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On 19th April, Fifth and Sixth Class pupils left for Colaiste na Rosann in County Donegal to spend a week in the Gaeltacht. They had a fabulous time and are working on a web page to describe their adventures. Meanwhile, eight children remained here with us in Kill o' the Grange. They had an equally good time and have written about it. Monday, 19th April
We finally waved our classes goodbye as they left for the Gaeltacht. We cheered loudly! We then went back to the classroom and drew maps of Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, New Zealand and Ireland. We were preparing for Peewee's arrival. Then, after break, we each had a computer and had a competition to see who would get the highest score using 'Word Games at Camelot'. After second break, Mr. Malseed told us about Wicklow Gaol - the place we were going to visit on Tuesday...
Tuesday, 20th April
Wicklow Gaol
We arrived here at about 10.15a.m. The gaoler was a very fierce man. He herded us into a very small room which used to house up to 120 prisoners. He told us a little about the gaol. Then we were allowed to wander through the cells and search for the answers to a list of questions. The first and second floors of the gaol showed us life in an Irish gaol. We then boarded a convict ship and were transported to Australia. The third floor showed us life in an Australian gaol. Convicts were transported for lots of things - stealing sheep, assault, robbery and sometimes for murder.
Life was indeed very harsh in this gaol. Gaolers were expected to provide food, and bed clothes from their wages. Therefore, they regularly accepted bribes from more wealthy prisoners.
The cells were very creepy and in one room, the lights went out and a spooky face appeared at the window. Everyone screamed! When we were leaving the gaol, we were shown where people were hanged. So many people were hanged here that the beam split!
We really enjoyed our visit to Wicklow Gaol.
The Bray Bowl
After we had visited Wicklow Gaol, we had lunch and then went to the Bray Bowl for an hour's bowling. Mr. Malseed and Mrs. Hay played as well. It was really good. There was a prize for the winner. We arrived back in school and were told that next day we would be visiting Dublinia and Christchurch. See you on page 2!