Aidan Dockery
- Subject(s):
- Science, History, Geography
- Curriculum Strands:
- Story (History), Local Studies (History), Early people and ancient societies (History), Continuity and change over time (History), Myself and my Family (History), Human environments (Geography), Natural environments (Geography), Living things (Science), Energy and forces (Science)
- Counties catered for:
- Cavan, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Meath, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Westmeath
- Classes catered for:
- All Classes
A three- times All- Ireland winner in Recitation and Question- Time competitions,
Aidan has devoted a huge part of the last 50 years putting together one of the country's best collections of Irish stamps, coins, postcards,artefacts and commerorative booklets.
Hugely passionate about all things Irish, he has worked very hard at accumulating and organising his collection and is widely regarded as being a great authority on several aspects of Irish history, geography, literature, culture, music, sport, wildlife, etc. He has been widely commended for the easy and good- humoured way he is able to impart his knowledge to pupils and teachers alike.
Being a stamp and coin collector, Aidan keeps well up to date with important upcoming anniversaries and commemorations and personally attends many of these right throughout each year so that he is fully familiar with the topics he covers in his school visits. He shares his experience of these in a very relaxed manner which seems to hold the attention of pupils, young and old, making sure to have whatever commemorative books, souvenirs, etc. relating to the subject matter that are available. 2016 was a particularly busy year for this enthusiastic collector, who reckons he attended over 80 events in several different counties relating to the 1916 Easter Rising commemorations.
To add further significance to his presentations, Aidan is probably unique among those involved in the Heritage In Schools Scheme in that 2 of his uncles served in the British Army during WWI, one of whom was killed in the Battle of the Somme. Extraordinarily, their niece was married to one of main activists in the Kimmage Garrison of the Irish Volunteers who fought alongside Pearse and Connolly in the GPO during Easter Week 1916. Such are the complexities of Irish history!
Testimonials
"Very worthwhile visit from Aidan and children and staff really enjoyed it and gained lots of knowledge."
"Aidan's exhibition of books, memorabilia and story telling went down tremendously with all children and adults in our school."
"Aidan had a lovely manner with the children with great stories that the children found interesting and will remember."
"A lovely man with a fascinating personal link to his own and our nation's history. While undoubtedly, the information and materials were of greater interest to senior classes, given the content. Overall it was well received and enjoyable. Thanks to Aidan for coming to us."
"Pupils were very interested in the world war and other artefacts on display - Aidan had interesting stories about same which engaged the pupils"
"Aidan had a vast range of objects which he showed to the children. His passion for heritage was very obvious through his detailed presentation." - St Matthew's NS, Dublin
"The children enjoyed the history talks with Aidan. He had a fabulous selection of resources to show the children." - Scoil Naomh Iósaf, Wicklow
"Absolutely brilliant. Very interesting and informative. Children really enjoyed it." - Carysfort NS, Wicklow
"We all thoroughly enjoyed Aidan's visit to our school .It was very informative .The children were engaged and involved throughout the day .Thank you Aidan!"
"A wonderful hands on experience. the pupils relished it and totally became immersed in artefacts, relics and genuine pieces of history. a gentleman, fount of knowledge, patience and his delivery of information was through story and real life experiences. Super!!!!!!!!!!!" - St. Tiarnachs Primary School
"Aidan made it very interesting for the children by bringing the wartime to life with the use of artefacts and personal family stories." - St Mary's primary, Edenderry
"Aidan is very well informed on all aspects of his presentation. He delivers his presentation with great enthusiasm. Most memorable and impressive; a wonderful learning experience for all. Thank you." - Boyle Parochial School
"Aidan brought great enthusiasm to the school for his visit and the children were very excited about the visit prior to it by Aidan requesting they interact with the visit by bringing artefacts in with them. They interacted really well with Aidan and he had a great way with the children while imparting huge amounts of information. The children were engaged and interested and it was a very successful day." - St. Ronan's NS
"The pupils and teachers thoroughly enjoyed the visit and found the heritage specialist very interesting."
"The children enjoyed the history talks with Aidan. He had a fabulous selection of resources to show the children." - Scoil Naomh Iósaf
"Absolutely brilliant. Very interesting and informative. Children really enjoyed it." - Carysfort Mixed NS
"We all thoroughly enjoyed Aidan's visit to our school .It was very informative .The children were engaged and involved throughout the day .Thank you Aidan ."
"The pupils and teachers really enjoyed the recent visit of Heritage Specialist Mr. Aidan Dockery to our school. His presentations were engaging and informative. His vast collection of historical artefacts caught and held the attention of everyone in the room. These artefacts helped the children to better understand times gone by. Mr Dockery connected with the pupils and held their attention throughout the sessions. His poem "The Box" was thought-provoking and for many the highlight of the day. It was a pleasure to meet someone so enthused and excited by their work. We look forward to your next visit." - Our Lady of Mercy Primary School, Sligo
"Aidan was excellent. He was super." - Gaelscoil Cholmcille, Dublin
"We had the pleasure to welcome Aidan Dockery to our school yesterday. His input to the children was oustanding. From Jnr Infants to 6th Class he showed a versatility in dealing with children that every Principal desires from any outside speaker. He was informative, well resourced, interesting, empathetic and above all at ease and at one with his audience. Thank you Aidan." - Scoil Naomh Pádraig, Kildare
"The children really enjoyed this workshop and were thoroughly engaged throughout the entire presentation." - Anon.
"Aidan had a wonderful selection of artifacts and the pupils also brought in many themselves. The pupils were very interested and feedback from them was very positive." - Anon.
"Very professional and very enjoyable day." - St. Mary's NS, Wicklow
"Aidan is very well organized and it’s so obvious that he is extremely dedicated to this specialist topics. Very easy to deal with and accommodate. We knew what to expect as Aidan had been in close contact with the school prior to the visit. Very professional and worthwhile ." - St. Peter Apostle SNS, Dublin
"A very enjoyable visit from Aiden. He really piqued their interest with his storytelling and recitation abilities. Would highly recommend. Thank you very much." - St. Patrick's NS, Kilnaleck
"It was a great pleasure to host Aidan. He had a great range of artefacts to show the children and his stories were engaging and educational." - Glenasmole NS, Dublin
"Aidan's visit was very informative and interesting. He included all children and he was very engaging with the children. The children really enjoyed the hands-on and children commented that Aidan was very nice and kind to them. We were very impressed that he took the time to research our local area and even had a song about a local lake. His recitation of his poetry was outstanding - it was so emotional. Most impressed!" - St. Michael's NS, Westmeath
"The children gained so much . One day was not enough. I am booking Aidan for May also. Excellent provider." - Mullahoran NS, Cavan
"Aidan was an excellent facilitator. The children were very interested in his workshop and didn't even mind missing their break to work with him." - Anon.
"Excellent array of artefacts available for the visit. Children were very interested and thoroughly enjoyed this informative History workshop" - Anon.
"Thanks a million for a lovely, enjoyable and educational day Aidan. You were a fountain of knowledge. The day was enjoyed by teachers and pupils alike!" - Kiltartan NS, Galway
"The children thoroughly enjoy the day’s visit. The resources, Aidan’s knowledge, the interaction of the children and the library of leaflets & books on county Westmeath were second to none! It was an amazing day of interactive learning! Comhghairdeas!" - Anon.
Additional Information
- Provides in-person visits
- Caters for special needs
- Provides practical/hands-on activities
- Visits as Gaeilge
Contact Details
- Phone (Home):
- 071 96 38405
- Mobile:
- 087 4636231
- Email:
- aidan.dockery1@gmail.com