This Saturday was a day full of enriching and fun activities. At 10 AM, Father Henry arrived to offer the sacrament of confession to anyone who needed it. It was a great opportunity to chat with him for a bit and reflect. At 11 AM, we started our weekly English class, taught by Conor. This week, we focused on writing letters by postal mail, which, although it may seem old-fashioned, was very enjoyable. We all had fun writing informal letters to our friends and family, while learning the right expressions and format in English for this type of correspondence.
After the English class, we went to the Knights & Conquests Heritage Centre, where we had an incredibly enriching experience. There, we dived into the fascinating medieval history of Ireland, starting with a detailed explanation that covered everything from the first Viking invasions to the declaration of the Republic of Ireland. We learned how the Vikings arrived at Ireland’s shores in search of riches and settlements, marking the beginning of centuries of struggles and changes on the island. After the Vikings, we learned about the Normans, who arrived in the 12th century and left a significant mark on Irish architecture and the feudal system. We saw how the Normans, along with other medieval knights, built castles and fortifications all over the country and how these symbols of power played a crucial role in the wars between Irish clans and kings.
After the history lesson, the most exciting part for everyone was, without a doubt, the interactive exhibition. The kids got to experience the medieval atmosphere firsthand, starting with the activity of dressing up as real knights. They put on armor of different styles, feeling what it was like for the warriors of that time. Some were surprised by how heavy the armor was, which made us think about how tough battles must have been during the Middle Ages.
The activity didn’t stop there; they also had the chance to work together to build a castle gate, mimicking the challenges faced by builders and defenders of fortifications in times of war. The kids learned how defensive structures were assembled and how essentially each piece was to protect the castle from invaders.
In addition, the archaeological activity was a huge success. In an area set up to simulate a dig, the participants became little archaeologists, using tools to uncover “bones” and other objects hidden under the sand. This activity wasn’t just fun, but also educational, as it taught them the patience and care needed in archaeology to preserve historical discoveries. The kids were thrilled to find each part of a skull they had to assemble like a 3D puzzle, which would explain how people lived in Ireland in the past.
The whole experience was fantastic—the time flew by! At around 3:30 in the afternoon, we returned to Carrigallen, where the families were already waiting to pick up the kids. It was a day full of learning, games, and unforgettable moments that they will surely remember for a long time.
