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school trip with STS can encompass art/design, foreign languages, history, science/nature, geography and more, to worldwide destinations. ">Founded as a Viking settlement in the ninth century, Dublin was under the control of different factions throughout history, and is now the most populous city as well as the capital of Ireland. A school trip to Dublin will place you in the beautiful heart of this country. Today, you would never guess the city was relatively small until the middle of the seventeenth century, after which it boomed. On a school trip, as you stroll around the streets you can't help but notice the history that permeates every aspect of the city. From the stunning facade of Dublin Castle to the outline of Kilmainham Jail, there is a rich heritage you should take time to explore on your visit. Dublin Castle In 1204, King John of England ordered the building of a major defensive site that would become known as Dublin Castle. Your school trip to the castle will take you into the largely Norman-designed castle (completed in 1230) with its keep, courtyard, tall walls and corner towers. Using the River Poddle as a natural means of defence along one side, the castle abutted the city walls on another and these fortifications were extremely strong. Sadly, no remains of the original medieval structures remain in tact today, but you can still learn about them as you explore the castle and grounds. Over time, some of the rooms were used for apartments and meeting places, and today the lavishly decorated rooms - such as the Throne Room, St. Patrick's Hall and the State Drawing Room, among others - are used by the heads of state to announce policies and entertain foreign dignitaries. Now, in addition to general ceremonial roles, Dublin Castle also plays a role as the location of many governmental bodies. Kilmainham Jail From a castle to a prison, a school trip to Dublin should take you through the highs and lows of its political life. Built in 1796, the Kilmainham Jail, or Kilmainham Gaol, was constructed to replace the old jail, just a few hundred yards away. It was once the site of many public hangings in front of its gates, and inside, the prisoners were tossed together with little care for their welfare - up to five men, women and even children could occupy a cell. The prison was closed in 1924, and in the 1950s there was resurgence in interest to preserve the prison as a marker of heritage, especially since many leaders from the Irish independence struggle were imprisoned there. Today, it is home to a museum and remains testament to that turbulent time – and a must-see on any school trip itinerary. A visit to the prison will take you through that penal history and includes an audio and visual show to help you really get a feel for the prison and its role. Angela Bowden works for STS (School Travel Service), the UK's largest educational travel company, providing school trips for secondary schools, primary schools and colleges. A school trip with STS can encompass art/design, foreign languages, history, science/nature, geography and more, to worldwide destinations.
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