On Tuesday May 17th, Rang 6 embarked on a planned two nights educational, cultural and fun packed trip to the West Kerry Gaeltacht in Ceann Trá. Much preparation in advance was involved in making this trip possible. A very successful bag packing fundraiser in Supervalu in Youghal coupled with a contribution from the Parent’s Council was instrumental in reducing the cost of this trip for students. Príomh-Oide Caitríona Ní Riada and Múinteoirí Barra Ó Ceallacháin and Katie Ní Chróinín accompanied the students on this trip. 

On arriving in Ceann Trá, the students were warmly greeted by ‘na mná tí’, whose hospitality and culinary skills impressed one and all, throughout the trip. Great fun and enjoyment was had at the ‘céilí beo ’ where the students quickly mastered ‘Falla Luimní’, ‘Ionsaí na h-Ínse’. Droichead Átha Luain’ and ‘An Dreoilín’!!

Wednesday was an action packed day, commencing with a guided bus tour around Slea Head. The students were enthralled and captivated by the fantastic sights and the historical knowledge imparted, on the lives of those who once occupied the Great Blasket Island. A visit to the Blasket Heritage Centre further interactively explained the story of island life at the time. The students also visited Gallarus Oratory and their tour guide Dónall Mac An tSíthigh led them on forty minute walk along a much loved walking trail locally referred to as ‘cosán na naomh’.

After lunch, an exploration of Dingle town ensued and with the sun high in the sky ’Kool Scoops’ saw a queue outside its door, as the students queued up for their favourite flavoured ice-cream cones! Onwards and upwards was the order of the day and Mara Beo (Dingle Oceanworld) awaited the arrival of our enthusiastic group. The children marvelled at the penguins’ manoeuvres and feasted their eyes on them, as they were being fed their evening meal. Mara Beo hosts the largest collection of sharks and needless to say, their sheer size and close proximity evoked echoes of excitement inside the aquarium. The students were also introduced to the recent reptile addition to the aquarium.

Following a home cooked dinner by the ‘bean an tí’ in each of the three houses the children set off for a night of excitement and sheer thrill to Baile An Mhuilinn where they played crazy golf, soccer golf and somersaulted in bumper ballz. The sights overlooking Dingle bay were truly captivating and memorable and the students’ laughter echoed in the night’s air.

Sonorous sounds were heard throughout the various houses that night as the students slept soundly, exhausted yet exhilarated after an action packed and eventful day.

On Thursday morning Rang 6 bade farewell to ‘na mná tí’ and to Ceann Trá and boarded Butler’s bus, for the homeward journey back to Youghal. Míle buíochas to our bus driver Claude Mac Cárthaigh for the kindness which he showed to one and all and for his super effort in using his ‘cúpla focal’. A brief stopover in the Outlet Centre in Killarney for lunch was much appreciated by all. No doubt, but that many a story was shared that night and hopefully fond memories of ‘An Ghaeltacht’ will remain etched on the memories of one and all. ‘’Mol an Óige agus Tiocfaidh sí’.