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 TOURS - EDUCATION THROUGH EXCURSIONS
School tours not only increase the students’ learning experience outside of the traditional classroom setting but they also complement the curriculum and the classroom-based subjects that students have been learning. It allows students to face new and exciting challenges outside their normal routine and enriches their long term interests and new possibilities in the future. School trips can be the catalyst in provoking interest in new topics and gaining new ideas and concepts that kids have never been exposed to before.
From Junior Infants upwards, there are various school trips to go on that allow children to be exposed to so many enthralling things that just can't be taught in a classroom. Trips can enable students to visit different places, from viewing precious artefacts, hearing magnificent music played by an orchestra, venturing in the outdoors, creating love and empathy of the natural world and more. Theoretical to practical, these trips create an indelible experiences that they will look back on in the future.
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. 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. So many positive benefits accrue from teachers and students taking a trip together – not only does it provide the opportunity to take a break from their normal classroom routine but it also gives children the chance to have a fun, educational and bonding experience through these expeditions. Now is the time of year to start planning these all-important trips!
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 12 million people pass through its doors. The National Aquatic Centre is Ireland’s fourth-most popular visitor attraction.
The Leisure Pool, AquaZone, offers wild thrills, crazy 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.
It’s the perfect Family day out, open every weekend and all school holidays! Phone 01 6464300, visit www.aquazone.ie.
The NSC Experience: Spend a Day in the Life of an Elite Athlete
The Sport Ireland 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 2019.
The day includes the following:
There’s a full day tour or a budget short day tour, combining an unforgettable sporting experience with educational and amazing fun.
For more information contact: nickycosgrave@nationalsportscampus.ie Tel: 01 6464 330 or see www.nationalsportscampus.ie
*Adventure is Everywhere*
CP Adventure
CP Adventure are very excited to announce their new Home in RUSSBOROUGH HOUSE & PARKLANDS where they have built a brand-new adventure centre which is located only 20 minutes from Dublin. The centre will have a Zip Line over 100 metres long, Ropes Course, Tree Climbing, Abseiling, Archery Tag & Target, Bushcraft, Kayaking, Climbing Tower Canoeing, 12-man War Canoes, Orienteering, Biking, Bungee Trampolines and much more, all set on the grounds behind the majestic Russborough House. With over 26 years’ experience looking after School groups in The Avon Ri it is the same Team just in a different and exciting new location. Added extras available are Guided Tour of Russborough House, National Birds of Prey Centre, local artisans and fantastic walk ways around Parklands.
CP Adventure strive to make the students day both a fun and educational one though more emphasis is on the Fun part. Full day’s activities are run from 10-4 p.m. and will include 5 activities both land and water Half day runs from 10-1.00 or 2-5 p.m. to include 3 activities. Packed lunch is required on days of school tours alternatively we can organise hot healthy options.
Let them take care of your students in making their school tour a day full of lasting memories. For more details and brochure email info@cpadventure.ie or Tel 087 4662252
Inflata Zone
Inflata Zone is the perfect place for school tours, youth groups, scouts, clubs, teams, etc who are interested in an experience like no other. If an outing with a difference is what you’re after then look no further than Inflata Zone.
One of the first in the world, and Ireland’s only inflatable theme park has now opened! Inspired by the party craze that’s starting to take the world by storm, Inflata Zone, a state of the art €750,000 facility has now opened in Dublin.
With 10 different zones including drop slides, assault course, climbing wall, air mountain and much more..
Guaranteed a hit with all students.
Call 01 9633044 for more details. When you book your group they will allocate hosts who look after you from start to finish.
