Trip 1 (48 people) Leaving DCU at 8.45am Travel to Lough Boora Discovery Park: Enjoy a guided tour learning the history of the bog and how it has been reclaimed. Walk through the Sculpture park where 24 international artists have created unique sculptures only using material reclaimed from the bog. Where art meets nature – Lough Boora is home to some of the most innovative land and environmental sculptures in Ireland. The artists, inspired by the rich natural and industrial legacy of the bog lands, have created a series of large-scale sculptures that are now part of the park’s permanent collection. As a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts interested in its unique flora and wildlife, the Sculpture Park’s route is enhanced by 24 innovative works of art that dramatically change the landscape with varying contrast depending on the weather, throughout the seasons and over time. Industrial materials of the bog, such as locomotives, rail line, timber and stone have been developed into magnificent sculptures. Over time, the effects of nature have altered the sculptures in colour and developed wonderful colonies of plant growth, enabling them to become part of the landscape once again. There is a separate mini park for the children to enjoy. Lunch will be available and in included in the cost. Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre: Here you will have a guided tour of the grounds of Birr Castle and the museums. The Award-Winning Gardens of Birr Castle Demesne in Ireland are both rich in amazing feats of science and engineering, as well as rare trees and flowers, wonderful wildlife, walks along peaceful rivers and the lake. Birr Castle Demesne, that is now home to the 7th Earl of Rosse. Created over generations it is an environmental and a scientific time capsule. A home to a truly extraordinary family of engineers, botanists and astronomers – all down the generations. See The Leviathan, the largest telescope in the world at that time, discover the hidden laboratory, and there is a large play area for children. Dinner at Dooleys Hotel, Birr Co. Offaly this is included in the cost. Return to Dublin Cost Adults €85 Children €56 This includes your lunch, dinner, and entry to all attractions. Bring raincoats, wear comfortable shoes etc as this is mainly outdoors.

Trip 2 (23 people) Leaving DCU at 11.45am Travel to BRÚ NA BÓINNE TOUR +NEWGRANGE CHAMBER
A guided tour to Knowth and Newgrange with access to the chamber at Newgrange. Includes exhibitions at Knowth and Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre. No access to the chambers at Knowth. Walking into any 5,000-year-old passage tomb (older than the pyramids!) is a unique experience, but Newgrange is particularly special. There aren’t many examples of prehistoric engineering as impressive as this one, where the morning sun shines through a perfectly aligned roof box during the winter solstice, illuminating the entire main chamber. Cost Adult (no child concessions) €40 There will be an opportunity to have dinner in a local restaurant. This is not included in the cost. Meals start at €16. Return to DCU

Trip 3 (48 people) Leaving DCU at 8.45am Hill of Tara Take a guided tour over the historic Hill of Tara. The Hill of Tara has been important since the late Stone Age, when a passage tomb was built there. However, the site became truly significant in the Iron Age (600 BC to 400 AD) and into the Early Christian Period when it rose to supreme prominence – as the seat of the high kings of Ireland. All old Irish roads lead to this critical site. Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre: Old Bridge House and Gardens On 1 July 1690 (Old Style), King William III clashed with his father-in-law, King James II, on the River Boyne at Old Bridge, County Meath. On the battleground itself, in a recently restored eighteenth-century house, now stands the Battle of the Boyne visitor centre. The centre contains original weapons and a laser model of the battlefield. It is a treasure trove for anyone who wants to find out more about this pivotal episode in Irish and European history. Mellifont Abbey In 1142, Irish and French monks settled in this remote corner and founded Ireland’s first Cistercian abbey, which was Ireland’s largest abbey until it was closed in 1539. The architectural forms created by a French architect were new to Ireland and influenced many future monastery buildings. There is hardly anything left of the splendour of the former monastery. However, foundation remains give an idea of the former size. In the middle of the ruins stand out the remains of the lavatory, the monks’ well house. Four side walls of the octagonal structure still stand. Also preserved are the chapter house, the gatehouse and some arches of the cloister. Return DCU in time for Dinner and week 2 opening ceremony. Cost: Adults: €30 Children: €25 These prices do not include your lunch which can be purchased at the Tea Rooms at Oldbridge House.