: 01 6273996 www.celbridgeplayzone.ie

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park – School Tours 2017
Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park has been a favourite destination for many schools for over 20 years and with new developments, 2017 is set to be a great year to visit. The Park has upgraded many of its exhibitions, added a new section to the outdoor play area and is offering more education than ever with the Peatlands Exhibition and extended Biodiversity Boardwalk which helped Lullymore win the Environmental Tourism Innovation accolade at the 2017 Irish Tourism Industry Awards.

Educational, Fun & Hassle Free – Children explore on the highly educational guided tours through the Park’s woodland/peatland trails, gardens and numerous historic exhibitions, all brought to life with replica figures, holograms and touch screen multi-media.  Many aspects of the educational tour are closely linked to the SESE curriculum and experienced guides will create or adapt tours to suit all age groups.  There’s also a pet farm containing Fallabella horses, alpacas, donkeys, rabbits, goats, sheep and Bali ducks, and even pot-bellied pigs!

To burn off lots of energy, there’s the ‘funky forest’ indoor play centre with giant slide and ball pools, air hockey, fuzz ball, cable run and pirate ship. There’s also an 18 hole mini golf course, newly upgraded large outdoor play areas, green area for football etc. and train trip. The park is located in the Midlands - only 30 miles west of Dublin / easily accessible from most regions and is a ‘one-stop-shop’ for all your school tour needs!

Average visit 3-4 hours with hot food option or packed lunches can be eaten in the café. Free tea/coffee and freshly baked scone for all teachers. Price €12 per child (10% discount on visits before 12th May). Please book early as June dates can book out. Phone Ray on 045 – 870238 or e-mail ray@lullymoreheritagepark.com for information and bookings www.lullymoreheritagepark.com

Newgrange Farm
Farmyard Tour - Every group is allocated a guide for the duration of the tour. All students feed, hold and pet as many animals as possible.  Guides encourage fun in the maze, sand pit, play pipes and water feature etc, and some activities are under cover.  Allow 1 hour 30 minutes.  Tractor Trailer Tour - Travel in the specially built trailer along the banks of the beautiful River Boyne, though crops and livestock. Help staff search for Larry the Leprechaun mischief-maker extraordinaire.  Allow 15 minutes. Visit the ancient passage graves or interpretive centre at Newgrange Monument/Brú na Bóinne from the farm. Spaces limited. Allow 1 hour. Indoor & Outdoor Picnic Areas, Coffee Shop & small Gift Shop 

School Tours must be pre-booked. - Call Jackie on 086 4676054 or 041 9824119; email newgrangefarm@hotmail.com or  www.newgrangefarm.com 

Visit TANAGH OUTDOOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTRE

Co. Monaghan, for a fantastic, action packed, fun filled school tour 2017. They offer a full day 5 to 6 hour Tour Package, giving students a SCHOOL TOUR memory that will last a lifetime. 

Their fully qualified instructors are Garda vetted, professional and FUN. Short lunch break so bring your own packed lunch.  Activities include Canoeing/Kayaking, MUD SLIDE, 

Climbing Wall, Low Ropes Course and Electronic Orienteering. 

What are you waiting for? 

Book early to avoid missing the May/June rush. 

Tel: 049 5552988 Email: info@tanaghoutdooreducation.com

Kippure Estate
Kippure Estate Education & Adventure Centre is full of fun and adventure. Children are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones but in a safe environment. They have a High & Low Ropes course, a fixed Orienteering course, and a whole selection of Teambuilding Tasks and activities designed to make everyone laugh and have fun together. There are nature trails which are just perfect for playing and learning all about plants and animals, mini-beasts and larger creatures, perfect for their Forest School Easter Camp. Their Discover Primary Science and Maths days are great for Pirate and Celtic Warrior Training where they learn about climbing, treasure hunting, medicinal plants in case of wounds, and edible plants in case of being marooned. Learn the craft of living in the wild with their Bushcraft Challenge, perfect for all ages. Located in north Co. Wicklow, only 30 minutes from the M50.

www.adventurewicklow.com  tell: 01 4582889 email: info@kippure.com

National Bird of Prey Centre
The National Bird of Prey Centre, Russborough House, Co Wicklow is an outdoor educational Bird of Prey Centre where Eagles, Owls, Hawks and Falcons from around the world can be seen on display. The National Bird of Prey Centre is home to the largest collection of native species in Ireland, including the recently re-introduced Golden Eagle, White-tailed Sea Eagle, and Red Kite.

