Memorable School Adventures: 10 Classic Trips That Stay with Us
Relive the excitement of school outings with these timeless trip destinations that still bring back fond memories.
Old-Timey Fun at Ulster Folk Museum
One minute you were pretending to churn butter in an old-timey kitchen, the next you were clambering aboard an old train. Someone always asked if they could drive the tram. Someone else always got caught in the sweetie shop.
Wonders of W5 in Odyssey
A futuristic wonderland when it first opened, and still a top-tier trip. From launching giant bubbles to making mini-tornados, it was science class, but actually fun.
Journey through Time at Ulster American Folk Park
The one with the boat. You started off in an old Irish cottage and somehow ended up in frontier America. Half the fun was trying to keep track of where you were, especially when someone in costume started talking to you like it was 1820.
Stargazing at Armagh Planetarium
The closest thing we had to space travel. You’d sit in the pitch-dark dome watching the stars zoom overhead, pretending you understood what a constellation was. It was oddly relaxing unless you got motion sickness.
Crisps and Curiosity at Tayto Castle
A holy grail trip. Not only did you learn how crisps were made, but you also got free crisps at the end. The smell of warm cheese and onion in the air still lives in people’s memories.
Aquatic Wonders at Exploris Aquarium
A day spent wandering through dimly lit tanks full of stingrays and seahorses, with someone shouting “Nemo!” every five minutes. The touch pool was slightly terrifying, though.
Medieval Times at Castle Ward
A proper castle with towers, dungeons, and an impressive moat. Every class had that one kid who got way too into the knight costumes or insisted they saw a ghost. The best bit was rolling down the grass bank after your packed lunch.
Wandering the Gardens of Mount Stewart
The kind of trip where the teachers were very into the gardens, and you were just there for the big house and the chance to run about. You probably didn’t appreciate it at the time, but now you wouldn’t mind going back for a nosy.
From Estate to Fantasy at Castle Coole
Back in the day, this was just a lovely stately home with a big lake and slightly haunted vibes. These days, of course, it’s Game of Thrones territory, which is hilarious when you remember running round it in a cagoule, eating a ham sandwich.
Chilling with the Penguins at Belfast Zoo
A classic for a reason. Everyone flocked to the penguins, someone moaned about the smell, and at least three people ended up sunburned despite the clouds. The highlight was always the ice lollies and animal facts you forgot by Monday.
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