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The end of August is drawing near, the days are gradually getting shorter and the atmosphere of the new school year is slowly setting in. Whilst in France this time of year immediately brings to mind the rush to buy school supplies, our Irish neighbours experience it in a very different way!
In Ireland, the start of the new school year is a unique blend of time-honoured traditions, cultural pride and a good dose of Celtic hospitality.
Take a look behind the scenes of the Irish start to the new school year through three strong traditions, which you can incorporate into your own daily life as much as you like.
The Transition Year: the art of taking a constructive break at the age of 15
This is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable features of the Irish education system, which was gradually introduced from the 1970s onwards. In many schools, at the age of 15 or 16 – between the equivalent of our ‘brevet’ and the dreaded Leaving Certificate (the Irish equivalent of the baccalaureate) – teenagers experience a completely unconventional start to the school year: they enter Transition Year (TY).
For a year, the traditional academic curriculum and the pressure of grades are put to one side. The new school year doesn’t begin with exercise books, but with life plans. The young people plan work placements, get involved in humanitarian work, learn first aid and cooking, or take up acting.
What we can learn from them: The spirit of the Transition Year knows no age limits! What if this September were the perfect opportunity for you, too, to set yourself a new personal challenge? Sign up for a Celtic art workshop, plan a road trip to the Emerald Isle or learn Gaelic? The start of the new term is a great time to broaden your horizons!
September’s tea time: the ultimate comfort
In Ireland, tea is not just a drink; it is a cure-all, and Ireland is one of the world’s biggest tea-consuming countries. Faced with the early chill of late September afternoons and the stress of going back to school, Irish families naturally gather round the table for tea time, both at the start of the school year and throughout the year.
At the heart of this ritual, people share thick slices of soda bread (the famous traditional bread with a dense crumb, leavened with bicarbonate of soda and buttermilk) generously spread with salted butter, or scones fresh from the oven. This is the moment when generations come together to talk about their day, listen to the younger ones and ease the transition into autumn in a warm and cosy atmosphere.
What we can learn from them: The art of cosy relaxation. Introduce a ‘tea and snacks’ session at home at the end of the day to catch up with your loved ones, or simply treat yourself to a reading break, away from the hustle and bustle of the start of the new school term!
School uniforms: a tradition that is still deeply rooted
If you’re travelling to Ireland in early September, you’ll be struck by the sight of primary and secondary school pupils in uniform. From primary to secondary school, everyone proudly wears their school colours: a blazer embroidered with a crest, a shirt, a tie and dark trousers or a skirt. Although it isn’t compulsory at all schools, it remains very common.
This sartorial tradition fosters a sense of equality, but it also reflects the Irish people’s appreciation for high-quality, well-tailored and durable clothing.
What we can borrow from them: The ‘Back to School’ look, for adults! September is the perfect time to refresh your mid-season wardrobe! Embrace the timeless elegance of a tweed jacket or the cosiness of an authentic Aran wool jumper – two iconic pieces of Irish fashion, perfect for braving the first September breezes in style!
To kick off the new season in the spirit of the Irish way of life, pop into your favourite Le Comptoir Irlandais shop. Exceptional teas, traditional delicacies and high-quality Aran knitwear await you, helping you start the season on a gentle and authentic note.
Written by M. Corcelle
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