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
School trips stand out in many of our minds as highlights of those halcyon days of our young lives! Memories of special packed lunches, extra pocket money, sing-alongs en route and the anticipation of the long, adventurous day ahead as we neared our destination.
So many positive benefits accrue from teachers and students taking a trip together - not only providing the opportunity to take a break from their normal classroom routine but also creating a fun, bonding experience. Hands-on learning activities outside the classroom often lead to better achievement, standards, motivation, personal development and behaviour in children. School trips not only encourage students to engage with people, places and buildings in new ways but they also enhance learning with latest research showing that children retain a great deal of factual information from these outings. Places like zoos and nature centres often have interactive displays that allow children to touch plants or animals.
So between preparation, activities and follow-up activity, learning is greatly enhanced.
Preparation applies to both the student and the teacher. Teachers often take the time to learn about the destination and the subject before the trip and follow-up activities are generally discussions that occur in the classroom.
Now is the time of year to start planning these all-important trips.
However the school tour can mean a great deal of work for the teacher, deciding where best to go and how to get the greatest value for the budget, so you naturally want to choose only the best.
With tours available for children from Junior Infants upwards and types of tours as varied as each young individual taking part, our up -to- the minute guide to tours is a must to help you match your destination to the needs of your class. Many of the more traditional tour destinations, such as museums and galleries, are nowadays becoming more interactive, providing a hands-on, child-friendly experience for their young visitors. But newer destinations such as theme parks, outdoor and indoor adventure centres, petting farms and sports complexes are also providing an educational dimension to a fun day out and making learning an integral part of the experience.
Beyond The Trees
Imagine strolling along a 1.4km adventure walkway, high above the treetops, exploring interactive stations, discovering fascinating facts about local flora, fauna, history, and even the legendary Charles Stewart Parnell. Top it off with 360 breath-taking views from a 38m tower and a thrilling ride on Ireland's longest slide. This unique experience will create long lasting memories for adults and children alike. A fun and educational experience, students learn to enjoy the beauty of nature and are prompted to seek out fascinating points of interest in the surrounding countryside. Interpretive activity panels are dotted along the way and detail some of the wonderful stories that describe the past and present of Avondale’s 500-acre estate.
Book Now on www.beyondthetreesavondale.com
Jump Zone
JUMP ZONE – TRAMPOLINE AND INFLATABLE ADVENTURE PARKS
Located in state of the art 35,000sq.ft facilities in Santry, Sandyford and Liffey Valley. This Irish owned Jump Zone has fast become one of the country’s most popular sports and entertainment facilities attracting over 250,000 visitors a year. Jump Zone specialise in school tours for kids 5+ years of age looking for a fun and new way of keeping active.
MAJOR UPGRADES HAVE HAPPENED TO THE 3 FACILITIES OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS. THE SANDYFORD FACILITY HAS JUST BEEN FULLY RENOVATED AND NOW INCLUDES A GIANT AIR BAG AREA INCLUDING A TRAPEZE AND JUMP TOWER, A NEW 5 METER DROP SLIDE, 50M RACING ASSAULT COURSE, WARPED WALLS, DODGEBALL, AND MUCH MORE.
SANTRY HAS ALSO JUST COMPLETED A MAJOR OVERHALL AND IS NOW THE COUNTRIES LARGEST INFLATABLE ADVENTURE PARK – OUR LIFFEY VALLEY SHOPING CENTRE HAS ONLY JUST OPENED ALSO, THE CHOICE IS ENDLESS!!
Groups can enjoy individual open jumping on the 10,000sq.ft. main trampoline court, practice new skills in the air bags. Fight to the end in the Battle Zone or why not try a high energy trampoline Dodgeball games. Now introducing Ireland's newest Ninja Zone to each facility and Ninja Warped walls.
The attractions are carefully designed to create a healthy and enjoyable experience for all jumpers. When you book, party hosts will be allocated who can run mini Dodgeball competitions, interactive games and for the gymnasts the Sandyford Facility has a new Air Track just installed.
