Today students from 1st and 6th Year History engaged directly with the material history of the 1916 Rising and War of Independence, thanks to an interactive artefact session led by historian and film advisor Dave Swift.
1st Years were captivated by the military uniforms of the period, sparking questions about Irish Volunteers, the RIC and the everyday realities of life during conflict. For our Leaving Cert students, the session deepened their understanding of the 1913 Lockout and its aftermath — a core topic on this year’s Document-Based Question. They examined original RIC truncheons, whistles, and sidearms including Lugers and Mausers used during the revolutionary decade.
This hands-on approach brought history to life, offering students a rare and meaningful opportunity to connect their classroom learning with authentic artefacts and expert insight. Many thanks to the Heritage Council for making this visit possible.