This week marked day three of our TY students’ programme with our great neighbours at the Killarney National Park Education Centre. The day started a little differently, as this course aims to promote all that our national park has to offer.
Mr. O’Sullivan and Ann Marie guided the students by bike to today’s location in the Muckross House area. This simple change of transport achieved several things: the students enjoyed plenty of fresh air (and a rain shower along the way!), they learned how to cycle safely as a group—some for the very first time—and they experienced a green, sustainable way of travelling through the park to our destination.
It was an invigorating start to another meaningful day of learning in the heart of nature.
When the students arrived at the old schoolhouse—their base for the day—they were warmly greeted by Chris, Tara, and Siobhán. The morning began with a guided walk where the group learned how to identify a variety of tree species in the area. The students were fully engaged and gained a deeper understanding of the woodland around them.
In the afternoon, they visited the three main woodland types found in this part of the national park. Here, they measured light levels, humidity, soil depth, and soil pH, while also learning to recognise the defining features of each woodland type. These ancient, naturally uninterrupted habitats have existed for hundreds of years—remarkably, just a short walk from the old schoolhouse in Muckross.
After a full and fascinating day, everyone cycled home safely, tired but happy. A huge thank you once again to the dedicated team at the Education Centre for such an informative and memorable experience.