Killarney
prides
itself on its services for
tourists and the
jaunting cars and the jarveys that drive them form a big part of this
service. Students really love going back in time and experiencing this
wonderful horse and cart trip around the town and the National Park. It
also gives them a great opportunity to take some photos!
Kennedy's
Pet Farm
Children
love
this activity as it gives them
the chance to
touch and hold a whole variety of small animals from baby cats to
lambs. They can even get a ride on a small pony!
This is a magical journey
to one of the loveliest castles in Ireland on the banks of Lough Leane
(Killarney’s biggest lake).
This square medieval
tower which was built by the O' Donoghue Mor in the 14th century and is
now one of the finest restored castles in Ireland.The interior is
refurbished in the style of the 17th century with a fine collection of
16th and 17th century oak furniture. After a
guided tour of the castle the trip continues on a motor boat over to
the wonderful Inisfallen Island full of 16th century
monastic ruins and ancient forests. The Annals of
Inisfallen, the earliest source of Munster history, and now stored in
the Bodleian Library, Oxford University were written here.
Arts
& Crafts
There
is
nothing more special than seeing
your child
returning from class with something they have created themselves such
as a card or painting. That is why this weekly activity run by a
specialised arts and crafts teacher is so popular. Children have
enjoyed making puppets, jewellery, masks and cards and especially loved
getting their faces painted!
Drama
Classes
This
is
a very successful activity which
enables children to
use the language they have been learning in class through role-play and
acting. It is a fun and creative way for them to speak in English
spontaneously and to improve those listening skills.
Nature
Trail in
Killarney National
Park
This is a great activity
for children as they walk through the magnificent National Park
learning about the flora and fauna of the area. Each armed with a small
bag for collecting leaves and other finds, and a questionnaire that
they must answer as they walk, the children will return to the
classroom and do further interesting work on what they have seen.
Coolwood Nature Reserve
This 50-Acre Wildlife
Sanctuary contains 4 Miles of Scenic Walks and boasts a varied
array of wildlife such as Waterfowl,Pot Bellied Pigs, Llamas, monkeys
and lemurs. There is also a Pet Shop, Children's Playground,
Coffee Shop, Picnic and Craft Area
Buddies and Tobyworld
Children
absolutely
love
these large indoor entertainment centres with astra slides,
climbing area,
sports arena, interactive lights and much more. The perfect opportunity
for
your child to play with Irish children in a safe and supervised
environment.
Irish Dancing
What better
way to show off to friends and family when they go home than to learn
how to do the
basic 1-2-3 steps of Irish set dancing. You’ll
be amazed at how quickly they learn the Siege of Ennis and
the Walls of Limerick. Great fun!
Bluepool wood
This
is a delightful
low level walk on a woodland path which encircles a small lake. The
wonderful
sea-green colour of the lake is caused by copper deposits. Enjoy an
Irish coffee
in the nearby award winning ‘Molly Darcy’s’ pub before heading home.
Teddy
Bears
Picnic This is a hugely
popular and much loved children’s day out. Entertainment with face
painters,
balloon modellers and disco party ensure a great day of fun is had by
all.
Don’t forget to bring your teddy!!
Muckross Traditional
Farms
Why not take a trip back into the past and
take a look at
some of the old farmhouses from the early 20th century. This
replica village gives you a great insight into the way of life of local
Irish people from that time. Smell and taste the freshly made bread and
butter which is made on a daily basis! While visiting the
magnificent outhouses & farm fields, the labourer's cottage, a
Carpenter’s workshop, the blacksmiths forge and having a chat with the
men and women at work you are guaranteed to think that you are living
in the 1930's. At Muckross Traditional Farms, you are invited to take a
stroll down memory lane, to a time before the advent of
electricity when all work was carried out using traditional
methods. You will visit three separate working farms (small, medium and
large), each complete with animals, poultry and traditional farm
machinery.
Tim O
Shea &
Friends Traditional
Music Concert and Workshop
Tim is
from Killarney
in the south west of Ireland. He has been working solo, and in several
bands since the late 1980's. Tim's repertoire draws from the dance
music of his native Sliabh Luachra and West Kerry folk traditions and
the singing of Irish and Scottish performers like Jimmy
McCarthy,Paul
Brady, Dick
Gaughan and Andy M. Stewart.
