Educational Trips by Train 2012/13 Making a Booking: If You Wish to Make a Group Booking with Nirailways for Your Next Educational Trip, Call (028) 9024 2420

Educational Trips by Train 2012/13 Making a booking: If you wish to make a group booking with NIRailways for your next educational trip, call (028) 9024 2420. Group bookings are subject to availability, and exclusion dates apply. Every effort will be made to make group seat reservations, but these cannot be guaranteed. Book now! Call NIR Travel: NIRailways do not process bookings for any of the visitor attractions listed within this brochure. We would recommend that you contact the attraction you are visiting to check (028) 9024 2420 availability with them before booking your travel. or visit the Travel Centre, 10-12 Glengall Street, Belfast BT12 5AH Educational Trips byTrain

Translink NIRailways are inviting educational and youth groups to travel on our trains at special discounted group rates for day trips to any location within our railways network, including Dublin. This booklet offers you a flavour of some of the leading educational and recreational attractions in Ireland that are easily accessible to one of our railway stations.

Travelling by train can add to the Many of the attractions featured experience of a group outing as your in this booklet offer activities and journey is part of your day out rather educational tours which are linked to than just simply a means of getting to the curriculum. We have highlighted a your destination. There are many other wide variety of museums, art galleries, benefits to making your journey by rail historical sites and science centres including: for you to choose from. If your class/ group deserves a special treat, why • No traffic congestion or hassle of not take them to one of the many parking. theatres and arts centres featured • A more relaxing, comfortable way which offer educational based shows to travel. and events all year round. Younger children may enjoy a trip to Dublin Zoo • A chance to take in spectacular or the Dunluce Centre for some end of coastal views and admire the term fun! countryside. Whatever your reason for travelling, • Travelling by train is better for the you can be sure there is something of environment and walking from relevance for your class to visit with the station helps to promote a NI Railways! healthier lifestyle for children.

Please note that the railway line between Coleraine and Londonderry will be closed until April 2013 to facilitate major track improvements. Please check the Translink website for details of bus substitution services during the closure.

NIRailways Discount within NI Cross-Border Discount to Dublin (Groups of 10 or more) (Groups of 10 or more)

• 15% discount on single and day return • 10% discount on the standard child child fares single fare • If a better promotional offer exists at • 10% discount on the standard child the time of booking, groups may avail day return excursion fare* available of this offer (eg: an off peak offer) Monday - Saturday • 1 FREE adult place for every 8 fare • 20% discount on the standard child paying children monthly return fare • Under 5yrs travel free. 1 full fare paying • 20% discount on 1st Plus child single adult must accompany every and day/monthly return fares 4 children under 5yrs • 1 FREE adult place for every 20 fare paying children • Under 5yrs travel free. 1 full fare paying adult must accompany every 4 children under 5yrs

Terms & Conditions: Child fare = 5-18yrs. Exclusion dates apply. Group bookings are subject to availability. * This is a promotional ticket and may be withdrawn at any time.

Educational trips by train | Overview | 1 Educational Trips Maps byTrain Rail line

Northern Ireland Rail line Ballintoy Portrush Ballycastle Portstewart 29 Bushmills 21 Rail line Coleraine Cushendun Limavady Ballintoy Ballymoney Cushendall Londonderry 27Portrush Ballycastle Portstewart 29Ballintoy Portrush BushmillsBallycastle Portstewart 29 21 GLENS OF Bushmills Cushendun Letterkenny Claudy21 Coleraine Kilrea ANTRIM ColerainDungivene Cushendun 2 18 19 DonemanaLimavady BallymoneyBallymoneyCushendall Cushendall 27 20 22 26 LondonderryLondonderryStrabane 27 Ballymena Larne SPERRIN Maghera 3 12 MOUNTAINS GLENS OF Letterkenny Claudy Kilrea ANTRIM Dungiven Magherafelt GLENS OF 2Ballyclare18 19 11 23 Donemana Kilrea ANTRIM Belfast Letterkenny Claudy 20 22 26 Carrickfergus Strabane Dungiven Ballymena Larne Antrim Lough 2 18 19 SPERRIN Maghera Templepatrick 3 12 Donemana MOUNTAINS Bangor Magherafelt Ballyclare Newtownabbey 1 20 22 26 23 Ballymena11 Belfast 10 Donaghadee StrabaneCastlederg Cookstown Carrickfergus Larne SPERRIN Maghera Antrim Lough Holywood Templepatrick Bangor 3 12 MOUNTAINS Newtownabbey Lough1 Belfast Newtownards Castlederg Omagh Cookstown 10 DonaghadeeCrumlin Magherafelt Holywood Ballyclare 23 Neagh 11 Belfast Omagh Sixmilecross Lough Belfast NewtownardsCarrickfergus Bundoran Neagh Crumlin Antrim Lough Comber Sixmilecross Lisburn Dungannon Comber Carryduff BundoranCastlecaldwell Dungannon Lisburn Templepatrick25 Castlecaldwell Lower Dromore 25 Carryduff Bangor Lower Irvinestown Newtownabbey 1 Irvinestown Dromore 10 BallygowanDonaghadee CastledergLoughLough Erne Erne Cookstown Ballygowan Ballygawley CraigavoBallygawleyn LurganCraigavon Lurgan Holywood Augher Augher Ballynahinch Ballynahinch Omagh Bleary LoughDromore BelfastBleary Dromore Newtownards Portadown Crumlin Portaferry Aughnacloy Armagh NeaghDromara Downpatrick Portaferry FivemiletownSixmilecross Aughnacloy Portadown ArmaghBanbridge DromaraCombeDownpatrickr Bundoran Middletown Enniskillen FivemiletownDublin Dungannon CastlewellanLisburn Castlecaldwell Belcoo Rathfriland Banbridg25 e Carryduff Lower UpperDromore Lisnaskea Keady Middletown IrvinestownEnniskillenLough Erne CastlewellanBallygowan Lough Erne Rosslea Dublin Belcoo MOURNE Newcastle Dundrum Rathfriland LisnaskeaGalwayBallygawleyNewryCraigavoMOUNTAINSnKeady Lurgan Cork Upper Augher Bay Ballynahinch TeemoreLough Erne Bleary Dromore Rosslea Annalong Roads Rostrevor MOURNE NewcastlePortaferry Aughnacloy Galway PortadownNewryKilkeel Dundrum Rail line Armagh DromaraMOUNTAINS Downpatrick Bay Cork Fivemiletown Dublin LUAS Teemore Banbridge Middletown Annalong Rostrevor Enniskillen Dublin Castlewellan Kilkeel Belcoo Rathfriland This material is Crown CopyrightUpper and is reproducedLisnaskea with the permission of Keady Land & Property Services underLough delegated Erne authority from the Controller of Dublin Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown Copyright and databaseRosslea rights NIMA ES&LA211. MOURNE Newcastle Galway Newry Dundrum MOUNTAINS DONNYCARNEYBay Cork Teemore ASHTOWN Annalong Rostrevor This material is Crown Copyright and is reproduced with the permission of GLASNEVIN Kilkeel Land & PropertyDublin, Services under Ireland delegated authority from the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown Copyright and database rights DRUMCONDRDublinA NIMA ES&LA211. Roads MARINO CABRA 16 Rail line LUAS

