School Visits

* We are unable to accommodate individual tours, visits are designed for Second level school groups.

** Please be aware that although our tours are free, our hardworking tour guides are paid. Cancellations result in loss of income so do not book unless you are certain of attendance.

*** Our programme is hugely over-subscribed, please do not create placeholder bookings or block book times you may not be available. This results in other schools missing out on the opportunity to visit the courts. Schools that engage in this may have their bookings cancelled.

Groups must be no more than 24 students with 2 accompanying teachers. The group will be split into two when attending court proceedings, with one teacher per group. 

Please use the above booking facility to schedule a guided tour by clicking on the arrow on the right hand side. The booking system will require contact details for one person when booking, and may appear as booking for one person (however this is for the entire group.)

On the day of your visit

• Assemble at the 'Schools Meeting Point' sign in the Great Hall in the Criminal Courts of Justice no later then 9.10 a.m. for the morning visit and 1.05 p.m. for the afternoon visit
• Members of the group should be in school uniform where appropriate
• Switch off all mobile phones
• Note that the taking of photographs inside the court building is prohibited
• We regret that we are unable to offer parking facilities, however street parking is available and the Phoenix Park is nearby.
• Please note that the canteen seating area on the first floor is for customers only. Seating should only be used if consuming food or drinks bought in the canteen.

Format of a visit

• A legal professional will meet your group and introduce you to the building and work carried out there
• You will be brought to a courtroom for further discussion and to take part in a mock trial (the details of which will be provided to you in advance of your visit)
• Approximately 15 minutes before a court hearing commences you will be directed to the relevant courtroom to observe a court in session
• Given that court proceedings can be long and protracted, we recommend that you stay in the court until 1.00 p.m. (for morning visits) and 4.00 p.m. (for afternoon visits) to afford yourself an opportunity to follow what is happening.

Every effort will be made to enable groups to also attend at a court hearing. However, the nature of court proceedings is such that there may be days when there are no suitable cases at hearing at the time of the visit. 

Note: There are no available tour dates during August and September when the courts are on long vacation. 

See below downloadable forms for use for guided tour.

	Teachers notes for mock trial
	Schools information leaflet