15/10/2019
1916 Easter Rising Educational Tours
The 1916 Easter Rising and the War of Independence that followed transformed the political landscape in Ireland. You can explore the events leading up to 1916, the Insurrection itself and its aftermath through the lessons and activities provided for Secondary and Primary schools.
Itinerary
Assemble at the school to board the coach and travel to Dublin.
Pearse Museum and St Enda’s park.
On arrival in Dublin head towards Rathfarnham and the Pearse Museum located in St Enda’s Park just off the Grange Road in Rathfarnham. The museum tells the story of the Pearse brothers who were executed in 1916 and St Eanna’s school which was set up there by Padraig Pearse.
Following the visit to the museum we will drive to Ballsbridge and follow the route the British troops would have taken on their march from Dun Laoghaire to Dublin. Passing along Northumberland road to Mount Street Bridge, where the British suffered some of their heaviest casualties in an effort to take the bridge.
Driving on past Boland’s Mill as we make our way to O’Connell Street and the GPO where you will be joined by our 1916 tour guide.
GPO
During the Easter Rising of 1916, the General Post Office (GPO) was the headquarters of the Irish Volunteers. On Easter Monday of 1916, armed groups of the Irish Volunteers and the Citizen Army, commanded by Padraig Pearse and James Connolly, took over the GPO where they proclaimed the Irish Republic.
Besides its architectural significance and role as the headquarters of the Irish Post Office, Dublin’s GPO holds a place of particular symbolic importance for Irish people.
It was the headquarters of the men and women who took part in the Easter Rising of April 1916. While that rebellion ended in failure with most Irish people lamenting the death and destruction caused, it led to Irish independence and the creation of a new State.
Garden of Remembrance
Occupying the northern end of Parnell Square, the Garden of Remembrance is a memorial to those who gave their lives for Irish freedom. The site had previously been part of the Rotunda Hospital’s pleasure Gardens.
Moore Street Walk – Weather & Time permitting (TBC)
Irish Volunteers commanded by Patrick Pearse surrendered to British forces on 30 April 1916, from a terrace of houses on Moore Street at the ending of the Easter Rising. Five of the seven signatories of the Irish Proclamation of Independence - Patrick Pearse, James Connolly, Thomas Clarke, Joseph Plunkett and Sean MacDermott, as well as future leader Michael Collins, surrendered from the terrace.
Walking tour of Collins Barracks
The site boasts a rich and varied history. Completed in 1704, it played an important role suppressing uprisings over the centuries. Wolfe Tone, legendary leader of the failed 1798 Rebellion against British rule, was court martialled and imprisoned here.
During the 1916 Easter Rising, troops based here tackled rebel positions on Usher Island, at the Four Courts, and in the GPO.
Collins and Clarke: Legendary Namesakes
Perhaps the clearest historical link is in the site name. Collins Barracks is named after Michael Collins, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Irish Free State Army. He had previously displayed heroic leadership during the 1920-21 War of Independence, only to be assassinated in 1922, during the Irish Civil War, aged just 31. Today, Collins occupies legendary status in modern Ireland.
Depending on timings and group numbers the order of visits may vary, also please note Pearse Museum is not open for the Christmas period.
Price €39 per student
One free teacher/guardian per 10 students.
Tour includes.
Transport by coach from your school to Dublin and return to your school.
Entrance to Pearse Museum, GPO and Collins Barracks.
Services of a professional 1916 Walking Tour Guide.
