School Tours in Roscommon

Planning your School Tour in County Roscommon

When planning a school tour, there is a checklist that one must inevitably go through:

• Cost
• Journey duration and traffic issues
• Will the students have a good time, and will they come away with something new learned
• Can our destination handle a large group of students

When each of these issues is considered, the usual avenues present themselves as viable options for the tour, oftentimes centring on the many, admittedly, excellent attractions located in our capital city. However, as the day unfolds, the likelihood of Dublin's traffic slightly dampening the enjoyment of the day out rears its ugly head.

As a result, this piece wishes to provide a more relaxed, but equally as enjoyable and informative, alternative for the traditional, often Dublin-centric, school tour.

So, starting in the south of this beautiful and culturally abundant county, let me outline some of the fantastic options available for your next school tour.

Athlone Castle

Located on the western bank of the 'Broad Majestic Shannon', Athlone Castle and its associated Interpretative Centre is an visually stunning exhibition which brings the turbulent history of Athlone to life before your eyes. An excellent option for all sizes of tour, its central location allows for easily accessible food and shopping options also. See http://www.athloneartandheritage.ie/athlone-castle/ for more information.

Roscommon Castle, Abbey and Rindoon

Want to provide the students a unique view of Ireland and Roscommon's medieval past but stuck on a budget? Then Roscommon Town has just the answer. Both the castle and abbey are free to access and explore, something which belies their extraordinary histories. Rindoon, south of Roscommon town in the village of Lecarrow, a 13th century castle built by King Henry III of England, was populated by up to 1,000 people at its height. It really is a cultural gem, just waiting to be explored! For more information on all three, see http://visitroscommon.com/CultureandHeritage/HeritageGems.aspx and http://irishwalledtownsnetwork.ie/page/rindoon

Rathcroghan Visitor Centre @ Cruachan Aí

The seat of Royalty in the West of Ireland for the last 2,000 years, Rathcroghan holds the keys to a plethora of ceremonial and ritual monuments stretching from the Neolithic period up until the 17th century. Whether you want to explore the Celtic Iron Age, Medieval period, or want to be tested by the Morrigan, Celtic Goddess of Battle, in her 'fit abode', Rathcroghan is the place to be. To find out more, visit http://www.rathcroghan.ie/ and for school tour options see http://rathcroghanedu.weebly.com/

Strokestown House and Irish Famine Museum

Situated in a Georgian Palladian Mansion surrounded by 6 acres of walled pleasure gardens, Strokestown House and its associated grounds is a perfect example of how the two worlds of Ireland existed side-by-side. Housed within its beautiful and opulent architecture is Ireland's National Famine Museum. Follow at first hand the story of the years that would change Ireland's history forever, and give your students a unique insight into 'an Gorta Mór'. To find out more visit http://www.strokestownpark.ie/

Boyle Abbey

The 12th century Cistercian Monastery at Boyle retains its ability to impress the visitor as one of the most formidable of the early Cistercian foundations in Ireland, despite its reuse as a military garrison in the 17th and 18th centuries. A restored gatehouse of 16th/17th century houses a fascinating exhibition that will excite the imagination of what life would have been like in a medieval monastery. For more information on Boyle Abbey, visit http://visitroscommon.com/CultureandHeritage/HeritageGems/BoyleAbbey.aspx

Especially good options for Transition Year students are...

Bay Sports

Based on the shores of Lough Ree at Hodson Bay, Athlone, Bay Sports is has a wealth of facilities and activities to cater for ages 6 and up. Now catering for Transition Year and Gaisce Groups, if its water-based and its fun, Bay Sports do it. See http://www.baysports.ie/ for more information.

Shannon River Adventure

In keeping with the water-based fun, Shannon River Adventure in Rooskey provides a breathtaking range of activities from camping to archery, to supplement their already excellent facilities. Based on the shores of Lough Bofin, the scope for the exploration of this picturesque riverscape is abundant. Visit http://www.shannonriveradventure.com/ to see what else is on offer.

Lough Key Experience

Situated on the banks of Lough Key, the Forest and Activity Park is the perfect location to interact and experience all that this beautiful county has to offer in one place. With everything from a Tree Canopy Walk to an Adventure Play Kingdom, the Park really is a unique facility for all groups, including TY students. Check out http://www.loughkey.ie/ to find out more.

