Tipperary students visit Northern Ireland for educational and cultural tour
Transition Year students from Rockwell College visited Northern Ireland
84 Transition Year students from Rockwell College, along with seven staff members, recently returned from a five-day educational tour of Northern Ireland, which combined politics, history, culture, and exploration of the region’s natural beauty.
The group travelled from Cashel on Sunday and spent three nights in Ballintoy, Co Antrim, before staying one night in the City Hotel, Derry.
The itinerary included visits to key sites such as the Giant’s Causeway, the historic walls of Derry City, and a beach walk along the North Antrim coast.
A highlight of the trip was the group’s visit to Stormont, the seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Students were welcomed by a cross-party group of MLAs, including SDLP Leader Matthew O’Toole, Daniel McCrossan (West Tyrone), Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster), and Philip McGuigan (Sinn Féin, North Antrim).
During a debate in the Assembly chamber later that day, Rockwell College was also mentioned, linking classroom learning to the real-world political process in a powerful way.
The cultural aspect of the trip was brought to life when students joined local musicians at the North Antrim Fleadh in Ballycastle, where their traditional Irish music performances were warmly received by the community.
The school offers a special thanks are extended to Mr Pat Egan (TY Coordinator), Mr Niall McGonagle, Mr Kevin O’Hora, Ms Niamh O’Neill, Ms Emma Shanahan, Ms Maaike van der Wald, and Mr Tadhg Carey O’Mahony for organising and accompanying the trip.
The week provided students with valuable opportunities to engage with Irish history, politics, and culture, while also offering space for reflection, personal development, and connection beyond the classroom.