1916 Freedom Tour of Dublin & more

What excitement! The day had finally arrived, we were boarding the 7:15am train from Westport to Dublin to see first hand what 1916 was all about. First time on a train for some of us, first time on Dublin bus for others, and a first for all of us taking the 1916 Freedom Tour of Dublin. The tour guide was so relaxed & friendly we were unsure if this tour was going to teach us anything about 1916 at all.

But Shay had that easy way about him, pointing out important buildings, explaining how panic, destruction & death tore through the city over the week of 1916, giving us hands on experiences of re-enacting scenes and touching replica from the era, without frightening us or boring us.

It was both exciting & scary at the same time. We were reminded of the seriousness of the Easter Week, but also got to compare with modern day living in Dublin, making the whole history come alive for us. No books could give you that…..

If you ever have a spare hour whilst in Dublin we would highly recommend taking the tour. There are hidden histories & stories only waiting to be told by 1916 Freedom Tour. https://www.visitdublin.com/see-do/details/1916-freedom-tour

 

We also had time to walk through St. Stephens Green & the grounds of Trinity College. There was a very interesting hour spent at the National Museum of Decorative Arts & History at Collins Barracks, even though the display for 1916 was not yet unveiled to the public it proved an enjoyable experience.

The students of 5th & 6th Class Killeen NS were the most polite, respectful & interested pupils to take on a tour of Dublin city. For their young ages they acted in a most mature & engaging way. They got compliments from staff in all of the places we visited, (even in McDonalds) & are a credit to their Teacher Mrs Grady, their Parents & themselves. We had the most fun on the train journey, playing cards, reliving the day, having serious discussions about 1916 & general good laughs.

Sincere thanks to the Parents, Students & Principal Mrs Grady for allowing us the privilege of touring back in to 1916 with Killeen NS.

 

Shauna, Brige & Richard ready for take off.
Mary O'Malley
Connie, Niamh, Rachel & Amy all smiles.
Mary O'Malley
Sarah & Lizzy wide awake.
Mary O'Malley
Ciaran, Padraig & Ethan giving the thumbs up.
Mary O'Malley
Ben & Richard get settled for the trip.
Mary O'Malley
Sarah, Chloe, Saran & Ruth love the 7am train.
Mary O'Mallley
Vanessa & Caroline volunteer helpers on the day.
Mary O'Malley
Getting on the double decker bus.
Mary O'Malley
Upstairs on Dublin Bus.
Mary O'Malley
Heading into Trinity College.
Mary O'Malley
Posing under the Bell Tower in Trinity College
Mary O'Malley
Strolling through St. Stephens Green.
Mary O'Malley
Outside Government Buildings.
Mary O'Malley
Getting a "Volunteer" escort to the nearest Toilets!
Mary O'Malley
The 1916 Freedom Tour bus.
Mary O'Malley
Boarding the Bus to turn the clock back.
Mary O'Malley
Shay, our tour guide, ensuring we get into the mood & start to believe we are back in 1916.
Mary O'Malley
Connie & Sarah go head to head with replica Guns.
Mary O'Malley
Rachel very carefully handles a Grenade!!
Mary O'Malley
Chloe & Sarah are a little wary of Lizzy yielding a Rifle....
Mary O'Malley
Outside Dublin Castle.
Mary O'Malley
Cillian trying to gain entry to Dublin Castle.
Mary O'Malley
Irish Volunteers uniform got plenty of stares.
Mary O'Malley
Scratch marks on the walls from bored British Soldiers Bayonets.
Mary O'Malley
Passing by the old Tenements.
Mary O'Malley
Site of one of the Worst battles during the Rising at Northhumberland street.
Mary O'Malley
Gift of a Bullet to remember our tour & Heros.
Mary O'Malley
Gift of a Bullet to remember that War is never the answer.
Mary O'Malley
Gift of Bullet to share the history with all that we meet.
Mary O'Malley
Thank you to Shay who was a fantastic guide & entertainer.
Mary O'Malley
www.1916freedomtour.ie
Mary O'Malley
Walking past iconic Shelbourne Hotel.
Mary O'Malley
Still smiling awaiting the bus.
Mary O'Malley
Heading into the National Museum of Decorative Arts & History.
Mary O'Malley
Lost in the Space......
Mary O'Malley
National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks.
Mary O'Malley
If we only had these Cannons in 1916......
Mary O'Malley
Dressing up in old uniforms.
Mary O'Malley
Group photo before heading out in the Hail stones...
Mary O'Malley
Meeting the conductor before boarding the Train home to Mayo again.
Mary O'Malley

No Comments

Start the ball rolling by posting a comment on this page!

Add a comment about this page

Your email address will not be published.