On Thursday 8th June, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Class set off on their school tour to Bunratty Castle and Folk park, followed by a visit to Ennis Fire Station. We were very lucky with the gorgeous weather on the day.

In the morning, we went to Bunratty Castle, where we got a guided tour of the castle. It was a very busy day, as there were lots of school tours and American visitors there. After this, we went to visit a “Bean an Tí”, where she gave us a butter making demonstration. We had a sing-song, where one of the children gave us a rendition of the “Rattlin Bog”, where we all sang along with the chorus, while the Bean an Tí was churning the butter. We also visited the village in Bunratty, where we finished the day off with a trip to the playground, where we all sat down in the grass to eat our lunches.

After lunch, we all headed off on the bus to Ennis Fire Station, where we met with two lovely firefighters. We had a fantastic time there. The children got a tour of the fire station, while also getting the opportunity to try on some of the uniforms. After this, we got to look at some of the special equipment and trucks they have. The fire fighters then brought us outside, where one of them brought out the fire engine, so that we could see the different compartments. The children got the opportunity to sit up in the fire engine and they really enjoyed this. After this, there was more excitement to be had. The children got to use the fire hose and spray the water in the air and across the yard. They were all so delighted to be able to use the hose, while having some fun and laughter at the water spraying everywhere. As the tour of the station ended, we all got in for a group photo with the two firefighters. We then got on the bus to head back to the school.

It was a superb day and the children really enjoyed themselves. It was both educational and enjoyable, and the children learnt alot. It was great to see the big smiles on their faces. It was a fun day – full of lots of activities, sing-songs, Irish dancing and hosing. Well worth it.