Cave of the Cats - Oweynagat - in the Rathcroghan Complex

Oweynagat Cave Tour

Bring your boots and wet gear for this one, and don't forget the headlamps and torches for the climb down into the Cave of the Cats, Uaimh na gCait, or Oweynagat in the Rathcroghan Complex.  Book your visit through the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre in Tulsk on 071 9639268, or email on CruachanAi@gmail.com.


So, if you are looking for something different to offer your students on a school tour, look no further than Roscommon.

Medb’s Lughnasadh Games 2012

Family Fun Day

 Sunday 29th July

 Medb’s

Lughnasadh Games

BBQ and Bouncy Castle

Live Music

Running, Jumping, Throwing

Poetry, Singing, Storytelling

Dress like a warrior.

Design your own royal standard.

Make your own medieval pots

Craft Stalls, Historical

Re-enactments, Workshops

 Entrance is Free.

We really want to mark Lughnasadh with some games this year so we're combining the summer Open Day on the 29th July with a few children's games, races and quizzes, with some dressing up and storytelling thrown in. 
Luckily we're getting together with the Tulsk Inn across the way, who will be organizing the BBQ and the Bouncy Castle for the day and also have live music in the evening so it will be a great day for all.

In Irish mythology the Lughnasadh festival is said to have been first held by Lugh, as funeral games to honour his foster-mother Tailtiu, the Fir Bolg Goddess who died of exhaustion after clearing the plains of Ireland in preparation for Agriculture.

The first location of the Aenach Tailteann gathering was at Teltown, between Navan and Kells, Co Meath. Historically this was a contest of strength and speed as well as skill and agility. The festival was a time of truce with competition on the sporting field not the battle field. The Lughnasadh Games began as early as the Bronze Age. Offerings to the God Lugh took place on hilltops like nearby Loughcrew. (These games were visited by many foreign traders wanting to sell their goods, some of these we know came from Greece. It is possible that they carried back the idea of warrior Games and so began the Olympics.) 

The festival survived as the Taillten Fair for many centuries. It was a market fair with first fruits for sale and many items made during the winter on display. Races were held, particularly horse races through the Blackwater River. It was revived for a time after Independence as the Taillten Games. 

Sometimes called the Gathering of Lugh, it coincides with the weening of lambs born at Imbolc and the shearing of sheep. It celebrates the protective power of Lugh, who presides over it and is honoured as a guardian of the wild and of cultivated crops.

 The famous Teltown Marriage also originates from this festival. These were temporary unions, in keeping with Brehon Law, that were entered into during the festival. This was done by holding hands, or handfasting, through a holed stone on the site. Some would last a day, others as long as a year and a day. These were contracts not sacraments and both had to agree to the terms. The marriage was dissolved by each walking in opposite directions from the stone.

Just as Brigid was asked to temper the winter elements at Imbolc, so Lugh was asked to temper the heat of summer at it's hottest time to allow the crops to ripen and not wither. Thunderstorms are considered a good omen at this time.

(I know we want a good omen from Lugh but could it be blazing sun instead? The Sunburst is, after all, the emblem of Royal Connacht.) 

Get ready, get set.....RUN!

Proudly Sponsored by the OPW 

November 2011 Events in Roscommon

After a busy Samhain at Cruachan Ai, Tulsk, we have another exciting month of events this November


Thursday 17th 7pm - 9pm
Tarot Reading
(Cruachan Aí Heritage Centre Tulsk, Co. Roscommon)

Tarot reading by a professional reader: after our successful talk on divination we will be offering Tarot readings at Cruachan Aí. Booking is essential. If you are interested please contact cruachanai@gmail.com or 071 9639268 to book your place.

Saturday 19th November 2 - 4 pm

Childrens Mask Making Workshop

An opportunity to learn about Celtic arts and traditions which date back to the Iron Age. But besides all that, it#s great craic for the kids! They can create a mask for the Wild Hunt, a mythical hunting party from the otherworld who hunt for sport, or just paint and glue on whatever they feel like making. A great opportunity to entertain the kids for a few hours while you put your feet up in Coffee@Keoghs, or do the weekly shopping in peace. Don't forget our End of Year Gift Sale, with up to 50% off!