Group rates start from €11 per person per hour. Other options include 1.5 hour group sessions.For groups of 30+ contact the office on 01 9633044 for available options or email info@inflatazone.ie www.inflatazone.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 900,000 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 the Battle Zone, Slam Dunk on their Basketball lanes or high energy trampoline Dodgeball games. Now introducing Irelands newest Ninja Zone to each facility. 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
Zipit
Zipit Forest Adventures is a treetop high ropes course set in the beautiful Coillte forests of Tibradden Wood, Dublin 16 (only 10 mins from M50) . A place where students can enjoy an exhilarating and challenging outdoor activity in a natural setting, building confidence, teamwork and self-esteem. Swing into cargo nets, whizz down ziplines, trek across a floating bridge and be immersed in stunning countryside.
Big challenges or baby steps, energetic instructors will encourage and motivate even the most nervous student, creating a lasting sense of achievement. With circuits for every fitness level, Zipit provides a school tour that everyone enjoys! Teachers need to enjoy their day too and what better way to bond with your students, than participating alongside them – or watch from terra firma! Free participation and free tea and coffee for all teachers. Cost is €15 per primary school student (3rdclass upwards) with activities lasting for approximately 4 hours. Zipit can take up to 150+ students in any one day, by staggering start times. With parallel Safety briefings, they ensure a streamlined day and also cater for small schools and classes, with no minimum numbers, subject to availability.
Risk V Safety
Everyday life is full of risks and challenges and we provide students of all ages the opportunity to experience perceived risk in a controlled environment. Zipit safety harnesses are designed with a dual safety element, eliminating the risk of accidental removal of both safety devices while on the course. Students are fitted with a harness by a trained Instructor and given a safety briefing before moving at their own pace.
Zipit operates to the highest EU safety standards. Instructors hold European Ropes Course Association qualifications and are first aid trained. Should a student need to come down off the course, when they reach their limits (physically or mentally) instructors are trained to bring them down safely and talk them through what is happening. They provide the opportunity to learn life skills in a safe environment, giving the opportunity to problem-solve, make choices, push limits and controlled risk taking. To find out more, please contact Zipit on 051 858008 and visit www.zipit.ie
Locations: Tibradden Wood, Dublin 16 (only 10 mins from M50) / Farran Wood, Co.Cork (only 20 mins from city centre) / Lough Key Forest Park, Co. Roscommon (on main Dublin/Sligo road)
Astropark
Astropark School Tours are a fantastic action packed day out for schools and classes of all ages. With a combination of unique fun experiences, the kids will have an absolute ball – bouncing, rolling, laughing, shooting and tumbling. With flexible supervised packages from only €12 per child, your school can spend the full day on site, or combine with other Dublin tour venues.
The innovative activities include some or all of: Bouncy Inflatable Dodgeball, a Giant Obstacle Course, Nerf Wars (NEW), Target Zone, Bubble Football, Space Hopper Fun Races, Kick Speed Radar, Goggle Football, Combat archery (NEW). You can see videos and photos of all these amazing innovative activities on www.astroparkkids.ie
Your tour activities will vary depending on the age of the kids and the duration of school tour that you wish to do. Minimum numbers of 24 apply for school tours but there are options for smaller groups.
Kids typically bring a packed lunch, but hot food options are also available, ordered in advance (sausage or nuggets with chips & cordial drink).
All activities are also suitable for teenagers and even fun adults, so no excuse for teachers not to join in! For an awesome school trip for kids of all ages, contact Astropark today.
Astropark have two convenient Dublin Locations – Northside (Coolock-Santry) phone 01 8060088, Southside (Tallaght) phone 014599822. Both are just minutes from the M50 so are easily accessible. See also www.astropark.ie
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 colorful 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. Coach Parking
From M50 at Junction 9 Take the N7 exit then the L109 Exit to Clondalkin, at roundabout exit Monastery rd, follow to Main St and then Tower Rd.- Coming from Kildare/Naas direction - Take the Boot Road exit off N7, continue straight to convent road and then onto Tower Rd
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
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Take advantage of their FREE Schools Programme and bring your class to visit Ireland’s largest Cathedral and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Ireland. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral has been at the heart of Dublin and Ireland’s history and culture for 800 years. Book your visit to explore its story, which can also be seen as a microcosm of the story of Ireland itself. It is a superb example of medieval gothic architecture that has withstood wars, revolutions and reformations. Whether your interest lies in religion, history, art, architecture or music you will find something to interest you in the Cathedral.
