Schooltrips (English)

Historic-Cultural Study Trip to Ireland

A week of Irish culture and nature in Slí na Bandé close to the Irish Sea at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains. Slí na Bandé has been running for over twenty years on the principles of sustainable development and has continuously hosted school groups from all over the world.

 

 

 

How can the week be filled?

  • Neolithic mound Newgrange (3200 BC, older than Stonehenge and the pyramids)
  • Hill of Tara: Iron-age residence of the Irish High Kings
  • Early Christian settlement of Glendalough (AD 600), founded by one of the first Christian church fathers, St Kevin
  • Day trip to Dublin
  • National Museum (collection: Prehistoric, Early Christianity, Bog Bodies, Viking Age, Irish Gold)
  • Trinity College Dublin (Old Library and the Book of Kells exhibition – lit early Christian Bible manuscripts)
  • Kilmainham Gaol (former prison where proponents of Irish nationalism, including Eamonn De Valera, imprisoned)
  • Other museums: National History Museum, Chester Beatty Library
  • Evening Activity: Irish traditional music in many pubs in the trendy Temple Bar
  • Nature Exploration
  • Day trip in the Wicklow Mountains: trip to Lugnaquilla (highest peak in the Wicklow Mountains), Lough Dan (peat picturesque lake), etc.
  • Cliffs Walk from Bray to Greystones
  • Day activity on the land: group dynamics, yoga, sweat lodge (optional), use of the swimming pool and hot tub
  • Bustrip to the West of Ireland: exploration of the Burren (a limestone region known for its geological, botanical, and archaeological wealth – dolmens, Bronze Age graves suitcase, and ogham runes)
  • For more information see – www.heritageireland.ie

 

 

Evening Activities

  • Set dancing (Irish dance)
  • Irish traditional music in an authentic pub
  • Yoga taught by experienced yoga teacher Marlene Ffrench Mullen (Irish Yoga Association, Marlene also has a M.Sc. in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, University College Dublin,  first-class Honours )
  • Massage Techniques
  • Introduction to Irish music
  • Introduction to Irish Archaeology (with the help of Heritage Ireland)

 

Proficiency

Students are encouraged to use English as medium of instruction throughout the week.

Useful Information

Price: €450 per person (price valid until 1 January 2015)

  • All transport to and from Dublin Airport and all activities included
  • Full board for 6 nights, including homemade bread and homegrown, organic vegetables
  • Flights  not  included
  • Maximum number of students: 25 (excluding supervisors)

 

 

– Program for discussion and further information, contact Marlene ffrench Mullen:

 

Testimonials

“Our school offers this journey for 15 years as year-end trip. The pupils are very enthusiastic about the program of the week and the ecological approach, and Marlene helps himself as an organizer and facilitator. The beautiful large domain, the delicious food, beautiful chalet accommodation, and the varied program making this trip a guaranteed success formula. If last year the trip is a wonderful conclusion to the secondary. I recommend this trip to any school. “

Rita De Pauw, St. Louis College Lokeren

Email  ritdepauw@hotmail.com  for a reference.

“I have enjoyed this trip: interesting and educational activities, a homely atmosphere, and laughed a lot! The sweat lodge and swimming pool make your stay complete. “

Evelyn, former pupil, St. Louis College Lokeren.

Some testimonials of people who Slí Bande after immersion were:

“I have been here for six weeks and my English has improved a lot. It’s a really good experience for me, and the people are very nice and inspiring. I feel like I’m in my own house. “

Julia, 17, from Spain

“I have improved my English, I learn how it’s good to be in a natural environment, how to manage a farm and to live nicely with nature and animals, Respecting nature. I learn about Irish and many other cultures. “

Leo, 22, from Brazil

“Before I came here, I only studied English grammar without speaking it. Here, i could start speaking English with everyone and learn many new words per day. I learn how to manage a farm and everybody is very lovely. “

Luciano, 24, from Italy

 

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