Ireland's No. 1 FREE magazines parents & teachers of primary school children
Ireland's No. 1 FREE magazines 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 2015 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!
THE MOVING CRIB
The Moving Crib, in the heart of Dublin City, 42 Parnell Square, has been entertaining Dublin children for almost six decades – This November sees the unveiling of the lovingly restored crib, which has undergone three months painstaking refurbishment by a team of carpenters and craftsmen, one of whom made some of the original Crib scenes in 1956!
One hundred and fifty litres of the finest oil paints, hundreds of metres of wood paneling and thousands of nails, screws and hooks have all been utilised on over 70 mechanical moving figurines and twenty five moving animal characters as well as a twenty foot ‘Noha’s Ark’ to ensure this Dublin landmark is as captivating today as it was when it first opened its doors.
‘We were conscious that discerning families are always looking for a different Christmas experience and we listened to what visitors said last year about the Moving Crib. We feel very happy we’ve combined old world charm with educational tools and animation to cater for all audiences visiting Dublin this December’ said Fr. Clifford O.P., who was in charge of the project.
‘A number of the original craftsmen are still with us and they were delighted to be asked to assist with the redesign of the Moving Crib after all these years’ He added.
The only one of its kind built in Ireland, the Moving Crib is an historical, entertaining and ‘3d’ experience, that winds its way downstairs in the stunning Georgian building at 42 Parnell Square. Once downstairs, you are greeted with a montage of many historical / fun stories, including Noah’s Ark, Moses with the Ten Commandments, Bethlehem, The Wise Men which are all sure to engage your little ones on the journey through to the Crib itself.
Children are encouraged to draw a Leaf, cut out the shape and bring it with them so that is can be placed in the Garden Of Eden. This free Dublin attraction is a must see for families and school groups and, of course, the man in red is there too! OPEN - November 23rd, 2015 to January 10th, 2016 @ 42 Parnell Square West, Dublin 1. See www.stmartin.ie/crib for details
School Tour Adventures at Tayto Park
2015 is shaping up to be a monumental one for Tayto Park with the launch of their new rollercoaster which will have a strong Irish mythological theme and will not only be Europe's largest inverted wooden roller coaster, but also the ONLY one of its kind in Europe. Other new attractions include the ‘Air Race’ ride, the ‘Rotator’ high speed spinning ride, the ‘Sky Tower’ 10 meter vertical climb, road train, steam train track ride and the only 5D cinema in Ireland! Finally, the new ‘Dinosaurs Alive’ attraction is an awe-inspiring, life-like animatronic dinosaur spectacular which will delight all ages.
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 Tayt
o Factory, it’s an unforgettable day with plenty of educational and physical activities for every age. School Packages: Full day admission includes access to Tayto Park, a guided Zoo tour, a visit to The Tayto Factory Tour, activity worksheets after your visit and free Tayto crisps for every pupil. €10 per pupil, €12 includes Adventure Zone token and €15 per pupil includes lunch and Adventure Zone token. Extra Educational Experience workshops €5 per pupil. Tayto Park, Kilbrew, Ashbourne, Co. Meath. For more information contact 01-8351999 or email info@taytopark.ie www.TaytoPark.ie
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 & falabellas and St Fiachra's Garden. Bookings at reservations@instourism.net or 045 521617. Facilities include new Children’s playground, Picnic area, Free Car/Coach Park & restaurant. Tel: 045 521617 www.irishnationalstud.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.
STRAFFAN BUTTERFLY FARM
Straffan Butterfly Farm has been in business for over 25 years. The indoor all weather centre has a large exhibition area of butterfly collections from all over the world with a special emphasis on educational and living displays including creepy crawlies like Tarantulas, Scorpions, Stick Insects and Reptiles, all of which are safely behind glass. In the tropical butterfly house, relax among colourful blooms and exotic plants while butterflies fly and feed around you. Straffan, Co Kildare. Open June- August. Groups please book in advance on (01) 6271109. www.straffanbutterflyfarm.com
KIPPURE ESTATE
Kippure Estate Outdoor Education 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, Climbing Walls and Abseil Towers, a Zip Wire, 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! 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 Bush with the Bush Skills courses, perfect for all ages. Kippure is located in north Co. Wicklow, only 30 minutes from the M50. www.kippure.com Tel 01-458 3873/2889
The NSC Experience: Spend a Day in the Life of an Elite Athlete.
