3rd Year Geography Trip
The third year students recently went on a Geography field-trip to Clonmacnoise and the Bog of Allen. The students began their day with a train journey on the Clonmacnoise and West Offaly Railway, where they were brought on a journey through the largest raised bog in Ireland- the Bog of Allen. They learnt how peat is formed, how it is harvested and transported and how it fuels the power station at Shannonbridge. The St.Aidan’s students didn’t mind getting thrown in at the deep end, armed with colourful wellies, the students jumped at the chance to wade through the bog. Some students even got the chance to cut and stack some sods of turf. Later the students were given a guided tour of the unique flora and fauna that grows in the bog. The students relished the opportunity to then find the plants for themselves.
In the afternoon the students visited the Early Christian site of Clonmacnoise. They initially watched an audiovisual demonstration about the life of St.Ciaran, how the site was founded and then developed through the ages. The students were then given a guided tour of the site which included a round tower, a bell tower, a cathedral and several churches. The students particularly enjoyed telling their secrets to their friends across the marvellous entrance to the church.
Finally a trip wouldn’t be the same without a spot of shopping, so they indulged in a spot of retail therapy in Athlone Town Centre. It was a fun, interesting and fabulous day out, aided all the more by the fantastic weather (for a change!).
Below are some photos from the day
