Acmhainní do Mhúinteoirí

This booklet explores Ireland's wetland wildlife - everything from dragonflies, butterflies, frogs and newts to wetland birds, right up to our largest carnivore - the otter.

In the twentieth century, concrete walls gradually replaced traditional stone walls. In the past, the building material for walls was stone, usually from local quarries. Download the Old Stone Walls information sheet below for more information.

Let the children explore continuity and change over time by discussing these old ads and the difference in prices between now and then.

Notice Nature is Ireland's public awareness campaign on biodiversity which aims to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity and to encourage everyone to play their part in its protection. Their website has a great resource section for children which includes live animal web-cams, posters, information, games and puzzles.

My First Book of Irish Animals is written by our very own Heritage Expert, Juanita Browne! The book is aimed at introducing young children to the wonderful world of Irish wildlife.  Filled with fascinating facts and beautiful illustrations by Irish artist, Aoife Quinn, this book will capture the imagination of young children.

The Book of Kells is the most famous hand-coloured book in the world. This great publication gives you the chance to colour some of the drawings as the monks did over a thousand years ago. Choose from over 60 drawings of heavenly figures, Biblicial characters, fantastic creatures, animal and bird designs and Celtic lettering - to create your own little masterpieces.

Pop-up cards are a popular and often enchanting way of drawing ideas together or giving people a chance to integrate their new knowledge of an idea or a place into a quick creative form. There are lots and lots of folds and movements you can use.

This book is quick and easy to make, yet still offers flexibility and potential for children to create their own unique versions. They can be used for everything from storytelling to making guidebooks about a local wood or museum, what they put into your book is up to you!

Pupils can bring these handy little sheets out and about with them on their nature walks, encouraging them to engage with the environment around them. Activities include Bird Food Bingo, Leaf Hunting Sheet and Wild-Day Out.

Bugs! In all shapes and sizes, big ones, small ones, long one, tall ones, slow ones, quick ones, with over 1 million known species, it’s time we got to know our neighbours a little better.

Trees are more than just a place for birds to rest! They give air, food, shelter, warmth. It may look like trees just stand around and do nothing. Actually, they are very busy doing a variety of jobs that are essential to animals and the environment.

Fun ideas for hands-on architectural projects for 8-12 year olds, including building a paper 'pet-house' and different styles of architectural columns.

The UK's Natural Environment White Paper - The Natural Choice: Securing the Value of Nature sets out the need to strengthen the connection between people and nature, and gives an explicit call for every child in England to be given the opportunity to experience and learn about the natural environment.

There are several medieval churches still to be seen in Kilkenny City. St. Canice’s Cathedral is the most complete. It is called a cathedral because it was built as the principal church of the diocese. It was the special church of the Bishop of Ossory and he had his seat there. This was an actual chair which was called cathedra in Latin. St. Mary’s Church was the Parish Church of Kilkenny in the middle ages

The city of Kilkenny is built on the River Nore. The name 'Nore' in Irish is An Fheoir, which probably means the boundary. The river rises far to the north in the Slieve Bloom Mountains between counties Laois and Offaly. The monastery, cathedral and small town which existed before the Norman invasion was built on the west bank of the river. Today the Nore is crossed by three bridges – Green’s Bridge, John’s Bridge and Ossory Bridge.

iSPY Nature aims to encourage young Irish people to get involved with nature and wildlife. Apart from providing a great range of photos, resources and project ideas, users can record their own wildlife sightings and notes on the interactive site.

Why not plant some clover or other plants that will attract bumble bees into the school garden? There are lots of other tips and tricks for turning your school garden in to a ‘hive of activity’ on the website too! 

Irish history has a cast of millions of characters, but every now and then one lad or lady sticks out as truly heroic. It’s time for Neil Delamere to take on Ireland’s Heroes. From the legendary warrior, Cúchulainn to the pirate queen, Gráinne Mhaol, Neil wants to get inside their skin and see if he has what it takes to be a modern day Irish Hero. Spoiler alert: He doesn’t.

A high cross is a free-standing Christian cross made of stone and often richly decorated. They were raised primarily in Ireland and Britain during the Early Middle Ages and sometimes later. They often, though not always, feature a stone ring around the intersection, forming a Celtic Christian cross.

This policy document deals with the recognition, reporting and management of child safety concerns and will assist anyone working on behalf of the Heritage Council in having due regard for the rights and interests of children.

Lots of fun and colourful activity sheets relating to healthy eating.

The Arts Council have published a useful document in relation to taking and using photographs of children.

Fun for younger age groups with simple, step-by-step instructions for growing the first letter of a child's name using corn seed!