What can your group do during a visit?Free Guided tour: the Cathedral’s dedicated Education department staff will bring your group on a tour of the building
Free Workshop: After their tour, your group can take part in an interactive activity based around the life and history of the Cathedral.
Pre-booking is essential for Free school visits to the Cathedral, so contact the education department today to arrange your visit email Andrew: education@stpatrickscathedral.ie Ciara: edassist@stapatrickscathedral.ie
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 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. Don’t miss the ‘Mayors through the Ages, Eight Centuries of Civic Government in Ireland’ at City Hall.
Bookings 0761 10 2501 or email: bookings@waterfordcouncil.ie www.waterfordtreasures.com
Why visit Glasnevin Cemetery Museum?
All school groups that book with Glasnevin Cemetery Museum are sent learning packs and classroom activities for use in the classroom before or after their visit. Students also obtain access to Glasnevin’s unique genealogy records. This allows students to work as a historian at home or in the class.
Contact Glasnevin today and bring your class to see Ireland’s History Carved in Stone! www.glasnevinmuseumie Email: bookings@museum.ie | Tel: (0)1 882 6570
Science & History
The National Wax Museum Plus
Bring your class to the National Wax Museum Plus, one of Dublin's most exciting visitors attractions for some educational fun and learning about Irish Culture. Learn through wax figures, interactive sets and a whole host of activities. With a variety of experiences from the areas of Science, Irish History, music and entertainment, it will appeal to students of all ages and interests.
Take an educational walk through the Time Vaults of Irish History and learn about the beginning of the historical civil war of 1919, this exhibition features Michael Collins, Countess Markievicz and more.
Albert Einstein's waxwork is ready to welcome schools to the Science & Discovery Area where the term. Primary school groups are €7.50 each & Post Primary are €8.50 each with Teachers free. The Museum always invites teachers to visit in advance of making a booking as a planning and resource tool.
Email groups@waxmuseumplus.ie or call 01-6718373 to book your tour today. See www.waxmuseumplus.ie for more information
Creativity
Bricks 4
Bricks 4 Kidz school tours are held in their Creativity Centre in the OMNI Shopping Centre, Santry providing fun and educational school tours for students from junior infants up to sixth class.
School Tour Package includes: Exclusive access to their LEGO® creativity centre for up to two & a half hours Students will create a LEGO® Technic Motorised Models using their Bricks 4 Kidz project kits. They will also build fun 2D & 3D LEGO models at the Brick Build Zone incl. Minecraft, Batman, etc and will test and re-test their models at our Build & Test Track.
Students are divided into groups and rotated through the various Bricks 4 Kidz stations to ensure every student gets to experience the entire range of activities on offer. With three stations at the creativity centre, the imagination zone, the build and test zone and the creative zone, Bricks 4 Kidz tutors will support the children at each station to encourage fun and learning.
Bricks 4 Kidz have a LEGO® lounge for teachers with complimentary tea/coffee and scones and free Wi-Fi access. For further details, contact John at johnhartnett@bricks4kidz.com or call 086-1788554.
School Tours at Imaginosity, Dublin Children’s
Imaginosity is the perfect place for a school visit this school tour season. Each of the 18 interactive exhibits within the museum have been designed to complement the curriculum bringing it to life in a fun, engaging, interactive, learning environment. An accredited Discover Centre, all programming at Imaginosity reinforces their commitment to education and learning. Educational workshops are on offer as part of School Tours year round (excluding May & June). Visiting Times: Monday – Friday 9.30-11.30am, 11.30am-1.30pm (afternoon visits are also available 1.30pm-3.30pm or 3.30pm-5.30pm). To book your visit please call 01-2176130 or visit www.imaginosity.ie for further information.
