The second year group of Mountrath Community School embarked on a medieval historical outing recently.
On Monday, led by Mr Cillian Hegarty, the group headed to the Rock of Cashel and followed that with a haunting and evocative tour of Donaghmore Workhouse.
Tipperary’s Rock of Cashel enthroned on a mighty rock, is an ancient medieval royal site of the kings of Munster.
Mr Hegarty said that it was incredible to enjoy the stunning vistas from this beautiful Christian site. The students really enjoyed exploring the monastic ruins.
Student Tom McKay said that it was easy to understand why this site was a fortress also with fantastic views from it.
Student Sophie Clooney said that it was great to get the experience of walking around the site and to see the various monastic ruins.
Later, the students explored Donaghmore Workhouse and agricultural museum.
Here, they investigated the grim living conditions of the workhouse in what was a very moving experience for the students.
Mr Hegarty said that the students viewed the rough mattresses of straw and rags and the dormitories, where the most desolate sought refuge in very hard times.
Student Fiona Haslam said that it must have been heartbreaking to separate the families when they entered the workhouse.
Student Stephen Conroe commented that the workhouse was so bleak that it is hard to imagine how hopeless the people must have felt to enter into this place.
It was a very important historic day for the second year group and you can see some great pictures below:
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