Transition Year students across Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare will have access to a broad programme of educational, cultural and outdoor activities during the 2026/27 school year. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has released a new brochure highlighting opportunities designed to help teenagers build practical skills while discovering their local area.
The programme supports independent learning, confidence-building and communication through experiences that extend well beyond the classroom. From mountain biking and water sports to theatre, science and heritage, the activities offer schools a varied way to plan memorable Transition Year schedules.
Dublin news: what the Transition Year brochure includes
Published on 7 September 2026, the brochure brings together activity providers in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and neighbouring counties. It is intended for Transition Year classes in post-primary schools and outlines educational experiences suitable for group visits.
Students can explore the Dublin Mountains with Hilltop Treks, investigate local history at Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre or learn about sustainability at Airfield Estate and Urban Farm. Other options include guided visits around Dublin Bay, including its UNESCO Biosphere, and maritime learning at the National Maritime Museum.
Outdoor learning and adventure
The selection includes a strong focus on physical activity and teamwork. Students can try stand-up paddleboarding, coasteering, kayaking, sailing, kite surfing, wing foiling and high-speed boat tours. Zipit offers ziplining in Tibradden Wood, while GAP provides access to downhill mountain biking trails in Glencullen.
- Mountain biking and guided cycling at Ticknock and other locations
- Dry-slope skiing at Kilternan
- Water-based activities with local sailing and adventure providers
- Team challenges and automated games at GoQuest
These experiences can help students develop resilience, cooperation and confidence in unfamiliar settings.
Culture, science and creative experiences
The brochure also features activities for students interested in creativity, technology and discovery. Explorium National Sports & Science Centre offers opportunities to connect science with sport, while Zero Latency in Sandyford provides immersive virtual reality experiences.
Young performers can explore theatre programmes at dlr Mill Theatre, watch international films at Pavilion Theatre or learn about food preparation at Dublin Cookery School. Mushroomstuff offers a forest-based introduction to fungi and foraging, and the Spring of Heritage programme provides additional ways to explore the region’s cultural legacy.
How schools can use the 2026/27 programme
Teachers and school coordinators can use the brochure to compare activities, plan class outings and match experiences with Transition Year learning goals. Availability, pricing, age suitability and booking arrangements should be confirmed directly with each provider before final plans are made.
For wider local coverage, read more in Dublin news and community updates from Daily Digest.
Why experiential learning matters
Transition Year gives students room to explore interests and develop skills that may not emerge through traditional lessons alone. Practical activities can strengthen communication, encourage curiosity and introduce learners to possible study, career and community pathways.
The 2026/27 brochure reflects the variety available across the capital and surrounding counties, combining recreation with structured learning. It also gives schools an opportunity to support local tourism, heritage and educational providers.
Explore more local stories and school-focused developments through Daily Digest’s Dublin coverage.
Key takeaway
The new Transition Year opportunities brochure gives schools a single starting point for planning engaging activities in 2026/27. With options spanning outdoor adventure, science, culture, sustainability and sport, the programme offers students practical ways to learn, collaborate and build confidence across the region.
