Self-catering accommodation in the Mourne Mountains, Ireland

March 1, 2012

College Trips to Ireland

The renowned warmth of the Northern Irish welcome is one that is being experienced by more and more people with each passing year. 2012 will see great things happen; the opening of the Titanic Belfast, a new visitor centre, FLAGS, at The Giant’s Causeway, and The Irish Open Golf competition to name but a few. For those looking to bring in University Groups, the first hand experience of the places and the people that have shaped Northern Ireland into what it now is, will bring an added dimension to a unique vacation.

At Rostrevor Holidays, in the Mourne Mountains, we have been welcoming university groups to come and explore the beauty of Northern Ireland for over a decade. The chance to discover new perspectives, discuss the challenging questions, and see abstract ideas embodied in real people’s lives, is one of great importance to the development of the mind.

Previous College Trips to Ireland

University Groups who have stayed with us, enjoy the freedom that self-catering cottages give to the students, yet value the closeness of the ten cottages to one another. A normal day usually takes on the structure of a morning class in a traditional “Ceili” room, with the opportunity to visit museums and galleries, cultural events such as concerts and plays, and other places of interest scheduled in throughout the stay.By giving a chance to live like a local in a community, a mundane task such as shopping for groceries, or enjoying a coffee in a local café, allows the students see a different way of life, and thus the learning experience permeates throughout the whole visit.

Northern Ireland has a fascinating history spanning from the Celtic and early Christian times, through Industrial Belfast and RMS Titanic to the modern Troubles and the Peace Process. Instead of hiding from our history, we have built upon it, and invite those to come and learn from our lessons. People in Northern Ireland are proud of what we have achieved, and this can be found through a visit to the Ulster Museum in Belfast, or with the synonymous Black Taxi tours. How better to learn about a city than from the men and women who drive its streets and meet its people on a daily basis?

The beauty of our country has inspired great artists, writers, and musicians. Do the same for the students and take them on a walk of the Mourne Mountains, or challenge them to traverse Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge. Traditional music has been the heart beat of many communities, and the groups will enjoy either travelling to a concert, or participating in a Ceili held for them at their accommodation. Of course a true Ceili means that everyone attending must take part, promoting a spirit of togetherness.

Finally, Northern Ireland is a haven for sports activities, with many opportunities for the visitor to take part in some fun – whether that climbing Slieve Donard, or sailing in Carlingford Lough, East Coast Adventure Centre ensure our guests enjoy their holiday.

Einstein said that “Imagination is more important than Knowledge”, and so I will share a quote from the author CS Lewis, (Chronicles of Narnia) ‘I have seen landscapes, notably in the Mourne Mountains and southwards, which under a particular light made me feel that at any moment a giant might raise his head over the next ridge,’ Speaking of the magic of Northern Ireland he said: ‘I yearn to see County Down in the snow, one almost expects to see a march of dwarfs dashing past. How I long to break into a world where such things were true.’ Why not give your students a chance to stay somewhere where even the landscape evokes

imagination.