Tim has toured the USA, Australia, New Zealand, & Europe. Since
1992 Tim has annually toured Germany with CIAR,GREEN
LANE, and BRICêN. They
played many
Irish music festivals, and supported super folk band ALTAN
twice and Dolores Keane (ex De Dannan), Sharon
Shannon, De Dannan, Marie
Breathnach (ex-Riverdance), Karan Casey
(ex-Solas) Dervish and Lunasa.
In 1995 Tim guested on the second CD of Monks
of the Screw (Sliabh
Luachra traditional music group).
Indoor
Sports
Spend fun filled
afternoons playing indoor football, basketball, and volleyball A
very popular activity for teenagers.
Killarney National Park Cycle
Be amazed
at the spectacular scenery in Ireland’s biggest National Park as you
cycle past Muckross Abbey, Muckross House, around Muckross Lake and
back past Torc Waterfall. On the way visit Dinis Cottage, a beautiful
tea house located at the Meeting of the Waters; the point where the waters of
the Upper Lake meet those of the Muckross lake (Middle Lake) and Lough
Lein at the Old Weir Bridge.
It
is
not a difficult cycle route so don’t
worry if you
haven’t cycled for a long time! Remember to take your camera.
Killarney Cineplex
The
Killarney
Cineplex is located in the
centre of Killarney
Town and boasts four screens, showing a whole range of the most popular
new films of the season.
Pitch & Putt
Sometimes,
called mini-golf, pitch & putt is a very popular
activity in Killarney. There are 2 different pitch and putt courses we
use. One at the Gleneagle Hotel and one at Deerpark Pitch and Putt
club. Each round consists of 18 holes and normally takes between 2 and
3 hours. Pitch & putt is great fun for all form beginners to
advanced. You could be the next Tiger Woods.
Teenage
Disco
This
activity
is one of the most popular for
teenagers and is
usually held every Friday during the month of July. It is a great
opportunity for all the students to meet in an informal and fun
atmosphere in one of Killarney’s top disco venues.
Torc
Mountain
This beautiful mountain is located just five
minutes from the
school by bus. Once at the top you can see the most magnificent
panoramic views of Killarney and the whole of the National Park
including views of the stunning McCillicuddy Reeks. Just 650 metres high it
takes about 1.5 hours to climb to the top. It is
a relatively easy climb although students would need to come prepared
for rain and windy conditions.
Tralee and Banna Beach
Tralee
is the administrative centre of Kerry and a great place for a day's
shopping. It is also famous for the wonderful Geraldine Museum and
Siamsa Tiara Theatre which actively promotes Irish theatre, music and
dance. Close by is Banna Beach which is a great stop-off for teenagers.
Gaelic
Football
If
your
teenager loves sport this is a great
activity for
them. Not only does it test their physical abilities but allows them to
experience the skills and techniques required for a uniquely Irish
sport.
Swimming Treat yourself to a
refreshing swim in the nearby 25m pool, followed by a relaxing visit to
the
steam room, sauna and jacuzzi. Don’t forget to bring your swimming suit
and
goggles!
Tag Rugby The object of the game
is to score a try (five points) in accordance with the Laws of the
Game. The game is played between teams of nine
players, three of whom and no
more will form the scrummage, the remaining six will form the back
line. Positions should be interchangeable. The ball can ONLY be passed
sideways or backwards. The game is started or restarted from the centre
of the field, or after a penalty, with a free pass. The starter's team
must be behind the ball (i.e. nearer their own try line than the
starter). Before the pass is taken, the opposing team must be 7 metres
away nearer its own goal line. If the place for the free pass is given
within 7 metres of the goal line, the free pass is to be taken at or
behind the mark on a line through the mark at least 7 metres from the
goal line.
Treasure/ Scavenger Hunt
This isa great
fun outdoor
activity which involves answering a questionnaire and searching for
information around Killarney Town. Teenagers love this and it gives
them a good orientation around the town too.
Ghost Tour
Enjoy
a
trip to the
‘other side’ of Killarney. You will hear tales of heroes, ghosts and
villains
and visit some of the town’s most famous haunted areas where ghosts,
spirits and
faeries all roam freely. A scary but fun day out!
