Members of Age Friendly Roscrea visit Cork in May 2025.
Age Friendly Roscrea works collaboratively to nurture connections and provide services to improve the lives of older people in Roscrea. Developing skills in technology is part of this strategy.
As part of this initiative, Tipperary ETB was asked to set up a class to help people learn about technology, particularly their smart phones.
How the learning turned into an idea for the trip
During the learning process, everyone started using Google Maps to understand distance and time taken to get from A to B. Learners also engaged with city distances; how long it would take to walk from A to B as opposed to driving or taking public transport.
They also started to use the Internet to research different tourist attractions in Cork city as some of the learners are originally from Cork. The English market was researched for its history as was the Lewis Glucksman gallery out in UCC.
The learners started to use Play Store/Appstore to download apps. One app downloaded was Iarnród Eireann so that timetables could be reviewed and rail tickets and seats could be booked.
The learners have also learned how to message on WhatsApp and have now set up a WhatsApp group. As well as learning this technical skill, this also provided an added security and would minimise any risks during an outing as everyone is easily contactable.
The Trip
On a beautiful sunny May morning, after much planning and preparation, we set off from Roscrea train station with a very enthusiastic group of learners.
The trip included:
- A visit to the English Market – established in 1788 and is one of the oldest and most iconic markets in Ireland. It’s a beautiful building with a fascinating history, and visiting it feels like stepping back in time.
- A trip on the city tour bus (Hop-on Hop-off) to learn about the history of Cork City as we passed by landmarks such as the Victorian Quarter, Shandon Cathedral, Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral and Cork City Gaol.
- And where would a trip to Cork be without visiting the statue of Michael Collins on South Mall.
Our trip to Cork was a great success with a combination of educational inclusion, historical fact finding, IT skill updates and a community of spirit which was wonderful.