Price €5 per child (group discounts 2 or more, €3 per child)If you are interested please contact cruachanai@gmail.com or 071 9639268 to book your place.

Thursday 24th 7 - 9pm

How to become a published author - Talk & Writing Class

When you have gained control of the vocabulary, mastered your personal style and expelled all those nasty punctuation mistakes, after you have stressed and strained every last imaginative cell in your mind and finally pressed save for the last time - you might want to publish your literary child and release it to the world...

But how? Where do you start? Published author Lora O'Brien offers some hints and tips on where to start, and how to finish, for those who would like to see their work in print.

Price €10

If you are interested please contact cruachanai@gmail.com or 071 9639268 to book your place.

Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th November 2011

‘Spiritual Capital of Connacht’ Conference Weekend

Tulsk, Co Roscommon

Event theme is “Connecting with the Land”, and we are delighted to announce our new spiritual conference event in Roscommon:

Since before history the West & Northwest of Ireland has been a place with a spiritual resonance. A place where Christian scholars kept civilisation alive. A place where belief and landscape merge. A place where you can feel things you can’t touch, where you experience an authentic unspoilt nature and timeless faith. A place where you can open your heart and lift your spirits – Ireland’s Spiritual Heartland.

The ceremonial and spiritual capital of this region is Rathcroghan, in County Roscommon – this is the legendary Cruachan, palace and sacred centre for the Druids, Kings and Queens of Connacht all through the ages.

« Con Connor of Roscommon’s Druid School

Eachtra, a Celtic dreaming, guided visualisation journey with the Cauldron of Vocation and the Realm of Land. Eachtra is the White Mare as the Celtic Goddess and we journey with her to meet the Ancestor Clan where we get an individual message as spiritual guidance.

« Talas Pái of Roscommon’s Huginn Press

Working With the Wights. The numinous is all around us, from temples and trees to your house and car. In this talk, Talas takes an animistic approach to working with the wights, sidhe, vaettir and other spirits. The talk ranges from theoretical to practical — what the wights are and where they fit into the cosmos to how, where and why to approach and work with them.

« Deirdre Wadding of Tall Tales Troubadors

Song of the Land. Every place has its own sound and song; listening for it and singing it back to the land forges a connection. Exploring the ‘Song of Amairgin’ from Irish legend, the use of our native language in magical work, and how the land responds!

« John Sinnott, B.A. Arch, of Irish Heritage Crafts

Sacred Sites: Care and Responsibility. A qualified Archaeologist, Alexandrian 1* and member of Cois Teallaigh Coven in County Roscommon, John has extensive experience working with sacred sites, through both the archaeological and pagan fields. This talk was designed to show that many practices which are viewed as quite standard among pagans, could actually damage the sites we profess to care for.

« Del Eagle, (Sunday Only)

Flower Essences and how they are made, the connection between Earth and Sky

Tantra, the connection between Earth/Body and Spirit

« Francis De’Venney, of Faol Lia Historical Re-enactment Society

Land and Ancestors. A fascinating insight into the ancient Irish psyche, from an anthropologist and accomplished practitioner of 30+ years experience

« Lora O’Brien, Irish Author and Bean Draoí

Goddesses of Connacht: From Medb to the Morrigan, we all know the usual suspects. But what of Flidhais, she of Castlerea sovereignty? What of Gaillimh inion Breasail, and does her aspect have an effect on the many Brazilians who are drawn to the West of Ireland?! And even Mongfind and Cairenn, ancient rivals who between them birthed the Connachta and the Uí Niall clans? Recommended for those who want to explore their feminine side; will include journeying and self development work, along with a healthy dose of Irish heritage information.

FULL SCHEDULE TO BE ANNOUNCED!

All Month

Cruachan Aí Craft and Book Shop Sale – Stock Clearance for end of Year.

Craft and jewellery reduced 30%, Books reduced 50% - How many weeks til Christmas? Get your gifts for less!!!

Regular Events

Every Thursday Morning - Cruachan Crafters in Cruachan Aí Heritage Centre, 10am to 12.noon. October 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th.

Beginner’s Knitting Club
Cruachan Aí Heritage Centre, Tulsk. Tuesday evenings, 5 to 6.30pm. Children’s Teens or Adults, all welcome. Needles and Wool available/for sale, or bring your own! Admission €5. Family discounts available.