Trip to the Gaeltacht 2007
There was great excitement on 14th November 2007, as a group of about 20 Upper and Lower 6th Irish students packed up their suitcases and headed for Donegal.
The aim of the trip was to give us the opportunity to improve our Irish and use it in everyday situations. We were accompanied on our trip by a reliable trio of teachers – Mrs Morgan, Miss O’Hare and Mrs McAllister.
First stop was Glenveagh National Park, where we had our lunch and took a short tour of the castle. We all found the history of the place very interesting, and its setting was simply spectacular.
We arrived at our base for the three days, Teach Campbell, at about six o’clock. Then we had a quick change before heading across the road for dinner at Sean Óg’s. The rest of the evening was spent chatting away and playing pool.
The next day began with a full Irish breakfast, before we heard a very enjoyable lecture by Dr Mary McCaul, a past pupil of Our Lady’s who is now an Irish lecturer in the University of Ulster. She talked to us about opportunities in Irish, and also discussed a poem by Cathal O’Searcaigh, which was set in the Gaoth Dobhar area, and which forms part of our literature course. However, we encountered some problems when we tried to visit this place – apparently the twisty, tiny roads of Donegal aren’t made for 40-foot buses! Eventually, following some great maneuvering by our driver Kevin, and a few tight squeezes, we gave up on the idea and set off for Radio Na Gaeltachta, where we were guests on a popular radio programme. This was great fun, and we all had our moment of fame as our claps and cheers were broadcast across the nation!
The evening was spent in Teach Leo’s, where great fun was had. We danced and sang, and many new friends were made! Indeed, it was almost midnight when we finally left, to go back to the B & B.
Friday morning was our last in Donegal, as we packed up our bags and went to visit Pobalscoil Gaoth Dobhair. Here, we had brilliant fun chatting away in Irish to pupils of the school, who were the same age as us. It gave us a great chance to improve and polish our Irish. The afternoon was spent at the beach, before we sadly said our goodbyes and headed for home. Five hours later we arrived in Newry, absolutely exhausted, but full of happy memories of out trip.
A great time was had by all, and all that remains is for me to thank the Irish department for organising such a great trip – we’re already looking forward to next year!
