Andrew O'Donnell and Max Wall were among a group of classmates who arrived in Greece last week to mark the closing of their school careers.
Travelling to Ios, the two students had chosen the island as the place where they would celebrate the end of their Leaving Certificate exams.
For decades, it has become a rite of passage for young people from Ireland - north and south - to travel to Ios where weeks or months are spent.
Regarded as the number one party island in the Mediterranean sea during the summer season, thousands of young people flock to the area from all over the world every summer.
Renowned for attracting young people from Ireland for several decades, the Republic's Department of Foreign Affairs believes as many as 1,000 Irish people are currently on the island.
Flying to Athens, visitors must then board a boat for a seven-hour journey to the idyllic island.
Located between Naxos and Santorini, first impressions of Ios reveal a typical port village with little restaurants and cafes dotted around.
But as daylight fades, it becomes evident that is a haven for young people.
By evening, it transforms into an oasis of pool parties, nightclubs, bars with dancing to late.
For many teenagers, they book a package holiday option as their way of getting to Ios.
Advertised as part of 'Leaving Cert celebrations', groups leave Ireland in the last week of June or first week of July to travel to Ios.
As part of the popular deals, the students are offered accommodation, party packages and discounts for bars, restaurants and water sports.
A popular tourist destination due to the beaches, sunny weather, scenery and nightlife - it is evident why Ios would attract thousands of young people from Ireland every year.
But it is devastating that for some, their trip of a lifetime will end in tragedy.