Extreme fun is so important but so is the safety of their 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, 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 150 can be accommodated at one time.For more information see www.jumpzone.ie
Tel Sandyford 01 2939356 Santry 01 8623366 Liffey Valley 01 568 8188
Astropark
Astropark School Tours Coolock and Tallaght! Prices are from €18 per child for a 2-hour tour and €22 per child for a 3-hour tour. Their unique activities include some or all Nerf Wars, 8 in 1 All Action Inflatable Arena, Target Zone, Bubble Football, Foot Darts, Volleyball, Crazy Sports Day style games, Combat archery, Padded Sumo Wrestling, Inflatable Foosball and more. Astropark are now taking bookings for May and June and tours can be booked online, please visit www.astropark.ie/kids/school-tours.
FESTINA LENTE
Every year Festina Lente opens their gates to thousands of extremely excited children along with their teachers embarking on end of year school tour! Their tours run from 10 am- 1pm, 5 days a week in June and include 4 activities of your choice. They can also tailor tours to suit the needs of the children. Festina Lente has a Victorian walled garden, Terrapin Sanctuary & Equestrian Centre that is home to their mini ponies! The tours are very well organised, there will be someone the meet you off the bus and help you every step of the way. At Festina Lente they want the teachers to enjoy it as much as the children and welcome groups of all sizes and abilities. There are 4 activities to choose from Funky Flowerpots, Fantastic Bugs, Nature Scavenger Hunt, Seed Sowing and Potting & Plant yoga and of course having fun with the horses! The horse activity is classed as 1 of the 4 activities.
If this sounds like a tour you would like to know more about or you would like to reserve a date , please contact andrea@festinalente.ie or contact Andrea 0877373703
Flynn Park
Flynn Park proudly introduced the premier outdoor waterpark in Dublin to Fingal, catering to families, schools, groups, and corporate gatherings alike! Since its debut in 2021, Flynn Park has made a splash with its inaugural attraction, 'Aqualough' – an inflatable waterpark nicely situated on its picturesque lake in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin. Building on the tremendous success of this venture, we are thrilled to unveil another thrilling development within Aqualough. Alongside the already exhilarating activities available, we're excited to introduce the latest addition to the lake – The Mammoth. Rising 4.5m tall and featuring a jump platform and two colossal slides, this new addition promises to elevate the excitement to unprecedented levels. With expanded capacity and a collective experience of all three waterparks, Flynn Park is poised to be a must-visit destination for adventure-seekers of all ages. Prepare to dive in and create unforgettable memories at our enhanced waterpark experience!
But the excitement doesn't end there! Significant updates have been made to our Adventure Tower, now soaring to 40ft high and offering activities such as Aerial Trekking, Ziplining, Climbing Walls, Dropzone, and the brand-new Quickflight XL – a bungee-style jump from the tower's peak. And that's not all! Our new paintball options, including 'Splatmaster,' a low-velocity version, have been a huge hit with our younger audience, perfect for birthday parties and camps.
New for 2024! Introducing hot food options through our brand-new Food Truck will greatly enhance the overall experience for schools. Not only will it provide convenience by serving delicious meals on site, but it will also add variety and excitement to the dining options available. Paired with our new sheltered outdoor eating area, students and staff can enjoy their meals in a comfortable and inviting environment, regardless of the weather. This combination is sure to create many enjoyable experiences and contribute to a positive atmosphere within the school community.
Situated on over 75 acres, our outdoor adventure center has become a prominent attraction for the Fingal and North County Dublin region, swiftly becoming a key tourism feature for Dublin’s Northside. The new developments, alongside existing attractions such as archery, disc golf, ziplining, and climbing walls, have led to increased employment opportunities, and we are currently hiring additional Activity Instructors.
With family visits, school tours, kids’ camps, and birthday parties at its core, Flynn Park has become synonymous with family fun and has capitalized on this with numerous collaborations within the hospitality industry. They already have very limited availability remaining for school tours after a fantastic season in 2023, so we advise booking quickly.