Science & Nature
The Irish National Stud & Gardens
The Irish National Stud & Gardens are excited to launch their new interactive ‘Kick Back to Nature Tour’. Their school tour provides a unique opportunity for school children to get up close to horses and wildlife in a relaxed and natural environment. ‘The Wonder of the Horses, from foal to legend’ gives students an opportunity to learn about this fascinating industry and enjoy hours of pure freedom. Watch children interact on a 45-minute tour of a working stud farm and afterwards they’ll enjoy a fun, activity session in a classroom where they can touch and try on a range of equestrian equipment. This tour will encourage them to think about conservation, pollination and habitats required for wildlife to thrive also.
For those looking for a more relaxed approach, the Irish National Stud can also provide a basic package that includes a 45 minute tour of the grounds. After the group can enjoy exploring the gardens, the fairy trail and having fun in the playground. For more information visit their website at wwww.irishnationalstud.ie.
The National SEA LIFE Centre
Located on Bray Seafront, is the perfect school tour venue, whatever the weather. SEA LIFE Bray is home to over 1,000 creatures in 26 spectacular displays including: Black Tip Reef Sharks, Octopus, Seahorses, Stingrays and Red-Bellied Piranhas.
New for 2019, enter the amazing world of the Octopus. Discover how intelligent these wonders of the deep actually are and learn about their phenomenal skills and abilities.
Whether you choose our Standard tour, or upgrade to one of our Premium packages (subject to availability), SEA LIFE provides an educational visit quite different from any other: It is interactive, informative and most of all, FUN!
BOOK YOUR TOUR TODAY on (01) 8366939 www.sealife.ie
The Great Outdoors
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
Fort Lucan
Fort Lucan is a fully supervised outdoor adventure playground for children aged 2-12 years. Inside Fort Lucan, kids create their own adventures as they discover huge towers, 40 foot slides, sky-high walkways, zip lines, a maze, army-style assault course & go-kart tracks. Not forgetting the Crazy Golf, the 3 famous WATERSLIDES and 15m HELTER SKELTER!
A great day out for school tours & groups, birthday parties and all the family! Bring a picnic or eat at the Fort Lucan cafe, selling hot food, toasted sandwiches, tea & coffee etc. or treat yourself at the ice-cream shop!School Tours 2019 ONLY... Each child who visits on their school tour, will receive a ticket for a FREE return visit!! (Ts &Cs apply). School tour price €11.50 per child & teachers go FREE (with tea / coffee). For full details and pricing visit www.fortlucan.com to book a school tour email info@fortlucan.com or call 01 6280166
Greenan Maze
Greenan Maze
We have been hosting school tours for over 20 years and have very experienced and friendly tour guides. A school tour at Greenan Maze includes an educational, active and full day outing which includes elements of heritage and local history, nature and environmental activities, and age specific tours. We believe in giving a high quality tour and therefore only host two groups per day. Tours can last from 2 ½ to 4 hours depending on your requirements.
Attractions
We also provide undercover lunch tables and free tea/coffee for teachers.
We are delighted to cater to your schools specific needs and you can mix and match the activities to your special requirements.
For more information or to make a group booking contact 086-8845624 or email: contact@greenanmaze.com
Indoor Fun
Leisureplex
Looking for that perfect activity for the fun part of your school tour this year? Well look no further! Leisureplex has activities for school groups of all ages, from the slides and tunnels of the Zoo soft-play area, to the striking fun of bowling and the laser-tag action of Quasar. It’s the perfect way to let off steam as the school year comes to an end!
With multiple food packages available as well, Leisureplex has all the bases covered for a school tour activity jam-packed with fun. Get in touch with one of the 5 Leisureplex centres in Dublin to book today! www.leisureplex.ie.
Go Kids Go
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 €11.50. 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
Chocolate! The Chocolate Warehouse School Tour
The Chocolate Warehouse is celebrating 19 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
Ardnacrusha Tours