This material is Crown Copyright and is reproduced with the permission of 30 Land & Property Services under delegated authority from the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown Copyright and database rights NIMA ES&LA211. PHOENIX PARK Dublin 5 31 Connolly DONNYCARNEY 7 ASHTOWN GLASNEVIN ISLANDBRIDGE Heuston Museum Station 28 DRUMCONDRA 13 14 Pearse St RINGSEND 4 17 MARINO 15 9 CABRA 16 St Stephen’s 6 KILMAINHAM Green 8 32 INCHICORE 30 Suir Road DOLPHINS BARN SANDYMOUNT PHOENIX PARK Dublin RANELAGH 5 © Ordnance Survey Ireland/Government of Ireland Sandymount 31 Connolly Copyright Permit No. MP 007110 24 7 CRUMLIN ISLANDBRIDGE Heuston Museum Station 28 13 14 Pearse St 2 | Educational trips by train | Maps 4 17 RINGSEND 15 9 St Stephen’s 6 KILMAINHAM Green 8 INCHICORE 32 Suir Road DOLPHINS BARN SANDYMOUNT RANELAGH Sandymount 24 CRUMLIN Index

Map Category Ref Attraction Page

Museums & Galleries 1 Ulster Folk & Transport Museum 4 2 Ulster Museum 4 3 Foyle Valley Railway Museum 5 4 Irish Museum of Modern Art 5 5 Dublin Writers Museum 6 6 National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, Dublin 6 7 National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, Dublin 7 8 National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, Dublin 7 9 National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin 8

Historical Sites 10 Grey Point Fort Educational Tour 8 11 Carrickfergus Castle 9 12 Legenderry Road Train - Tour of Derry City 9 13 Dublinia 10 14 Trinity College & Book of Kells, Dublin 10 15 Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin 11 16 Malahide Castle, Dublin 11 17 Dublin Castle 12 18 Titanic Belfast 12

Theatre & the Arts 19 Belfast Waterfront 13 20 Ulster Hall 13 21 Riverside Theatre 14 22 Grand Opera House 14 23 Millennium Forum 15 24 RDS (Royal Dublin Society) 15 25 ISLAND Arts Centre 16

Science 26 W5 17 27 Magilligan Field Centre 17 28 Dublin Science Gallery 18

Leisure 29 Dunluce Centre 19 30 Croke Park, Dublin 19 31 Dublin Zoo 20 32 Aviva Stadium Tour 20

Educational trips by train | Index | 3 Address: Cultra, Ulster Folk & Holywood, Co. Down, BT18 0EU Transport Museum Opening Hrs: Times vary depending on time of year. Closed Monday. Ulster Folk & Transport the Irish Rail Collection, the Museum offers Road Transport galleries Admission: Special Group opportunities for visitors and the interactive Flight rates apply. (Telephone or to experience living history Experience Gallery where check website for details) and explore a way of life groups can ride the full Tel: (028) 9039 5091 from 100 years ago. It motion flight simulator. also illustrates the history In the TITANIC exhibition Web: www.nmni.com/uftm of transport in Ireland discover why Titanic was NIR Station: Cultra from its earliest forms built in Belfast and about Museums & Galleries to the present day. The life on-board through Walking dist: 5 min walk Folk Museum recreates fascinating objects and to Transport Museum, a bygone era through a personal stories that 15 min walk to Folk rural landscape of farms, explore the tragic loss of Museum houses, traditional crops Titanic in 1912. and local breeds of Learning centre staff livestock. A typical Ulster have developed a range town of the early 1900s is of interactive school brought to life with homes, programmes and resources shops, workplaces, linked to the curriculum. churches and schools. The Transport Galleries take visitors through the history of transport, marking Northern Ireland’s unique contribution at each stage. Highlights include Copyright Northern Ireland Tourist Board, 2009

