The School Tour!

School trips not only provide a welcome break in routine for both students and teachers but can enhance learning, create a fun, bonding experience, and ensure that your child will be making great memories to treasure in years to come. Apart from the fun and inclusiveness involved in a class day out, research shows that there is a strong learning element with children retaining a great deal of factual information from these outings. 

Today, many of the more traditional tour destinations, such as museums and galleries, are providing a more hands-on, child-friendly experience for their young visitors. But newer destinations such as theme parks and outdoor and indoor adventure centres are also providing an educational dimension to a fun day out and making learning an integral part of the experience. 

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. 

Explorium enriches minds and bodies in Ireland

Explorium, Ireland’s National Sport and Science Centre, has recently re-opened in Sandyford and has three different learning areas that stimulate active bodies and healthy minds. All three areas are available to school tours, corporate groups, and the general public. Explorium has something for everyone!

In Junior Explorium, young scientists can experience over 100 interactive experiences that bring science and learning to life in a fun and engaging way. Hands-on experiential experiences are a vital component of early science learning. Children ages 2-7 will enjoy a few hours of exploration in the STEAM-based learning environments, including our Digital Aquarium, Engineering Zone, and Make & Do Lab. Junior is open daily from 9:30-5:30.

The Science Centre delights guests with over 250 interactive experiences and shows, including an electrifying Lightning Show, a spectacular Robot Dog demonstration and the award-winning ‘Cool It’ experience. People ages 8 to adult can enjoy several hours of STEM-based learning here. Science is open to school groups and corporate events on weekdays during the school year and open to general public on weekends and school holidays.

The Activities Zone also offers active experiences for both the body and mind. Explorium  offers 2 Climbing Walls to challenge guests from beginner climbers to the more advanced. They  have world class Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality experiences available to delight and amaze looking for an out of this world venture. All these experiences are for people ages 8 and up and are open to school groups and corporate events on weekdays during the school year and open to general public on weekends and school holidays. 

Adults like to learn and play, too! Corporate groups are welcome to host Meetings/Conferences, Away Day Teambuilding Sessions, Family Days, or After-Hours Events at Explorium. It’s best to book your Summer BBQs or Holiday Parties early to catch the best available date!  There are 2 restaurants on site who can cater to your every culinary need and serve up a spectacular view of Dublin while they do it.

Check the website 
www.explorium.ie for more information about how 
Explorium can serve your family!

Jurassic Newpark – A Thrilling School Tour Adventure for Young Explorers!

Looking for an exciting and educational school tour that will spark curiosity and imagination? Jurassic Newpark, located at the award-winning Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny, is the perfect destination for young school-goers to explore, learn, and have fun!

This unique outdoor adventure park transports children back to the time of the dinosaurs, where they can come face-to-face with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar just like the real thing! Pupils will love wandering through the prehistoric trails, spotting their favourite dinosaurs, and learning fascinating facts along the way.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Jurassic Newpark offers a wide range of activities designed to keep children active, engaged, and entertained. From Jurassic Bounce, an exhilarating inflatable park, to go-karting, climbing walls, and a treetop adventure playground, there’s something for every young explorer to enjoy. The interactive Dino Fairy Trail also adds a magical touch, encouraging children to discover hidden surprises as they roam.

For animal lovers, the Newpark Farm is home to alpacas, goats, rabbits, and more, giving pupils the chance to meet and learn about these friendly animals in a safe and interactive environment.

Jurassic Newpark is a safe, well-supervised, and engaging experience, making it an ideal choice for school groups looking for a mix of adventure, education, and outdoor fun. With plenty of space to run, explore, and discover, it’s a school tour destination that will leave young minds buzzing with excitement long after they return to the classroom!

To book your school tour, visit Jurrasicnewpark.com or email Ruth at bookings@jurassicnewpark.com

Astropark

Looking for an unforgettable Kids School Tour that keeps your students active and entertained? Astropark Coolock and Tallaght have you covered! For just €22 per student, your class will enjoy 4 hours on-site, including 2.5 hours of action-packed, supervised activities like Nerf Wars, an Inflatable Obstacle Course, Bubble Football, Inflatable Foosball, a Bouncy Castle, and more. 

We’re now taking bookings for May and June, so don’t miss out — Secure your spot online today, 
please visit www.astropark.ie/kids/school-tours

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, the immersive servants quarters 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.

Enjoy the 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

The ultimate fun-filled school tour at the home of Butlers Chocolates

A school tour to Butlers. The Factory Tour is educational, informative and most importantly, great fun. This immersive experience includes a captivating tour that delves into the history of chocolate, reveals how Butlers’ iconic chocolates are made and provides a unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Butlers Chocolates factory. Pupils are then given the chance to step into the shoes of a real-life chocolatier in the demonstration room, where they can decorate their own chocolate novelty to bring home. Their expert tour guides will personalise each tour to suit the age group attending.

l Can cater for up to 75 pupils.

l Special worksheets are available to take away, tailored to the junior or senior school syllabus.

l Teachers/SNAs/Group Leaders go free (1:10 ratio).

l A secure outdoor picnic area is available for students to enjoy their packed lunch before or after the tour.

Butlers. The Factory Tour is conveniently located close to the M1/M50 junction, with plenty of parking, and is fully accessible. 

To make a booking enquiry, please email tour@butlers.ie or call 01 6710599.

Malahide Castle 

2 attractions in Beautiful Malahide  (approx. 3 hrs) €10.00 per student (teachers go free) 

Castle Explorers

Embark on a guided tour through the castle, tailored to younger learners. Discover the fascinating stories of the Talbot family, explore the grand rooms and secret passages, and learn about life in a medieval castle.