The National Sports Campus is the home of Iris
h Sport and this brand new, unique school tour provides all pupils a chance to live a day in the life of a top class elite sports person.
The day includes the following:
· An educational tour of the National Sports Campus
· Participation in five exciting sports such as Archery, Gymnastics, Trampolining & Water Polo
· 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 and website is www.nationalsportscampus.ie
ZIPIT
2014 was another exciting year for school tours at Zipit Forest Adventures in Tibradden Wood, Dublin 16. This fabulous pine forest is a wonderful natural attraction adjacent to Dublin city and the course has 91 activities and over 650 metres of ziplines for you to enjoy, with spectacular views of Dublin City.
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. Children feel a great sense of achievement overcoming each element as the circuit becomes progressively more challenging. Price is €15 per child - supervising teachers go free - and it is recommended that you allow up to four hours for this fun and adventurous activity. For the all important sixth class tour, there is a Blue Circuit for age 12+ which is 10-15 metres above the ground. The Blue circuit is a firm favourite among older children and guarantees a school tour to remember! There are three other circuits for different heights, ages and abilities. Children from the third class and upwards can participate, as long as they are at least one metre in height.
The children are fitted with a harness by a trained instructor and required to complete an initiation course before venturing onwards. They work to their own ability and can repeat a circuit if they are not comfortable progressing to higher circuits. Zipit operates to the highest safety standards and all instructors are fully qualified and the course is inspected and approved. Other Zipit locations: Lough Key Forest Park, Co. Roscommon and Farran Forest Park, Co. Cork Contact 051 858008 info@zipit.ie or on Facebook or twitter.
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.
Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park is a favourite destination for many schools and it looks like a trip to the Park will be even better in 2015. The Park has added lots of new state of the art outdoor play equipment and is offering more education than ever with the new Peatlands Exhibition and Biodiversity Boardwalk.
Educational, Fun & Hassle Free - explored on 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 SESE curriculum and experienced guides will make adapt to suit all age groups. There’s also a pet farm containing Fallabella horses, alpacas, donkeys, rabbits, goats, calves, sheep and Bali ducks, 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, fuzball, cable run and pirate ship. There’s also a crazy golf course, newly upgraded large outdoor play areas, green area for football etc. and train trip. The park is located only 30 miles west of Dublin 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 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
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 of the following amenities are included in your visit. The Hedge Maze- fun for all ages. And when you get to the centre enjoy the panorama from the New 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 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! Open for Easter March 28th - April 12th, daily 12-6pm.www.thekildaremaze.com Call 086 851 9296.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITY INSTITUTE
The OAI offer both Residential and Non Residential packages for schools in association with Scouting Ireland. Their bases include Larch Hill in Dublin, Lough Dan in Co. Wicklow, Mount Melleray in Co. Waterford and Castle Saunderson in Co. Cavan. There is a huge variety of activities to choose from at each location – check out the website www.oai.ie for details. All teachers go free on all packages. Water sports are also available at the Lough Dan location. Contact 01 8557111 for booking.
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. To survive the Quests you will need to employ many different skills such as teamwork, ingenuity and trial and error! There is another new Boda Borg quest for 2015!
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 parkland. You will certainly build up an appetite enjoying these activities so feast your taste buds on some delicious homemade food and enjoy the views from the Lakeside Café. Why not stay a while in the Caravan and Camping Park, open from Easter to September or moor your boat in the modern 40 berth marina. Lough Key Forest & Activity Park is a perfect venue for School Tours, birthday parties and family outings. Call 071 9673122, email info@loughkey.ie visit www.loughkey.ie and find them on Facebook.