Address: Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB Ulster Museum Opening Hrs: Tuesday to Sunday 10.00am - 5.00pm. Closed Monday A visit to the award- hands-on discovery Admission: Free entry winning Ulster Museum areas, a visit will provide with charges for education is a must if you are an unforgettable learning programmes seeking inspiring learning experience. opportunities outside the Tel: (028) 9044 0100 To find out more look on classroom. The museum the website or telephone Web: www.nmni.com/um tells the story of the to request a School people from this part of NIR Station: Botanic Programmes booklet. Ireland from earliest times Walking dist: 10 min walk to the present day and is through Botanic Gardens home to rich collections of art, history and natural sciences. From Ireland to the South Pacific, from ancient artefacts to modern masterpieces, the museum offers something for everyone. With an exciting range of interactive programmes developed to support the curriculum, engaging displays and

4 | Educational trips by train Address: Foyle Road, Foyle Valley Derry, BT48 6SQ Opening Hrs: Railway Museum 10 am – 4.30pm Admission: Free Museums & Galleries Tel: (028) 7136 5151 Step Back in Time at ext 8256 the Foyle Valley Railway Web: www.derrycity.gov.uk Museum /museums Bring the family along to the Foyle Valley Railway NIR Station: Londonderry Museum for a trip down Walking dist: 15 min walk memory lane from Londonderry Station Discover more about our city’s rich railway past. The museum is dedicated to telling the rich railway heritage of the city and surrounding area. At the heart of the exhibition is a recreated railway station platform and within the displays visitors can find out about some of the various railway companies which once operated out of the city.

Address: Royal Hospital, Irish Museum of Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8 Modern Art, Dublin Opening Hrs: Check website for details Admission: Free The Irish Museum of Admission to IMMA is free. Modern Art (IMMA) is Groups are invited to visit Tel: 00353 1612 9900 Ireland’s leading national the exciting exhibitions and Web: www.imma.ie institution for the collection magnificent grounds at and presentation of modern IMMA. 45 min guided visits NIR Station: Dublin and contemporary art. can be booked throughout Connolly & connection to the school year. IMMA is The Museum presents Suir Road LUAS Stop within walking distance a wide variety of art in a from both Kilmainham Gaol Walking dist: 25 min dynamic programme of and the National Museum at walk from Dublin Connolly exhibitions, which regularly Collins Barracks. Station or 5 mins from includes bodies of work Suir Road LUAS Station from its own collection Further details of IMMA’s and its award-winning opening hours, how to Education and Community book a tour, and how to get Department. It also creates there can be found on the more widespread access website. to art and artists through it’s Studio and National The Irish Museum of programmes. Modern Art’s main galleries at the RHK are partially IMMA is situated on the closed until July 2013 but historic grounds of the the New Galleries remain Royal Hospital Kilmainham, open and temporary which include a formal galleries are also open at garden, large meadows the National Concert Hall at and artists’ studios and Earlsfort Terrace. residence.

Educational trips by train | 5 Address: 18 Parnell Dublin Writers Square, Dublin 1 Opening Hrs: Depends Museum on time of year. Check website Admission: Special Group Situated in a magnificent eighteenth century rates apply. See website mansion in the north city for latest prices centre, the collection Tel: 00353 1872 2077 features the lives and works of Dublin’s literary Web: celebrities over the past www.writersmuseum.com three hundred years. NIR Station: Dublin

Museums & Galleries Swift and Sheridan, Shaw Connolly and Wilde, Yeats, Joyce Walking dist: 20 min and Beckett are among those presented through walk from Dublin Connolly their books, letters, Station portraits and personal items. It may also be possible to arrange a guided tour for groups from the Museum’s Curator. Group guided tours may be subject to an additional charge and arrangements should be made in advance.

Address: Kildare Street, National Museum of Dublin 2 Opening Hrs: Tuesday Ireland - Archaeology, to Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 2pm - 5pm. Closed Dublin Mondays and Bank Holidays

The museum first opened monasteries and castles. Admission: Free its doors in 1890 and The new and fascinating Tel: 00353 1648 6453 since then it has been Kingship & Sacrifice (Education Dept) filling in the blanks for exhibition centres on a us through its extensive number of recently found Web: www.museum.ie archaeological collections. bog bodies dating back NIR Station: Dublin to the Iron Age. Displayed Take time at The Treasury, Connolly along with other bog which features outstanding finds from the Museum’s Walking dist: 15 min examples of Celtic and collections, it offers you an walk from Dublin Connolly Medieval art, such as the opportunity to come ‘face Station, or 2 min walk from famous Ardagh Chalice, to face’ with your ancient the Tara Brooch and the St Stephen’s Green LUAS ancestors. Derrynaflan Hoard. Gaze Stop in wonder at the finest Explore the exhibitions collection of prehistoric “Ancient Egypt”, “Ceramics gold artefacts in Europe, and Glass from Ancient which is to found in Ór - Cyprus” and “Life and Ireland’s Gold. Ramble Death in the Roman World”. through Prehistoric Ireland Special tours and and experience life at the educational workshops time of the Vikings in Viking are available at frequent Age Ireland. Medieval intervals. Contact the Ireland 1150-1550 educational department for documents life in Ireland details. in the age of cathedrals,

6 | Educational trips by train National Museum of Address: Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7 Ireland - Decorative Opening Hrs: Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 5pm, Arts & History, Dublin Sunday 2pm - 5pm. Closed

Mondays, Wednesdays and Museums & Galleries Bank Holidays Collins Barracks has been Howth gun-running vessel Admission: Free completely renovated “Asgard”. and restored to become Tel: 00353 1648 6453 Special tours and the National Museum of educational workshops (Education Dept) Ireland - Decorative Arts & are available. Contact the History - charting Ireland’s Web: www.museum.ie Education Department for economic, social, political details. NIR Station: Dublin and military progress Connolly - connection to through the ages. Museum LUAS Stop Artifacts on display range Walking dist: 3 min walk from silver, ceramic from Museum LUAS Stop and glassware pieces to weaponry, furniture, examples of folk life and costume. All of these pieces are displayed with imagination in innovative and contemporary galleries, which entice you to go further, look harder and examine more closely. You can also explore the 1914

