6th CLASS CASTLE MARTIN WALK

This year 6th class went to Castle Martin Lodge for our class outing. We met the caretaker Jim Kelly at the gates. Jim told us that the gates originally costed 18 old Irish pounds and to get the gates built now it woulds cost 50,000 euro. The gates were hand made and they are not allowed to get rid of them. The Lodge is owned now by the Malone family. 

As we walked down the avenue we saw breading mares. After that we went down the newly extended maple walk that is a 2.5 km loop. We saw a Bug Hotel that is really great for nature and the natural habitat. As wewalked down the maple walk , we saw builders building an Orngary, the first in Kildare. 

When we finished the maple walk we saw the private church. In the church we saw a beautiful organ based on the one in the National Concert Hall. As we left the church we went to the graveyard, then we went to the ice house. It was used to store food in many years ago. We also saw the boat house and the well which is Jim's next restoration project as well as planting many wild flowers. The well will be restored be next year.

Then we went to the gardens, Jim told us they were growing an orchard. As we walked on we went to the stables ,we saw thew horses and a big clock. The previous owners used to have the swimming pool now they have a fountain and a bit away from that they have a tennis court.

On behalf of all the 6th classes we would like to give a huge thanks to the Molones and Jim Kelly  for allowing us to go back this year. It was a priviledge to see the Estate and listen to Jim recount all he knew from his time there. 

By Marysia Bowens, Alisha Powell and Alex Connors.

6th Class Willow