Visit

Book an educational visit to Parliament Buildings, or a virtual visit to your classroom, via MS Teams.

Programmes are available for primary and secondary school groups, youth groups and university groups. The school visits programme supports the Northern Ireland Curriculum and subject specifications in the areas of Citizenship/Learning for Life and Work, Government and Politics, and History. On request, we can tailor a programme to suit students of other subjects, for example, Geography and Economics.

We also offer special programmes for School Councils, Eco-councils and Rights Respecting Schools.

What to expect from a visit

Your programme will be delivered by one of our Education Officers. It will involve:

  • an interactive presentation on the Northern Ireland Assembly; and
  • a tour of Parliament Building, including a visit to the Assembly Chamber Public Gallery on sitting days (subject to available seating) or a visit to the floor of the Chamber on non-sitting days (Wednesday to Friday)

The programme may also include one or more of the following, depending your group’s needs:

  • a mock election or law-making activity;
  • a Q & A session with MLAs; or
  • an address by a member of Assembly staff, for example, a Committee Clerk.

How long does a visit last?

Primary and Key Stage 3 & 4 programmes last for 1.5 hours and may be booked to begin at 10.00 am, 10.30 am, 11 am on Mondays to allow visit to Public Gallery at 12 midday or 12.30 pm. The programme for post-16 groups may last up to 3 hours.

How do I book a visit?

There are two ways to book an educational visit:

  1. Contact us at the Education Service. We will arrange a visit for you.
  2. Ask any MLA to sponsor your visit. Tell them you want to visit Parliament Buildings as part of the Education Programme and they will contact us. You can get in touch with MLAs through their offices in Parliament Buildings or their constituency offices. For details please contact us.

Please note that, with suitable advance notice, we can provide the Education Programme in Irish. Please mention this requirement when booking.

What can I do to prepare for a visit?

  • read the relevant section of the website (age-specific)
  • use the resources and activities here on our website;
  • find out who your MLAs are;
  • think about and discuss the issues that concern you and the group;
  • watch the news and read newspapers for stories about the Assembly; and
  • if your visit involves meeting an MLA, prepare questions about the work of an MLA and issues that interest you.

Why not extend your visit?

The Department of Finance, which runs the Stormont Estate public park has created a series of adventure trails which showcase the rich biodiversity of the woodlands and give visitors a brief history of the Estate.

Each trail should take about half an hour to complete and can be navigated using a trail map. The maps can be downloaded here or we can supply them when you take part in our education programme.

Adventure awaits, go find it!

Further information can be obtained by contacting Stormont Estate Management Unit via phone 028 90378103 or alternatively email StormontEMU@finance-ni.gov.uk

You can also extend your visit to Parliament Buildings with an orienteering challenge.

How to get to Parliament Buildings

Directions

The video below 'Access to Parliament Buildings' explains what first time visitors can expect during their visit to Parliament Buildings and includes information about:

  • accessing the estate
  • parking and security arrangements
  • public tours and
  • facilities within Parliament Buildings and Stormont Estate.

 

Watch this video to find out what to expect from an educational visit to Parliament Buildings:

Accessible toilets

Accessible toilets are available throughout the building. Staff will show you where they are.

Changing Places toilet

There is a Changing Places toilet on the ground floor. Changing places toilets are different to standard accessible toilets as they have extra features and more space.

Features in this toilet include a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench; a tracking hoist system; and adequate space for the disabled peson and up to two carers.

Hearing Loop locations

Hearing loops are installed in the Great Hall, Assembly and Senate Chambers and our education room. Portable hearing loops are available upon request.

Sensory Issues at Parliament Buildings

The fire alarm is tested every Friday morning at 9:30am.