Students' Union Trips

by Claire Aston

With one semester finished, and the second semester well and truly under way, it is safe to say it has been a fun filled academic year so far. The year kicked off with Freshers’ Week, and it was great to see so many new and returning students getting involved. From clubs & societies sign ups, to all the events: Freshers’ Party, Bowling, Beer Pong and a trip to Johnnie Fox’s.

Other nights out that took place over the first semester include the Halloween Party in The Hub in Temple Bar, with two amazing costumes winning best dressed on the night! And of course the Christmas Party that saw the finish up of Semester 1, where the night was danced away in Dtwo Nightclub, and I am sure everyone will remember the well-deserved best dressed elf that was there on the night.

Of course, that was just the events. The trips are definitely not something to forget. It all began with a day trip to Glendalough & Kilkenny, giving students the chance to walk around one of Ireland’s most well-known sights and tourist attractions, followed by a visit to Co. Kilkenny where we visited the castle.

Glendalough

Killkenny Castle

Our first overnight trip was to Bunratty Castle & Ennis, where we took a trip back in time to a Medieval Banquet filled with live music, banishing to the dungeon, and the appointed Lord & Lady of the Manor to rule the evening. Finally, the trip most people had been waiting for was our Delphi adventure trip in Connemara to take on the infamous Bog Challenge, kayaking in the beautiful mountainous scenery, and the high ropes and zip line through the tall trees. Of course, no Delphi trip would be complete without a night in Westport to finish it all off.

Bunratty Castle dinner

Bunratty Castle

Bunratty Castle

The 2nd Semester may just have begun, but with everyone coming back relaxed and refreshed after Christmas, we were ready to continue the year of fun! We started the semester in Everleigh Gardens with the Refreshers’ Party, with 250 tickets being sold, we knew we were in for a fun second semester! The first trip of the year took place at the end of February when we all headed off on the Discovery Trip, visiting the sights in Tipperary, Cork, Kerry and Clare. It is safe to say we got a good tour of Ireland, and made sure to have loads of fun, and forge new friendships along the way.

Our Paddywagon bus for the Discovery trip

Kissing the Blarney Stone on the Discovery trip

Horse and carriage ride in Killarney

The Baby Cliffs

The Cliffs of Moher

Not to fear though, this Semester still has loads more to offer with the Surf Trip taking place the weekend of March 13th – 15th and the Giants Causeway & Belfast day-trip on April 3rd. The biggest event of all will finish off the year on the 1st of May with the annual Griffith Ball. Places are limited on all trips and events so make sure to get in early to avoid disappointment! Keep an eye out for posters and social media for any surprise events to come.