Sheila Forsey - Heritage Experts | Heritage in Schools

Sheila Forsey

Headshot Sheila Forsey
Ábha(i)r:
Eolaíocht, Stair, Tíreolas
Na gnéithe curaclam:
Story (History), Local Studies (History), Early people and ancient societies (History), Life, society, work and culture in the past (History), Continuity and change over time (History), Natural environments (Geography), Living things (Science)
Na contaetha a bhfreastalaíonn siad ar:
Ceatharlach, Baile Átha Cliath, Cill Chainnigh, Port Láirge, Loch Garman, Cill Mantáin
Ranganna a bhfreastalaíonn siad ar:
Gach rang

Cuairt beo a cuir in áirithe


Be transported into Ireland’s evocative past with historical fiction novelist and playwright Sheila Forsey.

Sheila is intrigued by Ireland’s past and her workshops will transport students on a magic carpet to ancient Ireland through the lens of story. She creates a holistic learning experience fostering a deep appreciation of heritage, culture, nature and sense of place.

Workshops are tailor-made to suit either a classroom visit, or a field trip to places of historical or local interest.

Please note Sheila visits schools in the south side of Dublin only.

  • Invite your students to travel back to the 1920s and experience life in Dublin through the eyes of Nora, a spirited woman living with her five children and their mischievous cat, in a tenement house during the dawn of the Irish Free State. This original piece of immersive theatrical storytelling explores the daily struggles, resilience, and spirit of ordinary people in a rapidly changing Ireland. Designed to be interactive and age-appropriate with the context changing for each class.
  • "Nora’s Tenement Life" offers something for every student. Younger children will enjoy the playful antics of Nora’s cat, while older students will be encouraged to delve deeper into the social and historical context, reflecting on Ireland's past and its relevance to today.
  • This flexible performance can travel from class to class throughout the day, making it perfect for schools with limited space and can offer a workshop element if desired.

Bring the past to life in your classroom through the art of storytelling. Meet Sheila, a writer and storyteller who carries Ireland’s rich traditions through words and voice. Sheila invites children into the world of Irish story, tracing its roots back through time to the ancient legends of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the mythical people said to have shaped Ireland’s earliest tales.

Through vivid storytelling, Sheila explores how stories were passed from generation to generation -shared by firesides, across landscapes, and through memory. She weaves together tales of heroes, goddesses, the land, and the changing seasons, helping children understand how story is deeply connected to place, nature, and identity in Ireland.

In this workshop, Sheila guides children through the cycle of the year as seen through Irish tradition, using storytelling, discussion, and creative engagement. Pupils don’t just listen -they imagine, reflect, and connect with the stories that have shaped Ireland’s cultural heritage.


Curriculum Connections

This storytelling workshop supports the curriculum by:

· History – Exploring myths, legends, and traditions of Ireland’s past.
· Geography & Science – Understanding the seasons and the natural world through story.
· SPHE – Encouraging respect for heritage, place, and community.
· Drama & Oral Languag
e – Building confidence in listening, speaking, and expression.
· Arts Education
– Inspiring imagination through narrative and creativity.

What to Expect
· Live Storytelling – Engaging, expressive storytelling led by Sheila.
· Ancient Legends – Discover stories rooted in Ireland’s earliest mythological traditions.
· Creative Engagement
– Opportunities for discussion, imagination, and response.
· Classroom-Friendly
– Flexible and designed to suit any school setting.

“A storytelling journey through Ireland’s past—where ancient voices echo and imagination brings them to life.”

Teistiméireachtaí

  • "Each and every student thoroughly enjoyed Sheila's visit, her character Nora brought the past to life. They were transported to a very different time in Ireland from the present." - Lurga NS, Galway
  • "Sheila was really good with the children. She was very kind and delivered content in a very sensitive and age appropriate way. Kids really believed she was Nora from the 1920s." - Ballindangan NS, Cork
Tuilleadh →
  • "The children really enjoyed the visit. Sheila brought history alive in the classroom." - St. Fintan's BNS, ,Laois
  • "Sheila was fantastic and so engaged with the children." - Ballymurn NS, Wexford
  • "The children were very engaged." - St. Aidans NS, Kilkenny
  • "Sheila worked very well with all the children. She was well-prepared and her content was very visual. The children enjoyed learning about Irish myths and legends and learned lots of new vocabulary. The younger children particularly enjoyed discussing the fairies. They all really enjoyed the interactive part of the workshop which involved leaf printing and painting with leaf stems and sticks recreating painting techniques from long ago. Our AS children struggled with the listening element of the workshop but they really enjoyed the hands-on part involving leaf printing and painting. I would be happy to recommend Sheila's workshop to a colleague/another teacher." - Holy Spirit GNS, Dublin
  • "Sheila was absolutely amazing. Her ability to engage the children in the story of Nora from the Tenements was fantastic!" - St Brigid's NS Coon
  • "Junior classes loved Sheila's performance" - Scoil Naisiunta Muire Lourdes, Carlow
  • "Excellent facilitator- children really enjoyed the visit." - Lacken NS, Wicklow
  • "Sheila was fantastic. She engaged brilliantly and kept the interest of the pupils from Junior Infants to 6th Class, all throughout the sessions. Sheila made the sessions informative and fun and tailored specifically to each class group. It was very enjoyable and the teachers found it to be a wonderful resource." - Drumphea NS, Carlow

Tuilleadh Eolais

  • Cuireann sé/sí cuairteanna beo ar siúil
  • Cuireann sé/sí turas allamuigh ar siúil

Teagmháil

Fón póca:
0876338027
Seoladh ríomhphoist:
sheila.forsey@gmail.com
Seoladh an tsuímh ghréasáin:
sheilaforsey.com