To discover all that Flynn Park has to offer, please visit our website at www.flynnpark.ie.
Living History Clondalkin Round Tower Exhibition
The Round Tower Exhibit is suitable for all ages, the interactive multimedia exhibition tells the story of over 1,000 years of Clondalkin’s history and heritage. The exhibition delves into Clondalkin’s medieval origins from the foundation of St Crónán Mo-Chua’s monastery to revealing intriguing clues to the town’s Viking past.
There is lots to see and do, touch and feel, including an exciting multiscreen animated film experience where visitors can experience a whirlwind tower’s-eye view of the dramatic and colourful history of Clondalkin.
Discover what life was like in Clondalkin during the 1800s, when the visitor centre buildings were originally constructed. Find out what makes the round towers of Ireland unique, and have your say about what you think makes them so special. Have a go at building your own round tower, dress up in costume and imagine what Clondalkin was like in days gone by.
Admission to the exhibition is FREE! Combine your visit with a trip to the café, shop and garden. To Book Email info@the roundtower.ie
Malahide Castle
2 attractions in Beautiful Malahide ( approx. 3 hrs) €10.00 per student (teachers go free)
Combine the magical Fairy Trail on the grounds of Malahide Castle, then learn all about Butterflies at the Butterfly House before taking a short stroll to the Model Railway Museum for your next school tour.
If your class would like a chance to see what it is like to drive a life-sized train engine this is the tour for you. The concept is to encourage children’s natural curiosity through interactive elements as their train journey unfolds, enabling them to engage, connect and be taken on an immersive rail journey. Choo Choo!
The group tour, led by an enthusiastic local guide, is guaranteed to be the right mix of educational, fun and memorable! Use the opportunity to discuss the flora and fauna in the surrounding demesne, the lifecycles of Butterflies and the connection between the castle and the hunting lodge and the best bit complete a fun spot the ? …….activity along the way.
Just show your badge – I’ve just been to the Butterfly House and I’ve just been to The Model Railway Museum at Pappagallino's Ice Cream shop in the village to get your free scoop
They can also add on an Historic Castle storytelling tours that suits the curriculum and the child’s age – email reservations@malahidecastleandgardens.ie for more details – be king & queen of Malahide Castle!
The Casino Model Railway
The Casino Model Railway Museum is an eye catching renovated thatched cottage located beside Malahide dart and train station, where your calass can have fun with their interactive booklet, guiding them through the museum, where they will learn about Irelan’s train network down through the years.
They have Europes largest collection of handmade model trains and carriages dating back to the 1950’s. The large scale model railway with over head tracks is truly a train lovers delight! All on board! Immersive Imaginative and Educational.
This tour can also be combined with Malahide Castle. Enquire about your school group today by emailing reservations at model railway museum.ie or calling 01-8454670
Newbridge House
Experience reminders of the past and the lives of those who lived it. Discover a charming view of Ireland in a by-gone era. Students and teachers alike can experience the sights, sounds and smells of this enchanting Georgian House and traditional heritage farm. They make classroom topics feel new and exciting. And they tours encourage children to work as historians. They investigate the lives of the families and workers that lived in the house as well as those that worked the land.
The interiors of Newbridge House are remarkably complete and amongst the best preserved in Ireland.
The Upstairs Downstairs experience -We breathe life into the subject matter to better develop student understanding
Downstairs, the servants’ quarters, and historic Georgian kitchen allow visitors to imagine the hectic workload involved in running a house of this size (and witness the labour-saving devices of the past!).
Unique, interactive in nature and lots of fun!
The farm is home to many different rare and native breeds, such as Irish Moiled Cow, a herd of Kerry Cattle, Irish Draught horses, and more unusual types such as Falabella, Jacob sheep and the impressive Gloucester Old spot pig.
Come and meet the animals at the working farm and see the cuddly, the cheeky and the downright cute.
If you’re looking for a school trip that will engage, inspire pupils, and foster growth Newbridge House and Farm is the perfect school tour venue.