Nature Detectives

Venture into the gardens and become nature detectives! Explore the diverse habitats, identify plants and animals, and learn about the importance of biodiversity and conservation.

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.

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!

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@theroundtower.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 or visit www.theforestclub.ie

Flynn Park 

Flynn Park is the ultimate adventure destination located in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin. The park is surrounded by scenic countryside and is the ideal location to give kids and teenagers the chance to get outdoors and challenge themselves through exciting physical and educational activities. A fun filled day is guaranteed with the following range of thrilling options available:

l Aqualough- Experience Dublin’s only Aqualough, featuring slides, trampolines, climbing walls and BIG jumps all floating on a crystal-clear lake.

l The Adventure Tower- soaring to 40ft high and offering challenges such as Aerial Trekking, Ziplining, Climbing Walls, Dropzone and a bungee-style jump from the tower's peak

l Kling Kong High Ropes Octagon- A test of balance and agility as you cross the swinging log bridge, or crawl through a tunnel suspended high above the ground!

l Paintball- led by experienced instructors, our paintball games are both thrilling and safe.

l 'Splatmaster,' - a low-velocity version of paintball suitable for 8 to 12 year olds

l Archery- Shoot at straw targets with our traditional recurve bows. Their trained instructors will teach you how to load, aim, shoot and score.

l Operation Mindfall - An immersive outdoor escape game that blends real life secret agent gadgets, cutting-edge technology, and adrenaline-pumping adventure.

l Outdoor Laser Tag- An exciting, high-energy activity that combines teamwork and strategy using the most high-tech laser tag system delivering a truly thrilling experience.

l Sauna Snug- adults can enjoy a swim and sauna combo in our new woodfired saunas by the lake.

Safety is the number one priority, and all of their instructors are highly trained to ensure a safe and secure environment for children.

Hot food options are available from the Food Truck and can be enjoyed in the  outdoor sheltered eating area.

Whether it’s a family day out, school tour, kids’ camp or birthday party, Flynn Park is the ideal destination for fun and adventure. To discover all that Flynn Park has to offer, please visit 
www.flynnpark.ie.

DoDublin 

Do Dublin operate the Ghostbus Kids tour which is available for private hire or to visit schools. Ghostbus Kids is a 90-minute tour of Dublin’s darker side, especially designed for kids aged 7-13. 
The Ghostbus Kids tour is currently touring schools in greater Dublin, so if you’d like to book it to visit your school, or to arrange a private hire please email info@dodublin.ie

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 

Irish National Stud & Gardens School Tour Programme

Visit the Irish National Stud and immerse yourselves in the world of horses with their  School Tour Programme.

The Wonder of Horses Tour gives children the unique opportunity to go on a tour of a working stud farm, and learn about the journey of a foal from birth through their racing careers and all the way to retirement. After the tour engage in an interactive learning activity session and try on their range of equestrian and racing equipment, and take part in a quiz. Meet our Living Legends – the retired racing champions, and learn about their care, what they like to eat, and what their careers involved. On completion of the tour, teachers will receive a certificate accredited by Science Foundation Ireland.

Price: €13.00 per child. Booking quote: PT Wonder of Horses. 

l Also available is the Regular School Tour where tour guides will bring to life the story of the thoroughbred from birth to retirement through an hour-long guided tour of the stud farm, and afterwards the children can explore the playground, gardens, and magical fairy trail. Price: €11.00 per child. Booking quote: 
PT Regular School Tour.

Members of the Science Foundation Ireland Discover Centre Network. 

Book via Email: reservations@irishnationalstud.ie; 
Tel: +353 (0) 45 521 617. Irish National Stud & Gardens, Tully, Co. Kildare, R51 AP20.

A magical adventure in the Forest of Dorlindon...

The secret Elven Forest Realm of Dorlindon is welcoming young brave explorers who seek to learn the ways of nature, ancient tales and the magic of arts and crafts.Primary school trips to a Nature Sanctuary located in the Wicklow Mountains, yet easily accessible from Dublin, (close to the N11).

Their instructors include qualified zoologists and ecologists, experienced bushcraft instructors, talented storytellers and expert craftsmen (and craftswomen).

There are six main quests, the main “Realm Tour” and other five to choose from:

Realm Tour: a guided tour through the forest trail; discover the wooden built elven domes and shrines, walk over log bridges leading onto islets, under hand-carved arches and majestic statues, discover secret ponds and cathedrals of trees.

Nature Class: Pond dipping and Bio-Diversity Discovery.

Bushcraft: Firesafety and Fire Lighting techniques (flint and steel and bowdrill), learn to track and identify signs of wildlife and other outdoor survival skills.

Arts and Crafts: Traditional arts and crafts and artistic creation experience (i.e. clay impressions, pine cone ornaments, nature weaving, twig and branch crafts, depending on season and availability of materials).

Storytelling and interactive music: Get swept away on a magical music adventure as we bring to life the enchanting fairy tales of the forest! This interactive music and storytelling experience allows to collectively explore beautiful traditional stories with musical chime-bars and percussion instruments whilst letting the imagination run wild!

The Auld Armoury: view medieval armory and weaponry, from chainmails to plate armor, from a crossbow to a two handed sword; learn how they were made next to Dorlindon's Anvil.

There is a picnic area with seating and tables and toilet facility; up to 4 hours activity, (30 minutes food break - food not provided) and sheltered areas where to perform most of the activities in case of bad weather.

Please call 087 3386953 for any query or special request Health and Safety memo and binding Park Rules will be provided.

Visit: www.dorlindon.com