by Jack Quinn (with apologies to The Lovin' Spoonful!)

Well, it looks like the summer has passed us by once again, and though, as usual, it felt all too short, we still managed to squeeze a whole lot of fun out of it…

The Dublin School of English summer centre was hopping with students of all ages from all over the world out in St Andrew’s College by the sea in Booterstown.  English classes in the morning were followed by an extensive programme of activities and excursions.  The great thing about St Andrew’s campus is its sports facilities.  With all-weather football pitches and tennis courts, an enormous gym, a hall for drama or concerts and a fully-equipped arts and crafts room, the students were kept busy in the afternoons.

Other afternoons were spent visiting all kinds of fun places such as the swimming pool, bowling, Quazar laser game, museums, galleries, scenic walks and places of historical interest. Every Saturday we headed off down the country for the whole day to interesting places all over Ireland: Dunmore Caves were particularly cool, and Ferrycarraig National Heritage Park was also a big hit with the kids -  to name but two!  One Saturday we even popped in to Dublin Zoo to say hello to the zebras, giraffes and elephants. (we could insert thumbnail photos of these places here maybe…)

Highlights of the summer were when Dan O'Sullivan and his Irish Dance Party crew came to the school and put on a concerts followed by an hour-long dance class where everyone learned how to Irish dance.  One of our students; a Belgian named Viviane Jallet, who was taking tin whistle lesson with Dan in DSE in the afternoons, got up and played a tune with the band.  Another memorable afternoon was when magician Pat Fallon came to the school and put on an awesome magic show – no rabbits were harmed during his highly entertaining show!

One of the evenings we all headed in to The Auld Dubliner Pub in Temple Bar for the DSE Summer Singalong.  This was great craic with The Barstool Boys providing up-beat traditional Irish pub songs.  There was a lot of singing and clapping and we got it all on camera…

So check out this Youtube video on our Youtube channel DSEYou for a taste of summer Dublin School of English style.  And while you’re at it, why not becomes a friend of ours on Facebook?  Just follow this link www.facebook.com/dublin.school.of.english and you’ll be able to see all the students photo albums and stuff.  It’s also a great way to stay in touch with everyone and keep up-to-date with what’s going on in Dublin and DSE.