Kayaking
What better way to see
the spectacular scenery of the area than to paddle along the beautiful
Lakes of
Killarney. Your kayaking adventure begins at Ross Castle and from here
you will
discover cosy inlets, limestone caves and the remains of a 6th
century monastery.
World Cup
This exciting football tournament takes place at the height of the
summer when the teenagers are split into teams, according to
nationality or group and compete to win the trophy!
Walking
Tour
of
the
Ross Peninsula Copper Mines
The Ross Peninsula is a most beautiful part of
Killarney famous as it is for Ross Castle and some ancient copper
mines. The walk takes you through forested paths and past the remains
of the mines. If you are lucky you might be able to find some copper
deposits on one of the beautiful pebble beaches.
This stately 65-room
Victorian manor house was built by Henry Arthur Herbert in 1843 and
visited by Queen Victoria in 1861. Standing majestically on the lake
shore in the National Park, Killarney, it now contains a folk museum
open to the public The ground and first floors contain a hallway,
living room, dining room, bedrooms, Queen's boudoir with Donegal
carpets, fine examples of local wood-carving, Waterford chandeliers,
tapestry, curtains, and so on. In the basement are the craft
tradesmen's workshops such as the potters, weavers, book-binders etc.
The magnificent location of these gardens set among the lakes and
mountains of the National Park, together with its botanical collection
make this one of the great gardens of the world. it boasts extensive
areas of natural rockery, a water garden, large lawns,and a 17-acre
arboretum, Its fifty acres of garden, flower all year and look
particularly stunning in the spring when the daffodils followed by
azaleas and mature rhododendron, burst into full bloom.
You will love this
romantic ruined abbey set in the most beautiful heartland of the
National Park. Originally known as the Monastery of 'Oir Bhealach' or
'Eastern Way' it was founded in 1448 as a base for Franciscan friars.
Kerry’s four great Gaelic poets are buried inside in the Abbey as are
three of the great chieftains. In 1583 the friars were expelled from
the abbey but later returned. The monastery and church were extensively
re-constructed in the early 17th Century.
Arthur
Young Walk
This walk,
named after
an English journalist who visited here in 1776, gives lovers of nature
the
chance to discover truly amazing views of MuckrossLake, the Lower Lake and the surrounding mountains. The walk
through the Yew
Woods, one of Europe’s last, is simply
spectacular!
The Geraldine Museum,
Tralee
We are sure you will
enjoy this trip to our local history museum in the heart of Tralee, the
administrative centre of County Kerry. The Geraldine Museumcontains
fascinating exhibitionson a wide variety of topics and a
journey back in time to the old streets and strange characters of
Medieval Tralee. The
Geraldine
Experience
recreates medieval Tralee on a market day in the year 1450,
and traveling there brings you into the world of the Middle Ages. When
the multi-lingual tour is combined with the audio-visual introduction
to Ireland and the display of antiquities in the Museum, it gives a
vivid interpretation of history which stays fresh in the memory for a
long time afterwards.
Cycle around
Knockreer and Deenagh Lodge
This relaxing cycle
takes in magnificent views of Killarney town, lakes and mountains. Be
prepared
to take stunning photos! On the way back you will stop off at the
pretty
thatched Deenagh Lodge for a well deserved cup of coffee and scone.
Irish
Music Lessons
Learn how to play
some
popular Irish tunes with a well-known and highly-respected music
teacher. In
less than 3 hours you will be surprised by your ability to play the
traditional
tin whistle. You can also try your hand at the bodhran, the famous
Irish drum.
Ladies
View and Moll’s Gap and the Strawberry Pancake House
On the way to Kenmare
on
the N71 stop off at Ladies View, so
named after Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting who stopped to look at
the scenery from this spot during the Queen's visit to Killarney in
1861. The view towards McGillycuddy's Reeks and the Purple Mountain
Range, with the Upper Lake and all its fairy islands below, is truly
magnificent. The panorama takes in the Upper Lake and
islands, west-north-west McGillycuddy Reeks, including Carrauntuohill ,
Ireland's highest mountain, back of the Gap of Dunloe , Middle and
Lower Lakes.
