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#Trips


The Dublin English Literature trip, led by Mr Shepherd, was a true success and definitely a trip to remember! The trip boasted a busy schedule, filled with activities ranging from museum visits, to Irish singing and dancing (which included audience participation from students and teachers alike).

Although first and foremost an English Literature trip to support our wider-reading, there was certainly no shortage of information on the historical, political and cultural aspects of Ireland. We enjoyed two historical walks around Dublin and Trinity College led by some thoroughly knowledgeable tour guides. During these tours we delved deep into Ireland’s rich heritage and learnt what has shaped modern Dublin today.

We enjoyed delicious three course meals every evening, and a full Irish breakfast every morning which gave us the energy to battle Ireland’s famously temperamental weather! One of the most memorable meals was at Ireland’s oldest pub, opened in 1198, for an event aptly named ‘Food, Folklore and Fairies’. Our host for the night, Philip, had no shortage of ancient Irish myths. After learning about tales of Pookas, Banshees and Changelings we were treated to traditional Irish fare of beef and guinness stew rounded off with an apple pie for dessert.

We were also able to explore Dublin’s many museums, allowing us to gain an insight into not only the work of Irish writers but also their lives - with a particular focus on Ireland’s arguably most famous wordsmith James Joyce (author of one of Mr Shepherd’s favourite novels, Ulysses!) One of the most unique museums we visited was the James Joyce Museum, housed by the Martello Tower at Sandycove. Within the tower we saw the room which inspired the first scene of Joyce’s novel Ulysses; the room is also the setting where we first meet some of the main characters in the book, all of which were based on Joyce’s own friends and acquaintances. A new addition to the trip from previous years, was a visit to the Little Museum of Dublin, which can be found in an unassuming building that could easily be mistaken for a house, were it not for the sign outside. Here, we were taken on a whirlwind tour which spanned an entire century of history, led by a lively guide named Ronan. This included everything from a rather questionable nude portrait of a prominent Irish feminist to an entire room dedicated solely to the Irish band, U2.   All in all, a trip not to be forgotten.

A huge thank you to the teachers that made it possible!   By Maddy, Sasha, Pooja, Becca and Alice

 







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