Ireland's No. 1 FREE magazines for parents & teachers of primary school children
Ireland's No. 1 FREE magazines for parents & teachers of primary school children
For the best school trip destinations in Leinster - Take a look at this year’s Primary Times School Tours 2016 Guide, which is full of fun AND educational ideas for your tour this year! All venues listed are also great places for a family day out. Remember to ask about special offers for teachers and please mention Primary Times when making an enquiry or booking - you might even get a discount!
REVOLUTION 1916
Celebrate the Centenary by visiting the must see REVOLUTION 1916 - The Original & Authentic Exhibition now running at the Ambassador Theatre. Demand for tickets for this must see exhibition is high this year with Dublin set to have over four million overseas visitors alone.
Schools can avail of a special School Tour Package, with student tickets priced at just €8. Each tour booking will also receive study notes on the Easter Rising compiled by James Connolly Heron, the great grandson of 1916 leader James Connolly. A series of sets takes visitors through the main locations of the 1916 Rising including The G.P.O., Moore St, and recreating the 1916 Kilmainham landing and walk to the stonebreakers yard.
The exhibition features the largest private collection of 1916 artefacts, with over 500 items on display, on loan from the Irish Volunteers Commemorative Organisation (IVCO). Exhibits include an original 1916 Proclamation, uniforms from the Irish Volunteers, Cumann na mBan and na Fianna, 1916 weapons including Peter the Painter C96 machine pistol as favoured by Pádraig Pearse Pearse and even the actual door handle of the G.P.O. from 1916.
At midday every day a uniformed “Pádraig Pearse” will read aloud the 1916 Proclamation outside the Ambassador in what is sure to become an iconic image of the centenary year.
Visit www.revolution1916.ie for further details.
GLASNEVIN CEMETERY MUSEUM
At Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, students can learn about the events and personalities which shaped the course of Irish history in an engaging and memorable way. A school visit to Glasnevin Cemetery includes a tour of the cemetery, admission to the museum and preparatory work packs - all of which complement specific elements of the curriculum.
The 1916 Rising Tour gives students the opportunity to learn about the Easter Rising through stories from the lives of men, women and children who experienced it. Members of the Irish Volunteers, Irish Citizen Army, Cumann na mBan, British Army, police force, as well as the civilian casualties of the Rising are buried in the cemetery. This tour also includes admission to the 1916 Rising Centenary Exhibition (opening April 2016) and a preparatory work pack. A handling session involving objects from the period 1914-1918 can be booked in addition to your tour.
For more information please visit http://www.glasnevintrust.ie/visit-glasnevin/school-trips/ or contact Annie at abirney@glasnevintrust.ie, 01 882 6550.
Maynooth College
Visit Maynooth is now offering guided tours of the historic St. Patrick’s College in Maynooth. Take the time to see Ireland’s oldest native tree, wonder at the architecture of A.W. Pugin, visit the College Chapel and learn all about Callan’s induction coil and the infamous ghost room. Hear stories about Silken Thomas, Nicholas Callan’s turkeys and Eamon de Valera on the run! There are children’s tour packs and prizes. Daily tours at for the public 11:00 and 14:30 June, July & August and school tours can be arranged by appointment throughout the year. For details call 01 708 6404 or www.visitmaynooth.com
Compass Club
Compass Club is an exciting new School Tour activity based in Coillte Forest Parks. The tours are packed with fun activities that kids will enjoy, like shelter building, navigation skills and scavenger hunts. All of the activities are designed to: Motivate and build self confidence; Encourage creativity, critical thinking and collaboration; Drive inquiry-based and experiential learning; Use the outdoors as a natural learning tool to support environmental education and to be fun, enjoyable, interesting & outdoors!