THE 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. Cost €12.50 per student. 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
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 eight million people pass through its doors. In 2014 over 930,000 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. This School Tour enjoy the famous new 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.
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
WATERFORD TREASURES- THREE MUSEUMS in the VIKING TRIANGLE
Delve back in time with a school tour that’s bound to bring out your inner Strongbow or Aoife - in the most ancient part of Ireland’s oldest city. Waterford boasts three museums and an award-winning walking experience - the Epic Tour of the Viking Triangle. From the Vikings to Victorians, the one-hour all-weather trip takes in six national monuments, including Greyfriars Medieval Franciscan Friary, the Mayor’s Wine Vault and Christ Church Cathedral – all in the capable hands of professional guides.
History really comes to life at the Medieval Museum, rated No1 attraction in Waterford on Tripadvisor.com, where costumed performers regale visitors with tales of times gone by with the help of a stunning collection of unique artefacts. On display are the magnificent Cloth of Gold vestments and the only piece of clothing to survive King Henry VIII’s reign, ‘The Cap of Maintenance’. The Bishop’s Palace – home to the only surviving Napoleon Bonaparte’s Mourning Cross and world’s oldest piece of Waterford Crystal crafted in 1789 – is a must-see attraction. The house is brought to life by the housekeeper Mrs Rickards and butler, Mr What Why. A trip back in time isn’t complete without visiting Reginald’s Tower, named after the Viking chief who founded the city in 941, where you can get up close and personal with weapons from a Viking warrior’s grave.
All these attractions are only 5 minutes from the House of Waterford Crystal, 15 minutes from the seaside town of Tramore and Mount Congreve Gardens in Kilmeaden, 20 minutes from the fishing village of Dunmore East, 25 minutes from the Dunbrody Famine Ship New Ross, and half an hour from the Copper Coast Geo Park.
For School Tour enquiries, please call 051 849646 or email: bookings@waterfordcouncil.ie
www.waterfordtreasures.com FB: WaterfordTreasures Twitter@WFORD_Treasures
GLASNEVIN CEMETERY MUSEUM
Glasnevin Cemetery Museum offers exciting and engaging education programmes for students of all ages. Students can learn about the events and personalities which shaped the
course of Irish history one hundred years ago through guided tours of the cemetery, interactive exhibits and preparatory work packs- all of which complement specific elements of the curriculum.
New for 2015
Tours can be adapted to suit your educational needs. Our aim is to capture the imagination and send your class away inspired!
Cost from €6 per student, booking essential. For more information please email abirney@glasnevintrust.ie or call 01 882 6550
Drogheda Leisure Park
Join Drogheda Leisure Park for your 2015 School Tour Day Out and Party at the Park. Open for School Tours, Mon–Fri during school term, ensuring that your school is looked after to the highest standard and catered for in enjoyable, fun and safe surroundings, with no interruption from the general public.
Enjoy activities ranging from Ten Pin Bowling, Indoor Astro Turf Pitches where Gaelic, Tag Rugby and Soccer can be enjoyed or have fun in Astro Tots, the Indoor Adventure zone. Also available is the use of the Indoor Bouncing Castles and state-of-the-art Disco Room. Drogheda Leisure Park has an activity and a price range to suit all schools and they can also provide hot food, or why not bring your own lunch and avail of the function room FREE of charge for bringing your own snacks. For School Tour and Party bookings Contact James on 041 9877707, email: info@droghedaleisure.ie www.droghedaleisure.ie
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
EcoAdventure Ireland:
Specialists in school tours, they have locations at Knockree and Glendalough Hostels Co Wicklow and Killarney International Hostel in Co Kerry. Their experienced property partners – An Oige (Irish Youth Hostel Association) can provide excellent value accommodation and meals for those who wish to have a Residential Stay. Day Trips are also available. Activities include Archery, Orienteering, Obstacle Course, Bike Skills, Zip Line, Low Ropes Course, Team Games, Nightline, Survival Skills, Climbing, Nature Walks, Ecology and many more. Contact 01 2767988.
