News

The Heritage Council provides ongoing support for Forest School programmes in 2023 through the Heritage in Schools Scheme

The advantages of Forest School are evident now more than ever when the benefits of the outdoor classroom and nature are at an all-time high. As Forest School meets the aims and objectives of the Heritage in Schools programme the Heritage Council will continue to support programmes in 2023. The programme will be offered by certified Forest School Leaders through the Heritage in Schools Scheme. In 2023 the Heritage Council will fund two Forest School initiatives through Heritage in Schools:

Travelling Voices premiere

A great afternoon this week in Enniscorthy Library at the screening and launch of "Travelling Voices" - a 20 minute video filmed in July and August, 2022 highlighting the rich culture and heritage of the travelling community in Co. Wexford. The film, which was filmed and produced by Heritage in Schools Specialist Rachel Uí Fhaoláin (Ceol Mo Chroí) and Digital Storyteller/Filmmaker John Ó Faoláin (Traditional Archive Channel), explores the rich culture of the Travelling Community in Wexford. The film was funded by The Heritage Council through our Heritage in Schools programme. Watch it here https://youtu.be/MNn8SThnDF0

Free Heritage in Schools visits for Science Week 13-20 November 2022

Calling all primary schools! To celebrate Science Week Ireland we're providing FREE #HeritageinSchools visits between 13-20 November! Browse our Directory of Heritage Specialists, contact a Specialist to agree date and submit your booking through our online booking page. For more info: mwalsh@heritagecouncil.ie

Heritage in Schools - open for bookings

The Heritage in Schools Scheme is open for bookings for the period September - December 2022. Bookings for 2023 will be accepted from January.

Free Heritage in Schools visits for National Biodiversity Week 2022

To celebrate National Biodiversity Week 2022 the Heritage Council is offering free Heritage in Schools visit to primary schools between 13 and 22 May.

Return to the outdoor classroom for Heritage in Schools

In September, the Heritage Council launched a blended Heritage in Schools programme – a mix of outdoor, in-person and virtual visits. To celebrate this long-awaited return to the outdoor classroom, and as a way of supporting teachers and students at a time when the benefits of nature and the outdoors are at an all-time high, the programme is being offered FREE to schools for a limited period before the end of 2021.

Launch of national pilot programme ‘Heritage Keepers’

On Monday 15th November, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Malcolm Noonan, joined Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of The Heritage Council, Maria Walsh, Heritage in Schools Programme Manager and Mary Dillon, Community Programmes Manager with Burrenbeo Trust to launch ‘Heritage Keepers’, a new pilot national Place Based Learning and Stewardship initiative.

School Backyard BioBlitz - Results

To celebrate National Biodiversity Week 2021 we ran a School Backyard BioBlitz from 20-28 May.

School Backyard BioBlitz

To celebrate National Biodiversity Week 2021 we're running a School Backyard BioBlitz from 20-28 May.

Virtual Heritage in Schools - pilot programme

This new pilot virtual programme will be offered to primary schools in counties Donegal and Kilkenny over an eight week period from 28 September to 20 November. The programme will offer a mix of pre-recorded and live interactive sessions for children and teachers.

History of site of Letterkenny Public Library, County Donegal

History of site of Letterkenny Public Library, County Donegal (By Reiltin O’Neill, age 12, Kilmuckridge National School)

Heritage in Schools - competition winners

Winners of our June competition will receive a €50 One4All voucher (for themselves) and a free visit from a Heritage in Schools Expert (for their school).