Why not take the opportunity to do different aspects of your PE & SESE curricula options on this tour which supports your active flag and green schools initiatives. Tours can take place in a number of Forest Parks and last up to 4 hours (typically 10am to 2pm) containing a number of age-appropriate activities suitable for all classes. At least 1 teacher/assistant per class gets involved in helping to manage the activities. Kids just need weather appropriate clothing & footwear, as Irish rain doesn't stop them! email info@compassclub.ie or call 087 3779263 / 087 3640385 f:CompassClubIE
GO KIDS GO
Go Kids Go! offers great value school deals with activities for all age groups. Facilities include 3 levels of interactive play equipment - including slides, ball pools, rope climbs, hopscotch, indoor football/basketball pitch, ball cannon arena with targets and foam balls, disco room, full Café facility. The tour is 2.5 hours long and includes 90 minutes of play in the interactive adventure play frame, 30 minutes in the activity room with a leader and an organised activity, 30 minutes to eat their own packed lunch or lunch can be provided if required. Options available are 2.5 hour tours including play and activity €7.50 or a 2.5 hour tour including play, activity and food €10. Located only 5 minutes from the M50 at exit 6 in Blanchardstown. Tel: 01 640 5500 www.gokidsgo.ie
Zipit Forest Adventures
Climb high into the treetops, swing into cargo nets and whizz down 900 metres of ziplines. With over 90 challenges Zipit Forest Adventures offers 4 or more hours of fun for school tours. It's a great opportunity for children to enjoy an exhilarating and challenging outdoor activity in a natural setting, building confidence, teamwork and self-esteem. Cost is €15 per child and supervising teachers go free. For 3rd class upwards, there are three circuits for different heights, ages and abilities. For the all important sixth class tour, there is the additional blue circuit for age 12+ which is 10-15 metres above the ground with a 150 metre zipline. Children are fitted with a harness by a trained Instructor and given a safety briefing before moving on up in the trees at their own pace, repeating a circuit if they are not comfortable progressing to higher circuits. Zipit operates to the highest EU safety standards. Instructors hold the European Ropes Course Association qualification and are first aid trained. Zipit locations are in Lough Key Forest Park, Co. Roscommon, Tibradden Wood, Dublin 16 and Farran Wood, Co. Cork. Contact 051 858008 info@zipit.ie or follow on Facebook/zipitfa or Twitter @zipitfa
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 our 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! Open for Easter March 18th - April 3rd, daily 12-6pm.
IRISH NATIONAL STUD
Irish National Stud Visitor Attraction is one of the top visitor attractions in Ireland open 7 days a week from Feb to Nov. There are 3 tours to choose from:
The Interactive SESE Discovery trail with discover primary science activities is a 4 in 1 School Outing for classes 3rd to 6th and includes visits to the Horse Museum, National Stud, Japanese Gardens & St. Fiachra’s Garden. There is also a Discover Primary Science & Maths Trail or a regular school tour which includes a tour of the stud, the new born foals (seasonal) & falabellas and St Fiachra's Garden. Bookings at reservations@instourism.net or 045 521617. Facilities include Children’s playground, Picnic area, Free Car/Coach Park & restaurant. Tel: 045 521617 www.irishnationalstud.ie
Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park
Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park is a favourite destination for many schools and 2016 sees the Park expand its educational and play facilities once again.
As part of the Failte Irelands Ancient East Initiative, Lullymore was one of only a handful of attractions to be chosen for upgrades to make the visitor experience even more memorable. The Park has added lots of new educational displays to bring learning to life including replica lifelike models throughout the Park, hologram upgrades to New Stone Age Hut exhibit, a new emigration themed exhibition and multimedia displays in the Early Christian Centre. There’s also new interactive signage on the Peatlands Boardwalk which truly brings the biodiversity and history of the Peatlands to life for students.
Lullymore never forgets the importance of play for school tours – the outdoor play area has been extended and the indoor play centre revamped. The pet farm is always a big hit and the baby goats, Fallabella foals, alpacas, donkeys, rabbits, sheep, pot bellied pigs and other annual new arrivals are sure to melt a few hearts!