They will put on Barn Chats in the Red Barn that will leave you full of fun farm facts and they also have an outdoor eating area where teachers and children can relax and picnic.
For further information or to book it in:
Email: reservations@newbridgehouseandfarm.com
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The Irish National Stud & Gardens The Wonder of Horses School Tour
The Wonder of Horses School Tour at the Irish National Stud & Gardens
Learn about this fascinating industry and watch the children interact on a 45-minute tour of a working stud farm. Afterwards they’ll enjoy a fun, activity session in our classroom where they can touch and try on our range of equestrian equipment. Watch as mares and foals frolic in their paddocks and learn how we take care of them. Enjoy a quiz with spot prizes and handouts ensuring a full day of fun. Their tour guides will show them the journey each foal will make from birth to the racehorse. Meet their Living Legends and learn how to care for them, what they eat, how far and fast they travel and how quickly they learn. Teachers can enjoy our beautiful surroundings knowing the children are in safe hands and being happily entertained.
Their specifically trained tour guides will bring to life the story of the thoroughbred, from birth to the racecourse with a tour of the stud and horses. Price €12.00 per child
Booking quote: The Wonder Of Horses
Regular school tours also on offer.
Your guide will bring to life the story of the thoroughbred, from birth to the racecourse with a 45 minute tour of the farm, introducing the students to these magnificent animals. After the tour explore the playground and gardens.
Price: €10.00per child
Booking quote: Regular School Tour
Call Now to Book +353 45 521617
Irish National Stud and Gardens Tully, Co. Kildare, R51 KX25
The Rediscovery Centre:
The Rediscovery Centre offers an unforgettable sustainable learning experience!
As Europe’s first 3D textbook and demonstration Centre of the circular economy, their inspiring
Centre showcases, from foundation to chimney, are extraordinary examples of what can be done
when waste is seen as an opportunity rather than a problem.
The tours are led by friendly and knowledgeable guides and students can delve into the nooks and crannies
of the old Ballymun Boiler House, discover the amazing things you can create from reused
items, and then explore their biodiversity garden and reuse workshops.
Customised to match your specific interests and requirements, students will gain valuable
insights into environmental stewardship and the circular economy, leaving them empowered
with practical tips for sustainable living.
Enhance your visit with one of their exciting workshops, based on hands-on
enquiry and experiential learning!
The Rediscovery Centre is an accredited SFI Discover Centre, and their educators are trained in
the delivery of environmental education and are Garda vetted. Their interactive workshops for
primary level covers a variety of environmental and STEM topics, and link the Primary
Curriculum and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Don't miss out on this unforgettable visit – book your tour today at rediscoverycentre.ie!
Schools love The Forest Club!
The adventure starts under the little Sugarloaf mountain with a guided nature trail through a beautiful mature broad-leafed woodland, learning how to identify different plant and tree species including wild edible plants, such as Wood Sorell and Wild Garlic and discovering badger and fox dens. Bluebells cloak the woodland floor.
The trail leads to the base camp where children enjoy free and creative play on the hammocks swings and mud kitchen.
Into teams for the main activity - den / shelter building - teamwork, quick thinking and the ability to work through different stages are the skills needed to build the dens in time for the water splash challenge which brings great excitement !
Time for lunch and learning how to build the campfire from flint.
Pupils and teachers enjoy toasting marshmallows around the campfire before the shorter trail back to the bus.
What a wonderful experience!
Enquire & Book
0867922300
Butlers Chocolate Experience
Butlers – The Factory Tour is educational, informative and most importantly, great fun.
All participants will enjoy the full Butlers Chocolate Experience and our expert tour guides will personalise each tour to suit the age group attending. From Montessori to primary and secondary schools, language schools and college trips, we have all the ingredients for a memorable day out for up to 80 participants!
- Special worksheets are available which are tailored to the junior or senior school syllabus.
- Teachers/SNAs/Group Leaders go free and enjoy a complimentary hot beverage on arrival.
- Their secure outdoor picnic area is available for students to enjoy their packed lunch before or after the tour.
To Book Tel 01 6710599 or go to www.
