VISIT TO ST PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL (5th & 6th)
In the mid 1700s, Jonathan Swift’s lectures allegedly lasted for 3 to 4 hours each week, and the Dean of St Patricks would beat those who fell asleep as he spoke. Luckily, no one dozed off on our visit to the Dublin cathedral today. Our guide told us about The Reconciliation Door, The Great Organ, The rotting regimental flags and much more. 5th and 6th class were rapt throughout.
Afterwards, 5th class did a crepe paper stained glass effect art-piece, while 6thclass headed over to Marsh’s Library. There, they were tested on their science know-how in a series of 14 experiments. Winners were: Maxime Arnold and Ferdia Comerford.
“It is Ireland’s biggest cathedral. Christchurch can fit in it about 3 times. The Guinness family helped to rebuild it. They have a line from the bible as a joke in their window: I was thirsty and thou gavest me drink.’” (Conor)
“Jonathan Swift was buried standing up. He didn’t want to be washed away by the Poddle. My uncle is descended from him.” (Lily)
“40 members of the Loftus family are buried there. I was in their house. It’s in Wexford. “ (Carl)
“An American tourist took a photo of the St. Patrick’s statue. He noticed a ghost head coming from the stomach of the saint.” (Judge for yourself) (Isabelle)
“There are flags from Irish army regiments. Every time a regiment is disbanded, their flag is placed here. Some date back to Napoleonic wars, 200 years ago.” (Cillian)
“Lord Gerald Fitzgerald placed his hand through a door here in1492 to end a feud with the Butlers of Ormond. It’s called the Reconciliation Door.” (Maxime)
“The cathedral was built 800 years ago. They had the manpower to make something so big.” (Jacob)
“We had a lot of experiment to do in Marsh’s Library. The questions were quite difficult.” (Ella Mae)
“The Library was built in 1701.
“It smelled of an elderly dog.” (Oisin Mc)
“They weren’t allowed radiators, as it might damage the books.” (Ella Mae)
