Over 60 heritage centres have been opened up to class groups - free of charge. Teachers are being encouraged by Duchas, the heritage service, to take school groups on educational visits to sites of importance around the country.

From the start of the year, free admission has been granted to school groups who are prepared to undertake educational work at whichever heritage site they have chosen.

With over 60 sites dotted at various points around the State, the intention is to encourage greater integration of the site visit with classroom work. Sites are equipped with audio-visual and multi-media equipment as well as presentation boards, posters and leaflets. Teachers are expected to plan lessons around the class visit.

Contact should be made by the teacher with the site in question in order to book in advance. If the site is closed, teachers are advised to ring Duchas at (01) 6472461/2 and talk to Una McDermott or Aisling Mahon.