Just
a bit further on and you come to Moll’s Gap, the point at which the
road carves it’s way through the limestone rock and starts to descend
back down the valley towards Kenmare. See
how the rocks at Moll's Gap have been rounded as the glacier from
Kenmare moved over them giving that dramatic form. An unforgettable
sight. Stop at the
Avoca Weaving factory on your way through the gap. This is a unique shopping
experience for those who want to buy high quality souvenirs.Your last stop will be
the Strawberry Pancake House, a real treat for lovers of pancakes!
Kenmare
Located on the Ring
of
Kerry, 40 minutes from Killarney, you will discover the picturesque
market town
of Kenmare. The area is famous for its tranquillity, gourmet food and
breathtaking scenery. Take advantage of the opportunity to chat to some
of the
locals as you wander around the summer street markets.
Dingle Town
Surrounded by hills on
three sides, the harbour town of Dingle is one of the world's natural
beauty spots. It has an active fishing fleet, a diving centre, a
sailing club, shops, art galleries, traditional craft, excellent
accommodation and its own friendly dolphin, Fungi. Dingle town has more
than its share of eccentric & colorful pubs & fine restaurants,
providing food, entertainment, and traditional Irish music unique to
the area.
Dingle Ocean World
Dingle Oceanworld
Aquarium, Mara Beo, is set overlooking the spectacular Dingle Harbour
and displays the fascinating species of fish and marine creatures, both
rare and common, that live in the waters around the Dingle Peninsula.
Over 100 species are displayed in tanks, scientifically simulating
their own habitats and living in clean fresh water pumped from Dingle
Bay.
Dingle Ocean World
Aquarium is designed as a voyage from the foot of
Brandon mountains to the deepest sea. The voyage is aided by Multi
Media screens which follow the footsteps of Saint Brendan, artifacts
from Spanish Armada, murals and the exciting array of fish. Highlights
include a 9 metre ocean tunnel tank, the touch pool and Irelands
first shark tank.
West
Kerry Gaeltacht
& Dingle Peninsula
This
peninsula contains
a landscape of blue gold hills and sandy beaches, glorious
waterfalls, hidden bays, wondrous rock formations, caves and arches, and busy harbours. It is a land dappled with heather,
primroses, bluebells, foxgloves and fuchsia, and smiling faces to
welcome you. It is here that films such as "Ryan's Daughter" and "Far
and Away" were inspired and it has much to offer people in search of
something different.
Spend time in a place
rich in tradition, literature and culture, where
native Gaelic prospers alongside modern languages, where the perfect
harmony created by nature restores the spirit, where you can relax and
savour the scenery, the flora and fauna, the art, the crafts, the
culture, the archaeology, the wine and food, or just meet the people –
the choice is yours!
BlarneyCastle
Blarney Castle is one of the best known
castles in Ireland, famous as it is for the famous Blarney Stone which
will improve your abilities to speak if you kiss it! The gardens, caves
and labyrinthine rooms and passageways in the castle itself make this
trip a very worthwhile experience.
Cork City
Cork
City is Ireland's
third city (after Dublin and Belfast) and has always been an important
seaport. It began on an island in the swampy estuary of the River Lee
(the name Corcaigh means a marsh), and gradually climbed up the steep
banks on either side. Today the river flows through Cork city in two
main channels, so that you find yourself constantly crossing bridges.
Some of the main streets are built over channels where ships nuzzled
their anchor-chains a century ago. Along the South Mall, you will see
large gateways at street level, under steps leading to a higher main
door. These were once boathouses, when merchants arrived at their
warehouses by water. As the hilly streets go up and down, so do the
voices of the citizens. They have a characteristic sing-song cadence,
beloved of national comedians, and Corkonians are regarded as the most
talkative of all the Irish.
The
Gap is
a
spectacular V-shaped valley between the McGillycuddy Reeks and Purple
mountains
near Killarney. The variety of landscapes and stunning views are simply
breathtaking. Your tour will begin with a boat trip from Ross Castle on
the
Lower Lake to Lord Brandon’s Cottage on
the Upper Lake. From here you will walk 11km through the Black
Valley(take a
horse and cart if you feel tired!) and finish at Kate Kearney’s pub
where you
can sip a well deserved pint of Guinness! One of the most highly
recommended
tours according to guidebooks and Killarney locals.
Fota
Wildlife Park
Fota Wildlife Park is a magnificent, safari-like zoo set in the most
magnificent gardens of Fota nature reserve. it is a magnificent
family-day out. Be sure to take your camera!
