Sheila Forsey - Heritage Experts | Heritage in Schools

Sheila Forsey

Headshot Sheila Forsey
Subject(s):
Science, History, Geography
Curriculum Strands:
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)
Counties catered for:
Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow
Classes catered for:
All Classes

Book in-person visit


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.

  • 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 with immersive theatre. Meet Bríd, the storyteller of the Druids, a wise woman who has walked Ireland’s hills and forests for centuries. Bríd tends the sacred groves, watches the stars, and keeps the stories of the land alive. She lives close to the rhythms of nature, gathering herbs, marking the seasons, and remembering the tales of heroes, goddesses, and the turning year.

In this workshop, Bríd guides children through the Celtic Wheel of the Year, exploring the great festivals. through performance, storytelling, and interactive activities, pupils don’t just hear Ireland’s myths and traditions -they step into them, helping Bríd bring the stories alive.

Curriculum Connections

This immersive theatre workshop supports the curriculum by:

-History - Exploring myths and traditions of Ireland’s past.

-Geography & Science -Understanding the seasons and cycles of nature.

-SPHE -Promoting respect for heritage, nature, and community.

-Drama & Oral Language -Building confidence, creativity, and expression.

-Arts Education - Engaging imagination through story and performance.

What to Expect

-Immersive Theatre: A live performance where children actively participate.

-Seasonal Stories: Explore the Celtic festivals and their meanings.

-Interactive Learning: Rituals, and “hidden stories” revealed through props.

-Classroom-Friendly: Portable, flexible, and designed to fit every school setting.

“An immersive theatre journey into Ireland’s stories and seasons -where children don’t just watch, they step into the past.”

Testimonials

  • "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
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  • "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

Additional Information

  • Provides in-person visits
  • Provides field trips

Contact Details

Mobile:
0876338027
Email:
sheila.forsey@gmail.com
Website:
sheilaforsey.com