Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Announces New Grant Scheme for Schools

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is delighted to announce a new scheme which will help education groups with the financial cost of traveling to visit the Cathedral.The scheme is open to all primary and secondary schools north and south of the border. Once at the Cathedral, visiting groups can avail of free entry, a free guided tour, or a free education workshop led by one of the education team at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral’s education programme began in 2011, and since its inception has hosted over 23,000 school children free of charge. Andrew Smith, the Cathedral’s Education Officer explained that “the core of this programme is the education department’s schools offer, which facilitates education groups who wish to visit the Cathedral. An education group constitutes primary schools, secondary schools, 3rd level colleges/ universities and community groups who are based on the island of Ireland.” He added, “The lack of resources to facilitate visits outside of the classroom is a major barrier to many schools. By assisting with the cost of travel to the Cathedral, we hope to make these school visits accessible across the island of Ireland.”

Dean William Morton emphasised that the programme is open to schools both in the Republic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland. He commented that “Saint Patrick’s is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and I am keen that we fulfill that role on both sides of the border.”

Interested schools can contact the education department of the Cathedral for an application form and further help, and information on the education programme can be accessed at www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/education-groups/ or 01-4539472. Grants will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and interested schools are advised to get their applications in as soon as possible.