It was an early start on August 31st as 29 of our 6th Year History and Geography students along with Mr Farell, Ms Barry and Ms Noble set off at 7am for Belfast. Fuelled by plenty of snacks and good music we were ready for the long journey ahead.
Our first stop was the Shankill Road where the Black Taxi tour began with our guide Aoife. She beguiled the students with stories of The Troubles and her own post-trouble memories of growing up in a time where bomb clearances were common at school. As we drove down the Crumlin and Falls Roads Aoife showed the students how far the city has come since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. A highlight was stopping at the Peace Wall, where everyone signed the wall and added a personal message of hope.
The second part of the day’s activities took us to Titanic Belfast. We walked the length of the ship’s footprint and looked out on the view taken from the bow where it had been launched in 1912. Students then explored the story of the shipyard, took a ‘rollercoaster’ ride through history and were moved by individual stories of the builders, passengers and adventurers who rediscovered the remains.
A short walk to dinner allowed us to stretch our leg as after a long journey and was an enjoyable way to end the day.