Address: Merrion Street, National Museum of Dublin 2 Opening Hrs: Tuesday Ireland - Natural - Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 2pm - 5pm. History, Dublin Closed on Mondays and Bank Holidays Admission: Free This building is now open accessed from the original again following a major grand stone staircase Tel: 00353 1648 6453 restoration project. which has been recently Web: www.museum.ie restored. New facilities Our exhibitions have include the Discovery NIR Station: Dublin changed very little in over Zone where visitors can a century. The ground Connolly handle taxidermy and open floor is dedicated to Irish drawers to see what is Walking dist: 15 min animals, featuring giant lurking inside, our Reading walk from Dublin Connolly deer skeletons and a Area located on the first Station variety of mammals, birds floor is a great place to and fish. rest and settle down with The upper floors of the a good book. Contact the building were laid out Education Department for in the 19th Century in a details. scientific arrangement showing animals by taxonomic group. This scheme demonstrated the diversity of animal life in an evolutionary sequence. The first floor can now be

Educational trips by train | 7 Address: Clare Street, Dublin 2 National Gallery of Opening Hrs: Monday to Saturday 9:30am - 5:30pm Ireland, Dublin (Except Thursday 9:30am - 8:30pm) Sun 12 midday - 5:30pm The National Gallery of exhibitions and events Admission: Free Ireland’s superb collection designed to appeal to all of Western European art ages. Tel: 00353 1663 3510 ranges from the middle Please note that during (Tour booking) ages to the twentieth renovation work entrance century. Web: to the gallery is at Clare www.nationalgallery.ie Among its treasures is Street and rooms may be

Museums & Galleries one of the most important subject to closure at short NIR Station: Dublin holdings of Irish art in the notice. Admission is free of Connolly world, including the Yeats charge for school groups. Walking dist: 15 min walk Museum devoted to the Tours must be booked in from Dublin Connolly Stn work of Jack B Yeats. advance. Other highlights of the collection include works by Caravaggio, Vermeer, Rembrandt, Poussin, Monet, Velázquez, Picasso, Goya and van Gogh. In addition to its outstanding permanent collection, the Gallery hosts a variety of special

Address: Crawfordsburn Country Park, Bridge Road Grey Point Fort South, Helen’s Bay Educational Tour BT19 1LD. Opening Hrs: Check website for details

Situated on the shores Fort was historically part Admission: Free of Belfast Lough, Grey of a network of forts, Tel: (028) 9185 3621 Point is one of the most built during the early 20th attractive areas within century to defend the coast Web: Crawfordsburn County of Ireland. In particular, www.ni-environment.gov.uk Park, with excellent views Belfast and its approaches NIR Station: Helen’s Bay of Belfast Lough and its needed to be defended Historical SItes wildlife. Grey Point Fort from naval attack as the Walking dist: 15 min walk itself is a unique coastal city was home to a huge from Helen’s Bay Station defence – the best shipbuilding industry. preserved within Northern Now the fort is open to Ireland and easily reached the public, and is home from Helen’s Bay Train to a museum of military Station. memorabilia. Access to the Of particular interest are site is free and educational the two 23 feet long, six- tours are available. inch bore guns pointing out over the Lough. These guns were capable of firing forged or cast iron shells, weighing about 100 lbs, a distance of up to six miles. Grey Point

8 | Educational trips by train Address: Marine Highway, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim, Carrickfergus BT38 7BG Castle Opening Hrs: Depends on time of year. Check website Admission: Telephone or Carrickfergus Castle is size models portray the check website for details Historical SItes a self guiding facility. characters that make up the Information boards around Castle’s history. Tel: (028) 9335 1273 the Castle and a range A range of events take Web: of audio visual displays place at the Castle www.ni-environment.gov.uk allow you to explore this throughout the year. Check historic monument at your NIR Station: Carrickfergus the website for details. leisure whilst getting an Walking dist: 10 min walk insight into the history of While visiting the Castle, the Castle. why not take a short from Carrickfergus Station walking tour of the historic Guided tours are also town walls or visit the Flame available. Pre-booking is Centre gasworks museum. essential for schools and other large groups. Further details are available from the Castle. As you walk around the Castle you will find historic figures that bring it’s stormy history to life. From the Norman knight, John de Courcy and his wife Lady Affreca to guards at their posts keeping watch over the Castle, these life Courtesy Causeway Coast & Glens

LegenDerry Road Address: Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau, Train Sights and 44 Foyle Street, Derry, BT48 6AT Sounds Trip Opening Hrs: The train departs from outside the Tourist Office Daily 10am The LegenDerry Road city in a new light; to go to 4pm Train Sights and Sounds and explore the history, Trip is a unique and heritage and culture of Admission: Group rates are inspiring experience of Derry and to offer a taste of available. Check website for Derry including a digital many different things there details. snapshot of the city, to the are to see and do in this Tel: 07813 043 147 amazing music of some of wonderful place. the city’s greatest singers Web: and anthems, via state of www.legenderryroadtrain.com the art technology. NIR Station: Londonderry The Roadtrain is a state- Walking dist: 20mins walk of-the-art, luxury, top of or take the free bus from the the range vehicle and is the only road train in station. Ireland. You are sure to be impressed with both the professionalism of the dedicated team as well as the great culture, stories, legends and history of the wonderful city, that they will share with you. The aim is to inspire locals and visitors to see the Copyright Northern Ireland Tourist Board, 2009

