Tanned and freckled faces peered out as us tonight as we visited the houses at the end of the day's activities.
We had a truly Mediterranean day at the beach -golden sands, warm, gentle waters and endless sunshine. After a morning's work in Irish school it was just the tonic. (Not that Irish school was such a slog- they were introduced to the great Irish art of storytelling, which they thoroughly enjoyed.)
On Carrickfin Beach they swam, climbed on the great rocks jutting out into the North Atlantic, entered the sandcastle competition, ran the egg and spoon and wheelbarrow races and lazed about on the sand.

It's great to see and get to know the kids away from the tensions and busyness built into everyday school time.  They are funny, friendly, inquisitive and so relaxed.
And by the end of the day they were also very tired.   I have a feeling that tonight their houses have fallen quiet early with nothing to be heard except gentle snoring until breakfast time tomorrow!