Educational, Fun & Hassle Free - experienced guides who adapt tours to suit all age groups, indoor / outdoor play, mini golf, football pitch, train trip and the parks midland location only 30 miles west of Dublin make Lullymore 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 Café. Free tea/coffee and freshly baked scone for all teachers. Price €12 per child. (10% discount on visits before 15th 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, 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. Newgrange Monument/Bru na Boinne - Visit the ancient passage grave or interpretive centre from the farm. Spaces limited. Allow 1 hour. Indoor & Outdoor Picnic Areas, Coffee Shop & small Gift Shop School Tours must be pre-booked. - Call Christina on 086 4676054 or 041 9824119; email newgrangefarm@hotmail.com or www.newgrangefarm.com
Russborough House
There are a number of different options for School Tours at Russborough House and Parklands with some new attractions alongside the tour of this magnificent house. Experience the new Birds of Prey Centre with an educational talk about the Eagles, Owls, Hawks, and Falcons. Participate in a handling session with some of the hand reared Birds and finish off with an exciting flying display. There are also Sheepdog Demonstrations where the students learn a little more about the ancient skill of Shepherding with the perfect fun and educational mix. Discuss the different breeds of sheep & see the expertly trained border collies in action. There are two packages available to schools this year: Package one includes: National Bird of Prey Centre, Guided tour of Russborough House, Sheep Dog Demonstrations, Maze & Playground for €20. Package two includes: National Bird of Prey Centre, Sheep Dog Demonstrations, Fairy Trail, Maze & Playground for €15 (all discounted rates for schools). www.russborough.ie
AquaZone at The National Aquatic Centre
AquaZone at The National Aquatic Centre, Dublin, is one of the biggest and 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 2015 over 991,000 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 enjoy 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 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 or visit www.nac.ie and www.aquazone.ie.
CROKE PARK
A visit to the GAA Museum and 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.
A typical visit takes 2 hours and is packed with engaging, fun activities. New additions for 2016 include exclusive footage of top players revealing how they Get in the Zone before a big game and September Sundays - a celebration of All-Ireland Final Day, filmed in September 2015.
Choose from a behind-the-scenes guided tour of Croke Park Stadium or enjoy amazing views of Dublin city and beyond from 44 metres above the famous pitch on the Etihad Skyline.
Book today! Telephone Gemma (01) 819 2374 or email tours@crokepark.ie Find out more at crokepark.ie/schools
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 1100 years of Waterford's history from the Vikings to Victorians. Discover archaeological treasures and historical architecture, including 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. Avoid the rain - most of the time you are indoors being regaled by the professionally trained tour guide! Where else would you experience an overview of Irish history in an hour? Booking enquiries 0761 10 2501 or email: bookings@waterfordcouncil.ie www.waterfordtreasures.com FB: WaterfordTreasures Twitter@WFORD_Treasures
Kippure Estate Education & Adventure Centre is full of fun and adventure. Children are encouraged to step out of the comfort zones but in a safe environment. They have a High & Low Ropes course, a fixed Orienteering course, 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 the NEW Forest School Easter Camp. The 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 our Bushcraft Challenge, perfect for all ages. Located in north Co. Wicklow, only 30 minutes from the M50. www.adventurewicklow.com
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 1000 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 TOXIC TERRORS where you will be introduced to the marine world of venomous and poisonous creatures. Discover the answer to the following questions: Why are they toxic? How toxic are they? And…who is the most toxic of them all? SEA LIFE provides an educational visit quite different from any other: It is interactive, informative and most of all, FUN! www.sealife.ie Contact 01-2866939 or slcbray@merlinentertainments.biz
SONAIRTE
Sonairte school tours awaken a sense of awe and appreciation for the natural world. The tours take place in the magical garden, woodland and along the river trail. With a focus on imaginative play, Children gain insights into their abilities and their creativity through the exploration of their senses in nature. Activities include: *fun with mud *bird language *wildlife tracking *music and rhythm *scavenger hunt *tree and herb identification *foraging *hug a tree *nature art *plant lore *web of life *nature appreciation *mini beast exploration *camouflage *hide and seek * mini shelters *native animals *running *jumping *storytelling. Laytown, Co Meath. For information call Nicola Winters 087 293 7884 or email nicolawinters@gmail.com