Educational trips by train | 9 Historical SItes 10 | Educational trips bytrain 19th century. the OldLibrary sincethe It hasbeenondisplayin manuscripts intheworld. most beautifullyilluminated 800 ADandisoneofthe written aroundtheyear The BookofKellswas library’s oldestbooks. around 200,000ofthe in lengthandhouses Room, isnearly65metres the OldLibrary,Long The mainchamberof library areopentovisitors. Three areasoftheold century. from the9thto19th on displayrangeindate manuscripts. Materials collection ofmedieval holds anexceptional Trinity CollegeLibrary Dublin Book ofKells, Trinity College& citizens throughouttheages! knowing moreaboutits perspective andcomeaway See Dublinfromanew microscope intheLab. medieval bugsunderthe excavation siteandsee Hunters exhibition,visitan the newinteractiveHistory unearth thecity’spastat also investigated.Finally Death andDiseaseare and amedievalfairwhile including aVikinghouse life sizereconstructions, recreate thecitythrough and MedievalDublin exhibitions, VikingDublin There arethreeexciting crossroads ofDublin. located atthehistoric top visitorattractions Dublinia isoneofDublin’s Dublinia resources. visit andsomefurther preparation priortoaclass provide someideasfor Similarly, teachers’guides related questions. to theexhibitionandpose give somebackgroundtext tour bystudents.These used duringandaftera worksheets whichcanbe online. Therearesetsof packs areavailable guided andinformation Please notetoursareself April. from 1stOctoberto groups havefreeadmission Accompanied school teachers arewelcome. visits, accompaniedby Supervised school Station walk fromDublinConnolly Walking dist:10min Connolly NIR Station:Dublin Web: www.bookofkells.ie Tel: 0035318962320 check websitefordetails Admission: Telephoneor website on timeofyear.Check Opening Hrs:Depends Dublin 2 Address: CollegeStreet, Station walk fromDublinConnolly Walking dist:15min Connolly NIR Station:Dublin Web: Tel: check websitefordetails Admission: Telephoneor time ofyear.Checkwebsite Opening Hrs:Dependson Christ Church,Dublin8 Address: St.MichaelsHill, 00353 16794611 www.dublinia.ie Address: Inchicore Road, Kilmainham Gaol, Kilmainham, Dublin 8 Opening Hrs: Depends on Dublin time of year. Check website Admission: Telephone or check website for details One of the largest unoccupied gaols in Tel: 00353 1453 5984 Historical SItes Europe, covering some Web: of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland’s www.heritageireland.ie emergence as a modern NIR Station: Dublin nation from 1780’s to the Connolly & connection to 1920’s Suir Road LUAS Stop Attractions include a Walking dist: 25 min walk major exhibition detailing from Connolly Station, or the political and penal history of the prison and its 5 min walk from Suir Road restoration. The tour of the LUAS Stop prison includes an audio- visual show. Tours may be arranged for visitors with special needs by prior arrangement. Access to Kilmainham Gaol is by guided tour only. All groups must be booked in advance. Maximum number: 50 to 55. Duration: 60 mins.

Address: Malahide Castle, Malahide Castle, Malahide, Co Dublin Opening Hrs: 9.00 am – Dublin 5.00 pm daily NB Opening hours are Set on 250 acres of Malahide Castle, The subject to change parkland in the pretty Walled Garden & West Admission: Check website seaside town of Malahide, Lawn and a new exhibition for details the Castle was both a and interpretive centre. fortress and a private Guided tours of the Castle Tel: 00353 1846 2184 home for nearly eight are available and advance Web: www. hundred years, and is booking is necessary malahidecastleandgardens.ie an interesting mix of for groups. Dine in the architectural styles. Avoca restaurant or enjoy NIR Station: Dublin Connolly, their unique shopping DART connection to Malahide The Castle is furnished with experience. Station beautiful period furniture together with an extensive Walking dist: 15min from collection of Irish portrait Malahide Station paintings, mainly from the National Gallery of Ireland. The history of the Talbot family is recorded in the Great Hall, with portraits of generations of the family telling their own story of Ireland’s stormy history. The castle and garden have recently undergone a €10 million redevelopment project and now offers three wonderful experiences: Dublin Tourism Image Library Dublin Tourism Image Library

Educational trips by train | 11 Address: Dame Street, Dublin 2 Dublin Opening Hrs: Mon - Sat: 10am - Castle 4.45pm; Sun and Bank Holidays: 2pm - 4.45pm Originally built in the Max. No: 40; Average Admission: Free for 13th century on a site Duration: 50 mins. primary and secondary previously settled by the school visits booked in Please enquire about Vikings it functioned as a our special educational advance. T&C’s apply. military fortress, a prison, activities and worksheets. treasury, courts of law Tel: 00353 1645 8813 and the seat of English N.B. Dublin Castle can be Web: Historical SItes Administration in Ireland closed at short notice for www.heritageireland.ie for 700 years. government business. NIR Station: Connolly Rebuilt in the 17th, 18th, Station 19th and 20th centuries, Dublin Castle is now used Walking dist: 15min walk for state receptions and from Connolly Station presidential inaugurations. The State Apartments, Mediaeval Undercroft and Chapel are open to visitors. Access is available for visitors with disabilities to State Apartments and Chapel. Access by guided tour only. Image Courtesy Tourism Ireland

