Schools across the capital have a fresh selection of practical, creative and outdoor experiences to consider for the 2026/27 Transition Year programme. The new guide from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council brings together opportunities for students in Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare.
Published on 7 September 2026, the brochure is designed to help post-primary schools plan meaningful activities that extend learning beyond the classroom. The programme supports independent learning, technical and academic development, communication skills and confidence-building.
Dublin news: A broader choice for Transition Year students
The opportunities cover adventure sports, heritage, science, sustainability, culture and entrepreneurship. Students can explore the Dublin Mountains, discover the history of Dalkey, or learn about the capital’s marine environment through guided experiences on Dublin Bay.
Among the listed activities are:
- Mountain biking, ziplining, paddleboarding and coasteering
- Science and sports programmes at Explorium in Sandyford
- Food and environmental learning at Airfield Estate and Urban Farm
- Drama and performance opportunities at dlr Mill Theatre and Pavilion Theatre
- Maritime and heritage tours at the National Maritime Museum and Dalkey Castle
- Cooking courses, mushroom foraging and sailing activities
The brochure also highlights experiences such as dry-slope skiing in Kilternan, virtual reality gaming in Sandyford, team challenges at GoQuest and guided boat trips through Dublin Bay’s UNESCO Biosphere.
Learning through real-world experiences
Transition Year is intended to give students space to develop interests and practical abilities outside the traditional academic timetable. The activities listed by the council allow participants to work in teams, solve problems, communicate with instructors and gain confidence in unfamiliar settings.
For schools planning future education pathways, these experiences may also help students understand subjects connected to tourism, environmental science, hospitality, engineering, sport and the creative arts. They offer an accessible introduction to the wider world of work while keeping learning active and engaging.
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Planning a TY programme for 2026/27
Schools can use the council’s downloadable TY 2026 brochure to compare providers and identify activities that match their students’ interests, accessibility needs and learning goals. Advance planning will be particularly important for popular outdoor, water-based and adventure activities.
Parents and students should speak with their school about available options, consent requirements, costs, transport arrangements and weather-related plans. Providers may also have their own age, group-size or safety conditions.
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Conclusion
This latest Dublin news gives Transition Year students a varied menu of ways to learn, collaborate and build confidence. From heritage and sustainability to adventure sports and science, the 2026/27 guide shows how education can extend across the city and its surrounding counties. Schools should review the brochure early and choose activities that turn curiosity into practical experience.
