Middle School Travel Club Visits Ireland, England

By Andrew Sias

KHS Teacher & Trip Lead

asias@kingsleyschools.org

In June, the School Travel Club embarked on a journey across Ireland, Wales, and England. What began as an overseas trip quickly became something more — a collection of memories, friendships, and reflections that students and chaperones continue to carry with them.

Sunday, June 15 – Departure

With bags packed and passports in hand, we gathered for our overnight flight to Dublin. We navigated the busy airport to our gate and wondered what adventures awaited us across the ocean.

Monday, June 16 – Castles and Colleges

Our first day brought us straight into Ireland’s rich history. At Trinity College, we were awestruck by the Long Room which is a library lined with shelves, floor to ceiling, containing thousands of books, many of them hundreds of years old. One of the oldest books we saw was the Book of Kells, clocking in at 1200 years old. It contains unspeakably beautiful illuminated pages of the four gospels. We then went on to Christ Church Cathedral and took a guided tour and got to hear the choir's voices reverberate within the lofty stone interior. Later, Cahir Castle impressed everyone with its towers, stone walls, and various chutes through which to pour hot oil and sand on attackers. This castle appears in the 1981 film, Excalibur. By evening, we arrived at Springfort Hall Country House Hotel in County Cork and were welcomed with an incredible dinner.

Max later reflected, “All of Ireland was such a beautiful country. We could have spent the entire time there and I would have loved it.” Ava, too, remembered the excitement of seeing the very first castle: “Even though the castles changed, the excitement was the same.”

Tuesday, June 17 – The Ring of Kerry

The next morning started off a bit drizzly but we all enjoyed a horse car and carriage jaunt around Killarney National Park. Our driver told us about every tree, plant, and animal as well as local history. Most notable was a monastery on an island in the lake dating back to around 500 AD. At the Kerry Bog Village Museum, we stepped into Ireland’s not so distant past. There were several traditional thatch-roofed homes visitors could enter but most of them were filled with smoke! Up until fairly recently, peat was a primary fuel for home heating.  The Ring of Kerry revealed one breathtaking view after another — jagged coastline, wide green valleys, and mountains rising against the clouds. Later that afternoon we experienced a sheepdog demonstration that left us in awe. These highly intelligent animals are trained to respond to different whistle tone commands and can round up a large herd in just a few minutes. Afterward, we saw a master shearer shave a sheep in short order.

Max remembered the beauty vividly: “The valley at the sheepdog demonstration was absolutely stunning!” Evy agreed: “It was absolutely beautiful no matter where we went, all the mountains and vast land was astonishing.”

Wednesday, June 18 – The Blarney Stone

The next morning we set out for Blarney Castle. Our group climbed the winding staircase where courage was tested at the Blarney Stone. Some leaned back to kiss the stone, others cheered their friends on. We had time to wander the well manicured grounds which included a garden of deadly plants, but some friendly ones too. We also toured the mansion of the descendants of the family that owned Blarney Castle. They still live there and maintain herds of sheep, cattle, and some horses.

Lucas still likes to tell the story of his stony smooch: “If you kissed it, it gave you the gift of eloquence.” 

Thursday, June 19 – Dublin’s Treasures

Back in Dublin, a guided tour brought us to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where Gothic arches soared overhead. At EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum, interactive displays told the story of millions of Irish who shaped the world. That evening, we joined in a celebration of culture with a night of Irish music and dance. Max and I decided we had the energy to venture out again that night to a pub called the Cobblestone for a session of live traditional Irish music.

Max shared that beyond the sights, it was the people that struck him most: “How similar we are as human beings. Circumstances and rules may be different, but the core of who we are remains the same. It made the world seem smaller to me, rather than larger.”

Friday, June 20 – To Wales

Crossing the Irish Sea by ferry, we arrived in Wales. The towering walls of Conwy Castle stood as a powerful reminder of medieval life. Evy was struck by how people had actually lived in such castles: “It’s fascinating what they used for certain circumstances!” 

Saturday, June 21 – Shakespeare’s Stratford

Our day began just outside Stratford with a visit to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, the thatched farmhouse where Shakespeare’s wife grew up. The cottage’s flower-filled gardens and striking sculptures brought literature to life in a fresh way, connecting art, nature, and history. Students wandered through the rooms imagining daily life in the 1500s, then strolled among the vibrant gardens that celebrated Shakespeare’s plays.

From there, we continued into Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s hometown. We toured his childhood home, walking through the timbered house where he spent his early years, before exploring the streets of the town that shaped him. Between the historic homes, lively shops, and the River Avon itself, it felt like stepping back into the Elizabethan world.

We reached London in time for some evening activities. We met a guide near The Tower of London for a Jack the Ripper tour which took us through dark and narrow alleys. He told the sad tales of the victims and we learned that the mystery has never been solved. We had a late evening dinner at the Astronomer and took in the sights at Piccadilly Circus.

Ava reflected on this day as one of connection: “I got to experience this trip while also making new friends along the way.”

Sunday, June 22 – London Highlights

Our final full day was packed. We had a guided tour of London and saw St. Paul’s Church, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben. We toured Windsor Castle in the afternoon. They do not allow photos to be taken inside but the furnishings, artwork, armor, weapons, and other artifacts are completely stunning (and likely worth billions). We topped off the night with stageside seats at Royal Albert Hall, where American bands Deep Sea Diver opened and Wilco headlined.

Ava had a unique story about meeting the opening band after the show: “The lead singer of the opener pointed at (and remembered) me.” The kids all had their merch signed and took pictures with the singer. The grownups did not get to meet Wilco but we had fun watching the kids interact with the other band.

London left a deep impression. Ava admitted, “I would’ve liked to have more time in London. It felt a little rushed since it was at the end of the trip and it’s a really cool place.” She loved, “riding through London in a taxi and getting to see all sorts of famous things throughout the city.”  

Monday, June 23 – Homeward Bound

The group boarded their flight home with souvenirs, photos, and countless stories. 

Ava said, “Both Ireland and England were not nearly as dark and gloomy as I was led to believe. The United States appears to be falling behind in terms of convenience, because these two places have out-shined us in that area. Now that the trip is over, I feel like a much more well-rounded and open person. I think that this trip helped me to become a better person overall.”

Lucas carried home friendships: “The older boys on the trip took me under their wing… they treated me like their little brother and we are still in touch now.”

One thing Max especially appreciated as a parent was, “Watching my child’s preconceived notions on travel and other countries change before my eyes. It was like watching her grow up and mature before my eyes. Those types of observations are typically retrospective, but it’s a different level of appreciation to realize when it’s happening and getting to see it firsthand.”

This tour was facilitated by EF Tour which is not affiliated with Kingsley Area Schools