Address: Titanic Belfast, Queen’s Road, Titanic Quarter, Belfast BT3 9DT Titanic Belfast Opening Hrs: April – September: Monday Titanic Belfast is not just ship building and ocean - Saturday: 9am-7pm a visitor attraction: it is exploration offers a Sunday: 10am – 7pm an educational facility diverse range of topics for October – March: which provides a wealth of discussion and learning. 10am – 5pm every day learning experiences and Putting education at the Admission: See website facilities for year-round heart of Titanic Belfast is for details community engagement. vital to the ethos of the Tel: (028) 9076 6386 Each gallery focuses on a project. unique part of the Titanic Web: www.titanicbelfast.com story and the context of the NIR Station: period in which it was built. This offers young people a Titanic Quarter comprehensive overview Walking dist: 20 min walk of the key aspects of from Titanic Quarter Station social history, industrial developments and engineering advancements. Factual information is brought to life through scale replicas, multimedia displays, digital interactive displays, moving images and sensory experiences. From inception to modern day, 100 years of landmark Images copyright Northern Ireland Tourist Board, 2012

12 | Educational trips by train Address: 2 Lanyon Place, Belfast, BT1 3WH Opening Hrs: Monday - Belfast Waterfront Saturday: 10am - 5pm Admission: Exhibitions free

of charge. For event ticket Theatres & the Arts Belfast Waterfront hosts to the group’s needs. prices contact box office or a wide range of arts and Group or concession rates visit website entertainment events are available for selected throughout the year and, Tel: Box Office: performances. Please with easy access from (028) 9033 4455 check the website for full Belfast Central Station, is Education: details of forthcoming ideally placed for a school events or contact the (028) 9033 4400 visit. venue for any specific Web: With dedicated schools’ requirements. www.waterfront.co.uk performances, the annual pantomime is always a NIR Station: Belfast favourite. Special pupil Central Station rates and free teacher Walking dist: 5min places are available. The venue also regularly stages other events for and involving young people, including Belfast Children’s Festival events, theatre and art exhibitions. Building tours are also available for a unique insight ‘behind the scenes’ and can be tailored Copyright Northern Ireland Tourist Board, 2009

Address: Bedford Street, Belfast, BT1 7FF Opening Hrs: Monday - The Ulster Hall Saturday: 10am - 5pm Sundays, evenings and Bank Holidays in line with The recently refurbished rehearsals and activities events programme. Ulster Hall is a fabulous focused on The Mulholland Admission: Check website example of a Victorian Grand Organ. for details concert hall. Designed by An audio tour, exhibitions Newry architect W J Barre Tel: Box Office: and numerous and funded by public interpretative panels help (028) 9033 4455 subscription it beautifully bring the history of this Education: illustrates the vigour, landmark alive but if you (028) 9033 4400 industry and energy of would like to tailor a visit Victorian Belfast. Web: www.ulsterhall.co.uk and guided tour to your Our education team can specific requirements NIR Station: Great Victoria tailor competitively-priced please contact the Street visits, film screenings, education department for Walking dist: 5min tours and interactive more information. workshops to meet curriculum relevant themes from pre-school right through to Key Stage 4. In close partnership with the Ulster Orchestra we deliver a number of music activities ranging from workshops to open

Educational trips by train | 13 Theatres & the Arts 14 | Educational trips bytrain course our spectacular course ourspectacular ballets tomusicalsandof From dramastooperas, all ages. entertain youngpeopleof will educate,engageand with productionsthat programme ispacked The GrandOperaHouse & freeteacher’splaces. with reducedticketprices great offersforschools train journey.Theyhave destination foryourgroup’s perfectly locatedtobethe Rail Stationtheyare Great VictoriaStreet Situated justmetresfrom Grand OperaHouse. theatre withavisittothe enchantment oflive experience the Let yourstudents Grand OperaHouse the islandofIreland,from productions fromallover activities. Itfeatures with relatedschools photographic exhibitions venue thatspecialisesin It isanestablishedtouring patrons. its provisionfordisabled another shortlyafterfor of itscompletion,and design awardintheyear Riverside Theatrewona staging facilities.The in Irelandforitsflexible It isarchitecturallyunique Northern Ireland. professional theatrein and isthefifth-largest It wasopenedin1976 of UlsteratColeraine. located attheUniversity The RiversideTheatreis Riverside Theatre delights oflivetheatre. great introductiontothe workshops whicharea education eventsand They haveregular ticket pricesforschools. have specialdiscounted performances andmost feature weekdaymatinee Many oftheproductions annual pantomime. Literature, MusicorDrama. who arestudyingEnglish relevance tostudents Many performanceshave television andradio. recitals andrecordingsfor shows, pantomime,music opera, variety,children’s dance, rockbands,ballet, drama, contemporary programme incorporates America. TheRiverside Europe andNorth Great Britain,mainland walk Walking dist:2minute Street, Belfast NIR Station:GreatVictoria Web: (Box Office) Tel: check websitefordetails Admission: Telephoneor website fordetails Opening Hrs:Check Street, Belfast,BT27HR Address: GreatVictoria Walking dist:10min NIR Station:University www.riversidetheatre.org.uk Web: Tel: website fordetails the BoxOffice,orcheck Admission: Telephone matinee shows the year,includingmany scheduled throughout Performances are Opening Hrs: Londonderry, BT521SA Ulster, Coleraine,Co. Address: Universityof (028) 90241919 (028) 70123 www.goh.co.uk Address: 3 Newmarket Street, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 6EB Millennium Forum Opening Hrs: Mon to Sat: 9am - 5.30pm Sun, evenings and Bank Hol. as Theatres & the Arts Since its opening in 2001 the arts as a means of specified in programme. the Millennium Forum has education, entertainment, Admission: Group/school earned an outstanding expression and engaging booking discounts available reputation for the scale, creative minds via our diversity, and quality of its Youth Forum, Millennium Tel: Box Office: entertainment and artistic Forum Youth Theatre (028) 7126 4455 programming which Group and InterAct Youth Education: encompasses musicals, Arts Festival for 12-21 year (028) 7127 2776 drama, ballet, music, olds (www.interactyouth. comedy, family shows and com ), shows for schools, Web: much more. work placements and talks www.millenniumforum.co.uk & tours. Reduced ticket Such is the popularity of NIR Station: Londonderry prices and free teachers the annual pantomime, places are also available for Walking dist: 20min with young and those not selected performances. so young, that it enjoys a 40-show run throughout December and January each year. Our youth education strand reflects our commitment to encouraging young people of all ages and all capabilities to experience

