Templemore students visit Berlin
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Our Lady's students Eimear Hoctor, Sierra Hogan, Sinead Delaney, Caoimhe Percy and Sinead Quinn pictured on their visit to Berlin.Image 2 of 3
Pearse Óg Everard, Pádraig Guilfoyle, Saoirse Kennedy, Maisie June O’Brien, Emma Whelan, Séan Giles and Chloe Conroy at the Reichstag.Image 3 of 3
Oisín Loughnane, Donnagh Murray, Jack Guilfoyle, Martin Murray, Odhran Mulrooney and Shane Gleeson pictured at the Olympiastadion.Over the midterm break, a group of 69 students and 10 teachers travelled to Berlin for a four-day educational and cultural tour.
The trip provided students of German with a unique opportunity to experience the history, language, and culture of Germany first-hand.
The itinerary began with a visit to the Olympic Stadium, where students learned about the significance of the 1936 Olympic Summer Games. Now home to Hertha BSC Football Club, the stadium continues to host major sporting and musical events. A guided tour of Berlin followed, including stops at iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor), the Berlin Wall (Berliner Mauer), and the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, which chronicles the dramatic history of the divided city. A highlight for many was the Asisi Panorama, offering an immersive, 360-degree depiction of life along the Berlin Wall.
After a long journey from Templemore, the group checked into Hotel Tiergarten, eager for a well-earned rest following their early 1.30am departure.
The next day brought a sobering visit to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, where students learned about the atrocities committed there, with around 50,000 people losing their lives. The experience, while harrowing, provided valuable historical insight. Spirits lifted later at Tropical Islands Waterpark, housed in the world’s largest free-standing dome, where students enjoyed the Lazy River, Whitewater River, and waterslides before dining at the Rainforest Restaurant.
Day three began at the Reichstag Dome, seat of the German Parliament, offering panoramic views of Berlin. Students then toured the Stasi Prison (Hohenschönhausen Memorial), learning about political persecution in East Germany during and after the Soviet occupation. Later, a visit to the TV Tower (Fernsehturm) offered stunning city views, followed by dinner at Zikos Grill Restaurant, where students enjoyed schnitzel, chips, and live music — including performances from two of their own classmates.
On the final day, the group explored the DDR Interactive Museum, gaining a hands-on experience of life in East Germany, from sitting in Trabi cars to exploring reconstructed homes of the era. No trip to Germany would be complete without ‘Kaffee und Kuchen’, which the students enjoyed near the Brandenburg Gate before spending some time shopping at local markets and the Mall of Berlin.
After an action-packed few days, the group returned safely to Templemore, tired but full of unforgettable memories.
Teachers praised the students for their excellent behaviour, enthusiasm, and engagement throughout the trip. Special thanks were extended to the parents for their support, the school management and accompanying teachers for their dedication, and especially to Ms Emily Bergin, whose invaluable help in organising the trip was greatly appreciated, even though she was unable to travel.
The Berlin trip was a resounding success — a true celebration of cultural learning, history, and friendship.