Learn about the Peregrine Falcon - the fastest moving creature on the planet, the hunting skills of the Hawks and the unbelievable hearing of the Owls. Handle and photograph some of their hand-tame birds before heading to the flying arena to see them in action! 

Fun for all ages. It’s what memories are made of!!

www.nationalbirdofpreycentre.ie | nationalbirdofpreycentre@gmail.com Ph: 045-857755

Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar 
A visit to Belvedere House, Gardens & Park is an informative and fun way for children to enjoy their School Tour. This magnificent 160 acre Lakeside Estate of Belvedere House, Gardens & Park boasts a fully restored Georgian Villa, built in 1740 by the famous Architect Richard Castles for Robert Rochfort, later Lord Belvedere (‘The Wicked Earl’).

The estate has a fascinating Victorian walled garden, with one of Ireland’s finest collections of rare and special plants. The naturalistic designed 18th century parkland, punctuated with Romantic Follies includes the largest in Ireland known as ‘The Jealous Wall’. As well as learning about historic buildings and experiencing the beauties of nature, the children can let off steam in one of the four outdoor children’s play areas & enjoy an al fresco lunch in one of the many picnic areas on the estate. To experience a superb day with a difference visit www.belvedere-house.ie  Tel: (0)44 9349060 Email: info@belvedere-house.ie

FUN AND LEARNING! The Chocolate Warehouse School Tour
The Chocolate Warehouse is celebrating 16 years of chocolate workshops and school tours. The two hour tour tells the story of chocolate from the Aztecs to the present day. A 20-minute film shows the journey of the cocoa beans to the factory and the process the beans go through to produce chocolate. Enjoy the demonstration of how chocolates and Easter eggs are made. Then the ‘fun part’, where visitors get to decorate and package chocolates to take home. At the end of every workshop they have a short quiz and every visitor receives The Chocolate Warehouse Certificate. Ideal for school tours, group bookings, summer projects, birthday parties, and age-appropriate educational workshops. Prices are €12.50 per visitor (teachers free), with group rates for schools. Max of 70 visitors. Pre-booking essential.  The Chocolate Warehouse is just off exit 10 on the M50 on the Greenhills Road, Walkinstown, Dublin 12. Phone 01 450 0080, email info@chocolatewarehouse.ie or see www.chocolatewarehouse.ie.   

Butlers Chocolate Experience
A visit to the Butlers Chocolate Experience promises a magical, action-packed tour for students of all ages. Filled with treats and eye-opening views of the inner workings of a bustling chocolate factory, it’s an interactive, entertaining and educational school tour with a difference, covering the subject areas of history, business, food science and art in a relaxed, engaging manner.

Accompanied by the Butlers tour guide the students will:

The Butlers Chocolate Experience is located within Clonshaugh Business Park, close to the M50/M1 and Port Tunnel (with plenty of complimentary parking) and is also close to an array of neighbouring attractions such as; Malahide Castle, Glasnevin Cemetery and the National Botanic Gardens. Guided tours run three times daily and can accommodate student groups of up to 80 participants.

Visit www.butlerschocolates.com/chocolateexperience for more information. Quote ‘Primary Times’ when booking to receive a chocolaty teachers treat!

Sea Life
The National SEA LIFE Centre, located on Bray Seafront, is the perfect school tour venue, whatever the weather. SEA LIFE is swimming with over 1,000 amazing animals, 100 fascinating species, and is home to Ireland’s largest collection of sharks. 

This year SEA LIFE are introducing a new feature called STINGRAY ADVENTURE where you will be introduced to one of the most engaging animals of the marine world: the Stingray.  Discover the answer to the following questions: Who are their ancestors?  Where do they live? And…are they dangerous?

Whether you choose the Standard tour, or upgrade to the Premium package (subject to availability), SEA LIFE provides an educational visit quite different from any other: It is interactive, informative and most of all, FUN! 

School Bookings: 01 2866939 www2.visitsealife.com/bray/find/contact-us/

PURE FUN! Fort Lucan
Fort Lucan is a fully supervised outdoor adventure playground for children aged 2-12 years.  For School Tours 2017 ONLY... Each child who visits Fort Lucan will receive a Golden Ticket for a FREE return visit!! (Ts &Cs apply). 