Address: RDS, Ballsbridge, RDS (Royal Dublin 4 Opening Hrs: Check Dublin Society) website for details Admission: Telephone or check website for details For almost 300 years of activities for young the RDS (Royal Dublin people as well as teachers Tel: 00 353 1 668 0866 Society) has pursued its and those at third-level. Web: www.rds.ie commitment to furthering To see the latest events the broad economic and and learn more about our NIR Station: Dublin cultural development of programme, please visit Connolly – connection to Ireland by providing Irish our website. Sandymount DART Station people with opportunities to fulfil their potential in Walking dist: 10 min from the areas of agriculture, Sandymount Dart Station arts, science, industry and equestrianism. With a diverse annual programme of activity which includes the Dublin Horse Show, RDS Primary Science Fair and the National Craft and Student Art Exhibitions the RDS has something for all the family. The current RDS Foundation programme has an extensive range Dublin Tourism Image Library

Educational trips by train | 15 Theatres & the Arts 16 | Educational trips bytrain experts and practicing experts andpracticing enthusiasm ofahost students candrawonthe courses andvisualarts with ISLAND’sinspiring minds. Byengaging enquiring creativestudent differently. Sodoyoung Artists seetheworld attention. your students’timeand that isworthyofyouand performing andcreating, of thebrilliantartists denominator isthetalent edge dance,thecommon and personalorcutting best, livemusicupclose Enjoy livetheatreatitsvery to participate. opportunities forschools there’s agreatrangeof workshop programmes theatre, exhibitionand Across thebreadthof the schoolyear. Arts Centrethroughout students toISLAND welcome youandyour ISLAND isdelightedto Arts Centre ISLAND required. a minimumofsixpeopleis must bepre-bookedand 1707. ToursareFREE,but the GreatFireofLisburnin Arts Centreandhearabout spinning milltolandmark transformation fromlinen complex. Learnaboutits elements oftheISLAND design andarchitectural to delveintothehistory, special ArtsCentretour Trail orbeourguestona Public ArtandSculpture Discover theXPLORART juices flowing! ways togettheircreative artists, teachingachievable Walking dist:10minwalk NIR Station:Lisburn www.islandartscentre.com Web: (028) 92509509 Arts InformationLine: (028) 92509509. Tel: check websitefordetails Admission: Telephoneor check websitefordetails Opening Hrs:Telephoneor BT27 4RL Centre, TheIsland,Lisburn, Address: ISLANDCivic Box Office: Address: W5 at Odyssey, 2 Queens Quay, Belfast, BT3 9QQ Opening Hrs: W5 Mon to Fri: 10am - 5pm Sat: 10am - 6pm Sun: 12pm - 6pm Whowhatwherewhenwhy, teacher alike. All of W5’s Admission: Telephone or or W5 as it is known, is the workshops, programmes Science ideal place for inquisitive and exhibits have been check website for details minds of all ages. developed for every Key Tel: (028) 9046 7700 Stage and support the Your admission to W5 is education curriculum in Web: www.w5online.co.uk valid all day and there is both Northern Ireland and no time limit to your stay. NIR Station: the Republic of Ireland. Ask With over 250 amazing about the special education Titanic Quarter hands-on exhibits, a brochures for your age changing programme of Walking dist: 15 min walk group. Special rates are temporary exhibitions, from Titanic Quarter Station available for educational special events, daily floor visits. For further details shows and demonstrations, please contact the group one day may not be bookings department. enough! Discover four dynamic areas, full of exhibits to explore and discover and keep you entertained. Educational visits to W5 are designed to provide a unique and stimulating experience for pupil and

Address: 375 Seacoast Road, Limavady, BT49 0LF Magilligan Field Opening Hrs: Contact the centre for details Centre Admission: Telephone or check website for details Tel: (028) 7775 0731 Magilligan Field Centre is may choose from a range Web: ideally located to provide of topics or follow their own www.welb-cass.org/mfc stimulating experiences tailor-made programme. of the natural environment NIR Station: Bellarena Magilligan Field Centre in one of the most varied provides excellent facilities Walking dist: Collection and unspoilt parts of the for learning outside the from Bellarena Station can coast of Northern Ireland. classroom with a wide be arranged There is accommodation range of appropriate for both residential and day fieldwork equipment as visits. well as waterproof and protective clothing for The Centre aims to provide students and staff. There field courses that maximise are three classrooms participation through for preparatory work hands-on learning in the and follow up, and a environment. Courses are computer suite for ICT. closely linked to the current Specialist CASS Advisory Northern Ireland Curriculum Teachers with appropriate and to examination board qualifications and specifications. They cater experience are available to for all Key Stages and accompany all groups. post-16 education. Schools