CHOCOLATE WAREHOUSE
The Chocolate Warehouse is celebrating 14 years of chocolate workshops and school tours. The two hour school tour covers a film explaining how the cocoa beans are grown, harvested and the process the beans go through to produce chocolate. Enjoy the demonstration of how chocolates and Easter eggs are made. You are also shown the different machinery needed to make chocolates and the method of how to use a piping bag filled with chocolate. Then the "fun part" where visitors get to enrobe, decorate and package chocolates to take home. At the end of the event they have a short quiz and every student receives The Chocolate Warehouse certificate. The specific educational workshops are ideal for school tours, group bookings, summer projects or birthday parties. Group bookings can cater for up to 70 students with ample free parking for cars and buses. The Chocolate Warehouse, Greenhills rd Walkinstown D12. Call 01 4500080 or www.chocolatewarehouse.ie
Fort Lucan
Fort Lucan is a fully supervised outdoor adventure playground for children aged 2-12. School Tours 2016 ONLY... Each child that visits Fort Lucan will receive a Golden Ticket for a FREE return visit!! Ts & Cs apply). 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 Fort Lucan has a cafe, selling hot food, sandwiches, tea, coffee etc. and ice cream and sweet shop. Child Price €9.50 Teachers go Free. For full details and pricing visit www.fortlucan.com or call 01 6280166
Lough Key Forest & Activity Park
Lough Key – Enter a world of adventure and enjoy a landmark cluster of unique attractions. Take a tour through the 19th century servant tunnels on the Lough Key Experience, which includes the Moylurg Viewing Tower and Ireland’s only Tree Canopy Walkway. You can spend fun filled hours experiencing the quests in the energetic Boda Borg, a totally unique activity to Ireland, suitable for adults and children over 7 yrs. The Boda Borg is a weather independent activity divided into 15 Quests which contain up to 47 individual challenges.The outdoor Adventure Play Kingdom will keep children of all ages entertained for hours in a colourful and safe environment. Push some more boundaries at Zipit Forest adventures. Woodland Segway offers fun glides and guided tours around the trails of Lough Key Forest, while Electric Bike Trails is another option for touring around the wonderful park. Call 071 9673122, email reception@loughkey.ie visitwww.loughkey.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;
· Watch the Chocolate Movie, learning about the fascinating origin and history of chocolate.
· Complete activity sheets as they explore the interactive Museum.
· Enjoy the aroma from the Chocolate Gallery as they witness the production of Butlers chocolate products in real time.
· Visit the Experience Room to watch an up close chocolate demonstration and test their decorating skills by painting their own chocolate figure to bring home as a treasured souvenir of a unique and thrilling experience.
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 to name but a few. Guided tours run three times daily and can accommodate student groups of up to 80 participants. Visit http://www.butlerschocolates.com/chocolateexperience for more information on a truly magical experience for your students.
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 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 2016.
The day includes the following:
· An educational tour of the National Sports Campus
· Participation in four exciting sports such as Athletics, Gymnastics, Trampolining & the Multi Skill Challenge!
· A visit to the Aquazone Water Park
· A framed certificate for the School
· Individual award for each participant
This a full day tour and really is action packed combining a great sporting experience with cultural and educational learning. Contact Garystewart@nationalsportscampus.ie 01 6464 330 www.nationalsportscampus.ie
BELVEDERE HOUSE
Visit Belvedere House Gardens & Park, a magnificent parkland estate on the shores of Lough Ennel near Mullingar for your school tour. Stroll & Bowl package includes visit to the estate and then enjoy 2 hours of bowling and indoor play areas in nearby Rock ‘n’ Bowl in Mullingar for only €9 per child (Bookings through Rock ‘n’ Bowl, Tel: 044-9333300 Web: www.rocknbowl.ie. For full calendar of events at Belvedere House check www.belvedere-house.ie.
BUS ÉIREANN
No matter what the occasion, whether it is a school trip, a school outing or transport to cheer on your school team, Bus Éireann Private Hire is on hand with a friendly and professional service for hiring buses or coaches to any event. With over 25 years experience, Bus Éireann offers customers a courteous and professional service from their highly qualified drivers. The Private Hire department in Bus Éireann can provide coach and bus hire to cater for any size group from their own fleet of modern coaches or from an approved panel of contractors who also have a selection of different size buses available with all buses fitted with safety belts as standard. Each quote is dealt with individually and tailored to suit your particular requirements. Call 9am-5pm Monday-Friday on (01) 7032420 or email: privatehire@buseireann.ie.