NATIONAL SEA LIFE
The underwater world is closer than you think at National SEA LIFE Bray! On the new educational tour, your pupils get right up-close to the amazing creatures in the themed displays. Highlights include; 1,000 creatures including sharks, seahorses, clownfish, rays and many more, spectacular Tropical Shark Lagoon with 8 different species of sharks, feeding demonstrations and talks, marine habitats ranging from rivers and lakes to deep oceans & the chance to touch a starfish or crab at the rockpool.
The primary school programme is perfect for introducing pupils to a range of scientific topics and encouraging excitement and curiosity about marine phenomena in the natural world. It has been designed to support several strands of both the Geography and Science subjects of the SESE curriculum. Through exploration, observation, discussion and creative activities, the programme helps pupils identify and group a range of different marine species, empowers pupils to make a difference to marine conservation and encourages creativity through expressive arts and design activities. By trying new things and sharing ideas, this helps build self-confidence and supports personal and social development. From up-close encounters with amazing marine creatures to hands-on workshops, there’s plenty here to excite young minds! Call 01 2866939 to book or check www.sealife.ie
ACTIVITY NATION
Activity Nation's new centre at Ardgillan Castle, Ballbriggan, North Dublin offers a variety of Day Trip activities. The location at the public park overlooking the Irish Sea is amazing. Apart from school tours they offer Activity Camps during the school holidays and Activity Birthday Parties. They are also open every weekend and all of July and August for "Walk-In" customers. Call them on 01-8557113 or check out their website www.activitynation.ie for more details.
Tricky Tricksters Magic Castle is ticking all the boxes for your 2015 school tour. Book any tour for your school & each teacher will receive a special teacher treat on the day. Tel: 045 409192 for details. Web www.magiccastle.ie Tricky Tricksters cater for all ages from pre-school to 12 years. Stand out features include bumpy boats, sumo, body zorbing & super laser storm laser tag arena for older children. The super sized soft play structure is certain to test your fitness on the astra slides, aerial runways, monkey rings & climbing frames. There are a range of pricing options depending on the number of children and the activities you choose. Tel: 045 409192 to discuss the options for your group. www.magiccastle.ie Newhall, Naas Co Kildare
FORT LUCAN
Fort Lucan is a fully supervised outdoor adventure playground for children aged 2-14. Celebrating over 20 years of School Tours! 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 Visit www.fortlucan.com or call 01 62801
THE WALLABY WOODS SCHOOL TOUR EXPERIENCE
Wallaby Woods Donadea, opened in June 2013, is a family run Open Farm set in 16 acres of woodland and water with a 2.5k trek through the woods, Coffee Shop and a Pet Shop. It’s an Animal of an Adventure with 35 different species on the farm and a wonderful experience for all ages. School Tour Includes: Farm Tour, Petting Shed Experience, Treasure Hunt, Playgrounds & Climbing Frame & Fairy Cottage. The school tour programme lasts 3.5 hours including lunch and all activities are specific to the age group of the children visiting. 2 Wallaby Woods staff members are assigned to each school group to ensure safety and a fun day for all. Pack a Packed Lunch and Drinks, Raingear and Wellies & Sun Cream. Cost: €10 per child - complimentary tea/coffee and homemade scone for each teacher. Tour times 10 am to 1.30 pm and 1.30 pm to 5.00 pm. To book please call 045 909555 or email wallabywoodsdonadea@gmail.com or check the Facebook Page.
BUTLERS CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE
Butlers Chocolate Experience is suitable for all student ages, informing visitors of history, food production and design, business, food science and art in a relaxed, engaging manner.
It is also on the doorstep of an array of attractions for children and adults alike, such as Santry Demesne Regional Park, National Botanic Gardens and Newbridge House & Farm to name but a few. A visit to the Butlers Chocolate Experience is a fun-filled, educational day that’s packed with chocolaty twists and turns that will always keep visitors on their toes! Guided tours run three times daily, with the factory in operation Monday to Friday, accommodating student groups of up to 53. Visit http://www.butlerschocolates.com/chocolateexperience for more information on a truly magical experience for your students.