2018 Social Programme – What You Need to Know
The days are short and Winter is still very much in the air.. The beginning of the year can be a gloomy time, but with what we have planned for you, it doesn’t have to be. It’s 2018 and here at Atlas the Social Programme is back and in full swing! Before we tell you about what’s in store for January and February, let’s take a look at some of 2017’s best bits.
Overnight trip to Galway and the West of Ireland
A trip to the West of Ireland wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Cliffs of Moher
Exploring Inis Mór, one of the Aran Islands of Ireland’s west coast, by bike and enjoying some time on the beach
Having a relaxed pint in one of Galway’s traditional Irish pubs
Overnight to Belfast, the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-rede Rope bridge
Writing messages of peace and hope on Belfast’s ‘Peace Wall’
Black Taxi Tour of Belfast; Being educated on Ireland’s history and The Troubles, so much of which were centred around Belfast. Some of the stories are shocking and saddening but ultimately it’s about hope and a better future
Only the brave dare to walk across this bridge! Carrick-a-rede Rope bridge is located in Antrim in the North of Ireland too and we always make a stop here to get some great photographs
The Giant’s Causeway – an unmissable part of the trip to the North of Ireland. These hexagonal basalt columns were formed by volcanic activity 60 million years ago as a result of volcanic activity. However, Irish legend has it that the columns are the remains of a ‘causeway’ or road built by Finn McCool, a giant…
Dark Hedges, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim. This beautiful row of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the 18th Century. Two centuries later, the trees remain a magnificent sight and have become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland. But more importantly Dark Hedges was used as a filming site for Game of Thrones, representing the King’s Road.
Trips, activities and events from throughout the year
Powerscourt Waterfall (Ireland’s highest waterfall!)
Powerscourt Waterfall is Ireland’s highest waterfall, and is particularly magnificent after heavy rainfall, which we are lucky enough to get quite often here in Ireland! As part of this trip we also visit Powerscourt Estate & Gardens. Join us for our next trip to this spot in the first week back in January
Atlas Karaoke Night
Atlas Pub Quiz (winners!)
We host a number of free evening activities throughout the year so you’ll never be left with nothing to do at night! This is a great way to relax with your classmates and get to know some of our friendly staff
Day Trip to Bray!
30 minutes from the city centre by train and you’ll find yourself at a few of the most beautiful coastal towns and villages. Bray, Howth, Dun Laoghaire, they are all stunning the best part is that these trips are free!
Valentine’s day
Feeling the love with new friends for life, on Valentine’s Day
Halloween Celebrations
This year the students of Atlas carved pumpkins and the results were amazing – so amazing, in fact, we used them to decorate the school
The annual Atlas Witch Hunt is a highlight of the Social Programme. Students dressed up in their scariest costumes and were sent on a treasure hunt and completed some terrifying tasks in the hope that they would make it to the party at the end alive. A great night was had by all and a big thank you to all the students and staff that made it such a success
Christmas Festivities
Christmas at Atlas is always a special time and this picture sums that up! On this day, staff and students of the school got together to decorate the Christmas tree, while enjoying some festive music and Christmas cookies! Ice-skating, a Christmas-themed Games Afternoon and an Atlas Students Christmas Party were just some of the other festive activities on 2017’s agenda
But that’s enough about last year – Out with the old and in with the new!
After a morning of working hard in class, take the afternoon to relax and experience another side of the city you’re staying in. Activities on offer include trips to must-see spots, like Trinity College and the Book of Kells and the Guinness Storehouse as well as all the museums and galleries Dublin has to offer.Of course, we have evening activities too. Take, for example our Pub Quiz, International Food night and a weekly language exchange – the perfect way to get to know your classmates, our staff, students from other schools around Dublin, tourists and of course some locals. As for the highlight of every week: our weekend excursions… Over the next two months we have organised a range of trips, so you’re guaranteed to find one (or two, or three…) that you like. To name a few, we will be visiting the beautiful Powerscourt Estate and Gardens, Newgrange passage tombs (both with impressive 4.5 star ratings on Tripadvisor) and the main event; an overnight trip to Belfast and the North of Ireland. The itinerary for this trip includes a one night stay in a Belfast city hostel, a Black Taxi tour of Belfast City (seriously eye-opening), entry into the Titanic museum, Carrick-a-rede Ropebridge (one of Ireland’s most Instagram-famous sights!) and finally the Giant’s Causeway. It’s truly not to be missed! All our trips are advertised at the beginning of each week so make sure to sign up as quick as you can as spaces are usually limited and fill up fast! For a complete listing of events, check out our social program on the link
Stay tuned to our blog for more on the social programme and all the events and trips you HAVE to do while in Dublin!