A fabulous day was enjoyed by all the 4th classes who travelled to see the Book of Kells and to visit the National Gallery of Ireland.
Our first port of call was to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells and to visit the Long Room Library. Our fantastic tour guide, Sinead, helped the children to explore the exhibition, where they learnt about the 1,200-year-old Book of Kells and the rich symbolism and artistry behind it. Next they got a close up look at the precious manuscript. The children loved the illuminated letters and even got a chance to make their own letters at the end of their tour. The looks of wonderment and curiosity on the children's faces as they entered the Long Room Library was to behold. They were fascinated by the very tall ladders, the very old books and the beautiful wooden, barrelled ceiling.
Afterwards we strolled through the Trinity College campus to the National Gallery of Ireland. Here we did our own self-guided tour and saw such paintings as Daniel Maclise's The Marriage of Strongbow and Aoife, Jack B. Yeats's Liffey Swim, Moynan's Military Manoeuvres, stained glass by Harry Clarke and Evie Hone, Francis Danby's The Opening of the 6th Seal and finally, Caravaggio's The Taking of Christ. The children also got to go in one of the largest lifts in Europe!
Our last stop was to the playground in Merrion Square for lunch. Here we bumped into Ms. Carroll's class. The children had fantastic fun here (this might have been the highlight of our wonderful day for some!).
Traveling to and from the city by Dublin Bus was a really exciting part of our day. The bus drivers and passengers alike were all delighted to see us on board!
