TY Annual Trip to Ballyhass Lakes & Coachford: Adventure, Teamwork and Learning

Our Transition Year students recently returned from a truly unforgettable four-day trip to Ballyhass Lakes in Mallow and Coachford, where they immersed themselves in a full programme of outdoor adventures, challenges and shared experiences. This annual trip is always a highlight of the TY year, and this year’s visit more than lived up to expectations.

Over the course of the four days, students threw themselves into a wide range of activities including high ropes, low ropes, kayaking, wakeboarding, axe throwing, zip lining, abseiling, aquapark sessions and archery. Each activity offered something different — whether it was the physical challenge of climbing high ropes, the thrill of zip lining across the lake, or the coordination needed for wakeboarding. Students encouraged and supported one another at every step, creating a fantastic sense of teamwork and community.

A particularly special part of the trip was the overnight stay, when students gathered around the campfire to enjoy hot chocolate and s’mores. The evening continued with a lively sing song and a fun quiz, allowing everyone to relax, laugh and reflect on the adventures of the day. These quieter moments gave students a chance to connect on a different level, strengthening friendships and building a real sense of shared achievement.

While the trip was enormous fun, it was also a powerful learning experience. Students developed their ability to work as part of a team, learning how to listen, communicate and collaborate effectively. Many faced personal challenges — whether overcoming a fear of heights or trying something completely new — and showed great resilience and courage. Leadership skills emerged naturally, as students took turns guiding their groups, solving problems together and supporting one another through each activity. This kind of learning, outside the traditional classroom setting, is at the heart of the TY experience.

None of this would have been possible without the hard work and commitment of staff. A huge thank you to our TY Year Head Ms Hay and the TY Deputy Year Heads — Mr Micheál O’Sé, Ms Tracey Fleming and Ms Mairead Dullea — and Ms Catherine Helbrow, our Classroom Assistant, for their careful planning and support throughout the trip. We are also very grateful to all of the teachers who generously gave their time to travel with the groups and stay overnight, ensuring that students had both a wonderful time and a safe, well-organised experience.

The Ballyhass trip was far more than just an adventure. It gave students the chance to build confidence, develop lifelong skills and create memories they will carry with them well beyond TY. We look forward to seeing how they bring what they have learned on this trip into the rest of the year — and beyond.