Educational trips by train | 17 Address: Naughton Institute, Pearse Street, Dublin Science Trinity College Dublin Gallery Opening Hrs: During exhibition times - Tues to Fri: 12am - 8pm; The Science Gallery is a to connect with 15-25 year Sat to Sun: 12am - 6pm world first - a new type olds to fire them up with a Admission: Check website of venue where today’s passion for science. white-hot scientific issues Tel: 00353 1896 4107 Science Gallery has had are thrashed out and over 1 million visitors and Web: where you can have your Science 17,000 members since www.sciencegallery.com say: a place where ideas opening in February 2008. meet. NIR Station: Dublin Connolly Science impacts all of our daily lives, yet can still Walking dist: 1.5km walk seem mysterious. Science or take the DART from Gallery opens science up Connolly Station to Pearse to passionate debate and St DART Station encourages involvement through a programme of exhibitions, public experiments, challenges, festivals, debates and workshops. Ireland needs young, motivated scientists if it is to thrive in this new century. We especially try

18 | Educational trips by train Address: 10 Sandhill Drive, Portrush, Co. Antrim, BT56 8EF Dunluce Centre Opening Hrs: Apr, May, Jun, Sept, Oct: Sat & Sun 12pm - 5pm. Easter The Dunluce Centre is a of fun! A multi level soft Holidays, July & Aug: Daily large family entertainment play structure with spiral 10.30am - 5.30pm complex situated in the tube slides and tunnels, Admission: Telephone or Leisure heart of Portrush, County ballpool, cargo nets and check website for details Antrim. tunnels, rope bridge, aerial glide, echo well, magic Tel: (028) 7082 4444 The centre features unique mirror, suspended Pod, attractions designed Web: obstacle course, climbing to provide thrills and wall and tumble steps. www.dunlucecentre.co.uk enjoyment for all including: Darklight Laserdrome - NIR Station: Portrush 4D Turbo Tours - Ireland’s The ultimate in laser tag only 4d special effects Walking dist: 5 minute adventure! (Suitable for theatre. walk from Portrush Station age 8+) The 4D giant screen There is also a Tourist action and adventure Information Centre, motion simulator effects shops, café and outdoor synchronise individual playground. The centre seat movement with the is popular with primary giant-size on-screen action school children. to deliver a unique and thrilling experience!!! Finn McCool’s adventure playground - 3 floors

Address: Croke Park, St. Joseph’s Avenue (via Clonliffe Road), Dublin 3 Croke Park, Dublin Opening Hrs: Mon - Sat 9.30am - 5pm; Sun & Bank Holiday A visit to the GAA of the most historic and Monday 12 - 5pm Museum in Croke Park modern sporting arenas offers schools a unique in the world. The tour Admission: Check website opportunity to learn more guides will bring to life Tel: 00353 1819 2374 about the history of the the history and magic of Gaelic Athletic Association Croke Park by guiding your Web: www.crokepark.ie/ through guided tours and class through the dressing gaa-museum sporting artefacts. rooms, warm-up area, NIR Station: Dublin player’s tunnel, corporate The museum houses a Connolly levels and of course, pitch vast collection of sporting side. Tours are wheelchair Walking dist: 20 min artefacts including accessible and can be hurleys, jerseys, trophies, tailored to suit the needs of medals and programmes particular groups. illustrating the development of gaelic games. Visitors can also test their GAA skills in a specially designed interactive games area on the museum’s first floor. The Croke Park Stadium Tour entails a behind- the-scenes look at one

Educational trips by train | 19 Address: Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 Opening Hrs: Mar - Sept Dublin Zoo 9.30am - 6.30pm Admission: Special group rates available Dublin Zoo, located in the for schools are offered Tel: General: Phoenix Park in the heart throughout the year led by of Dublin city, is Ireland’s specialist teachers. 00353 1474 8900 most popular family Education & Group For more information attraction and welcomed bookings: contact the Education

Leisure over one million visitors 00353 1474 8932 Department. last year. As one of the Web: www.dublinzoo.ie world’s oldest and most popular zoos, the 70-acre NIR Station: Dublin park is home to some 600 Connolly Station & animals in an environment Connection to LUAS where education and conservation combine Walking dist: 10 min from for an exciting and Heuston Station LUAS stop unforgettable experience. Dublin Zoo’s education department offers a range of exciting, interactive and structured educational programmes, workshops and resources, tailored to meet the specific needs of all learners. Curriculum linked programmes

Address: Aviva Stadium, 62 Lansdowne Road, Aviva Stadium Dublin 4 Opening Hrs: Tours run Tour, Dublin on the hour between 10am and 4pm, 7 days a week Follow in the footsteps of the dugouts, and discover Admission: Check website sporting heroes and take a the breathtaking view of the for group booking rate look behind the scenes at stadium and surrounding Tel: For bookings: Aviva Stadium. Experience areas from the top stand. the magic of a match day 00353 1238 2300 The Aviva Stadium Tour and discover more about includes a look at the state Web: www.avivastadium.ie the iconic home of Irish of the art press facilities football and rugby. NIR Station: Dublin and engaging film footage Connolly Station & The tour offers a unique of rich sporting heritage Connection to DART opportunity to get a sense portraying the essence of of what the Irish football and this historic ground. This Walking dist: 5 mins walk rugby stars really feel like on privileged view of one of from Landsdowne Road a match day. Get an insight the world’s finest and most DART stop. into the players’ match day technologically advanced routines as this unmissable stadiums is an experience tour leads into areas that never to be forgotten. are only accessible to The tour also offers school players and officials groups the chance to learn Visit the dressing rooms about the environmentally and have a chance to sit sustainable initiatives at the in the seats of the players, stadium. These initiatives walk through the players’ are highlighted throughout tunnel and go pitch side to the tour. view the hallowed turf and

20 | Educational trips by train

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