On a sunny Tuesday, May 20th, 45 pupils from 5th and 6th Class travelled to Dublin to visit Leinster House, the home of the Oireachtas, Ireland’s parliament.
The students were taken on an engaging tour of both the Dáil and Seanad, where they learned about the work of our lawmakers and how new laws are debated, amended, and passed. The visit coincided with a powerful civic moment — a protest by 14-year-old Cara Darmody, who is campaigning for faster access to assessments for children with additional needs. The pupils watched TV crews arrive and saw politicians showing their support.
In the afternoon, the Government had scheduled 3½ hours for statements on the issue, with Sinn Féin calling for emergency action — making this a truly exciting and real-world learning experience.
The group also met their local T.D., Minister Niamh Smyth, and proudly presented her with a small gift from the school. Minister Smyth's P.A., Julie Anne Sheridan, a former Mullahoran N.S. pupil, helped to organise the tour and gave everyone a very warm welcome. Below is a picture of the group with Niamh Smyth T.D. outside the Dáil and also a picture of Caolán Sheils 6th Class presenting Niamh Smyth with a small token.
The children left with lasting memories and a deeper understanding of how Irish democracy works.
