Exploring Dublin Through Art: A Class Visit to the National Gallery of Ireland
At IH Dublin, learning extends far beyond the classroom. This week, teacher Vladimir took his group on a cultural excursion to the National Gallery of Ireland, where students explored one of the city’s most fascinating and emotionally powerful artworks. Experiences like this form an important part of our teaching approach, helping students connect language learning with real cultural moments around Dublin.
A Painting with a Story to Tell
The highlight of the visit was Frederic William Burton’s celebrated watercolour Hellelil and Hildebrand, the Meeting on the Turret Stairs. Inspired by a medieval Danish ballad, the painting tells the tragic story of Hellelil, a princess, and Hildebrand, her bodyguard and forbidden lover. When their relationship is discovered, Hellelil’s father sends her seven brothers to kill Hildebrand.
Burton captures the couple’s final meeting on the castle stairs in a moment filled with silence, tension, and emotion. The painting is often described as haunted by love and loss, with much of its power coming from everything left unsaid.
A Hidden Treasure in Dublin
Many visitors are surprised to learn that this watercolour is one of Dublin’s best-kept artistic secrets. To preserve its delicate condition, the National Gallery displays the painting for only a short period each week. It can be viewed on Thursdays from 11:30 to 12:30 and Sundays from 14:00 to 15:00. These limited viewing hours add to its mystique and make the experience even more special.
Learning Language Through Culture
Excursions like this are part of how we enrich our programmes at IH Dublin. By engaging with art, history, and culture outside the classroom, students practise their English in authentic contexts, develop deeper cultural awareness, and build confidence through shared experiences. Whether exploring galleries, landmarks, or cultural events, these activities bring the language to life in meaningful ways.
Teacher Vladimir’s group returned inspired not only by the painting itself but also by the story, atmosphere, and emotions it explores. It was a memorable lesson that blended art appreciation with language development, showing how culture can be a powerful tool in the learning process.
Discover Dublin, Learn English
From artistic treasures to historic streets, Dublin provides endless opportunities for students to connect with the language in engaging and immersive ways. At IH Dublin, we are proud to incorporate these experiences into our teaching, ensuring that students learn English while also discovering the rich cultural landscape around them.
If you are curious to see Hellelil and Hildebrand yourself, plan a visit to the National Gallery during its limited display hours. You may find that this beautifully eerie masterpiece stays with you long after you leave.