New for 2017, is their 15m high Helter Skelter!! Kids create their own adventures as they discover huge towers, 40 foot slides, sky-high walkways, zip lines, a maze, army-style assault course, ground level trampolines & go-kart tracks. Not forgetting the Crazy Golf and the 3 famous WATERSLIDES! 

A great day out for all the family during the Easter Holidays - Bring a picnic or eat at the Fort Lucan cafe, selling hot food, sandwiches, tea, coffee etc.,  or treat yourself at the ice cream and sweet shop. Child Price €10.50 Teachers go Free. For full details and pricing visit www.fortlucan.com or call 01 6280166

Go Kids Go offer great value school deals with activities for all age groups. Facilities include three levels of interactive play equipment, including slides, ball pools, rope climbs, hopscotch, an indoor football/ basketball pitch, ball cannon arena with targets and foam balls, disco room, and full cafe facility. The tour is 2.5 hours long, including 90 minutes of play in the interactive adventure play frame, 30 minutes in the activity room with a leader on organised activity, and 30 minutes to eat lunch. Options available are 2.5 hour tours including play and activity €8.50 or a 2.5 hour tour including play, activity and food for €12.50. Located only 5 minutes from the M50 at exit 6 in Blanchardstown. 

Book early to avoid disappointment by phoning 01 640 5500. www.gokidsgo.ie

The Kildare Maze
The Kildare Maze, Prosperous is suitable for all ages of primary school children and is the perfect location for your Annual School Tour. 

At just €6 per child all amenities are included in your visit. The Hedge Maze is suitable for all ages. And when you get to the centre, enjoy the panorama from the Viewing Tower. 

The Wooden Maze makes an equally challenging adventure for all who dare to enter! Test your skill and balance on the Adventure Trail and Zip Wire and enjoy the Crazy Golf course. 

Children will also be able to see the 6kW turbine which provides The Kildare Maze with its electricity requirements. Fresh air, drama and excitement all go to create a day that challenges both the body and the mind and with sharpened appetites, an outdoor or indoor picnic guarantees not a morsel will be left in their lunchboxes! Remember there is no time limit on your stay!  

www.thekildaremaze.com Tel: 086 8519296 email: thekildaremaze@gmail.com

WITH A DIFFERENCE!  Bord na Móna’s Mountlucas Wind Farm
Mountlucas Wind Farm near Daingean, Co. Offaly is home to Bord na Móna Powergen’s 80MW Wind Farm which was developed on 2,700 acres of cutaway peatland. This is a great opportunity for schoolchildren to come and visit to learn about the workings of a wind farm. With a presentation, some video footage of the delivery and installation of the 28 Siemens turbines on site, followed by a virtual reality tour of the inside of the turbine using VR Headsets and a walk through the wind farm to see a real turbine up close, it is a fun and informative experience.

There are many examples of flora and fauna on the site with a wealth of birdlife such as swans, ducks, red grouse, pheasants, herons and many more. The turbines also share residence with many wildlife animals which will hopefully make an appearance during your tour.

The Tour is Free of Charge but is by Appointment Only.  Bord na Móna offers a contribution towards your transport when hiring a bus

Contact: Catherine Swaine 087 117 57 56 or email catherine.swaine@bordnamona.com

Dogs Trust is Ireland’s largest dog welfare charity.  Dogs Trust have six Education and Community Officers who visit primary schools across the Republic of Ireland, offering free workshops that centre on the theme of responsible dog ownership, and safety with dogs. They also offer tours of their rehoming centre, and this can be a fantastic way to teach children about animal welfare, responsible dog ownership and empathy. These tours are suited to groups of all ages and ability. 

The tours involve a brief history of the Dogs Trust charity, as well as a discussion on why a dog might end up in a rehoming centre, and how they might prevent this in the future. The children will see the main rehoming corridor, which houses the majority of the dogs, and they will also see some of the ‘behind the scenes’ of Dogs Trust including their walking facilities,  training compounds and their state of the art puppy kennels. 

Dogs Trust offer tours on Friday afternoons, and every second Tuesday. If your school is interested, email education@dogstrust.ie