Every year our 6th class pupils, accompanied by their teachers, take a five-day trip to the Donegal Gaeltacht. It is one of the highlights of the pupils’ years in the Primary School and greatly looked forward to by all. Below is a short summary of their days there, which will be updated as the week progresses! Thank you to Ms Dobey for keeping us posted.
Day One:
The 6th class arrived in Annagry, Donegal Monday evening. After a long bus ride with two stops along the way, the children got some fresh air and a chance to stretch their legs in Glenveagh National Park. We did a 4km walk to a beautiful castle and gardens. The scorching sunshine meant we all enjoyed a well deserved ice cream at the end of the walk. Then we climbed back into the coach and continued the last stretch of the journey to the College, arriving about 5pm. The children got settled into their houses, met their Bean an Tí and had dinner. Then we met back at the Colaiste at 7pm for a introductory talk and a Ceilí followed by outdoor sports “sa chlós”. Happy faces all round and most of the children had a very good night’s sleep! There were, naturally, a few chatterboxes who found it difficult to switch off after the excitement of the day. A great start to what is sure to be a fantastic trip!
Day Two:
The children had their lessons this morning in the College from 10am until 1pm. After that it was back to their houses for “Lón”. The afternoon plan was to go to Dunlewey Adventure Centre. The children had a ball splashing around on the pedal boats, rolling around in the “Walking on Water” balls and getting thrown off the Rodeo Bull! They spent two hours of fun here before heading back to their houses for dinner. After dinner it was time for the Tráth na hCeist back in the College. Then home again to play a little, outside their houses under the most amazing setting sun. Another super day in Donegal!
Day Three:
The children are well and truly settled in at this stage and they couldn’t be having more fun. There are smiles all round, as there is never a dull moment here in Coláiste na Rosann. Lessons started at 10am as usual but finished up at 12, as today we are taking a ferry to Arannmore, an island of the West coast of Donegal. The children were dropped home to get bite to eat, before being collected again to catch the boat across. It was another beautiful day weather wise, with not a cloud in the sky and temperatures of 22 degrees. On the island the children splashed and ran about on the most beautiful beach. White sand, turquoise sky, it’s hard to believe this is Ireland! This evening’s entertainment was the Talent Show! We had some great entries from St. Kilians, including singing, flute playing and some other rather unique talents including whistling with a blade of grass!! The winners of the contest will be announced tomorrow night.
Day Four:
We knew this weather couldn’t last forever and today there was a change. Overcast but still warm and dry so we are all happy. Last day of lessons today. The children enjoyed playing games and learning songs today in school. This afternoon was the trip to “an trá”. Although it was a cloudy day the children still had a ball. There were sand castle competitions, egg and spoon and three legged races and some splashing in the sea. A local dog was joining in the fun too! Tonight is the “Ceilí” and the long awaited disco. I am sure the children will be sorry to leave this place tomorrow but will also be delighted to get back to their home comforts. Everybody in the college agrees with us in saying, what a fantastic bunch of kids! There wasn’t a bad word spoken and they have grown closer as a group of friends. Mr Swaine and I are very proud of them all and have thoroughly enjoyed the trip too!
