Ireland Week Camp 2005

Saturday 30th July - Sunday 7th August

Dun Laoghaire and Trim

During the Summer of 2005, Saltney Ferry Scouts and Explorers spent the week camp in the Republic of Ireland. A total of 22 people took part, and spent time in Dun Laoghaire Sea Scout building and on a field in Trim. During our stay all the hosts were brilliant, with special thanks to Mary and Eamon O'Leary and Mary, Tom, and Terrence Murphy. Also thanks to the Sea Scouts and Leaders for making our weekend on the water so special.

 Special thanks to Terrence Murphy and Mary O'Leary for all the help their help.

The Camp started with a trip down the A55 to Holyhead. In a minibus which was going steadily downhill as we got towards the port, we let off a big sigh of relief when we boarded the Irish Ferry. We then found the Sea Scout building, and were welcomed by the hosts. During our weekend at the building we were treated to a day of sailing, which was brilliant. The lads tried everything from little rowing boats to 30 foot yaughts. Later on Sunday some Explorers went on a night hike near Powerscout Waterfall, sleeping in survival bags.

Before leaving for Trim, one of the nicest moments of the camp was held. This was the investiture of a new Scout, and it was held on Killarney Hill. One of the most pleasant lads you are likely to meet.

After leaving the Sea Scout building, we set off for Trim, eventually!!! Although the minibus tried to stop us at one point, but thanks to the AA man it was fixed. The field was provided by the Murphy family, and it is the second time we have spent our week camp in Trim. Trim is a small town North West of Dublin. 

On arriving at the site, our first task was to collect wood. This was made a little easier thanks to Coillite, who thankfully let us collect some from a forested area.

Whilst at Trim we visited the castle. The group enjoyed the tour, and the younger ones enjoyed playing in the grounds. Whilst on the tour one of the Explorers managed to lose his trainer over the castle side, which meant the tour guide had to stop due to him laughing. The castle was used in the film Braveheart, which meant we could not visit it on our previous Ireland camp.

During our stay in Ireland we also visited the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, National Aquatic Centre, and Mallingar Greyhound Stadium. The view from the top of the Storehouse was good. The National Aquatic Centre is an indoor water theme park, which was proved popular. However the funniest moments came from the greyhound track. With no age limit on gambling, and a very special welcome from the track it was brilliant. Entry and food was reduced for us, we were welcomed over the tannoy, and the lads were given free drinks. The only problem was that most of us bet on the three legged, blind, cocker spaniel instead of the greyhound!!! Although a couple made a profit. More pictures of these events will be added soon.

As well as visiting places in Ireland, we also help some of our usual activities. Including an assault course, water fight, tug of war, cricket, rounders, and backwoods cooking.

Eventually camp was over, and time to clean those pans and return on the ferry. Scotland next year!   

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