Heritage Keepers

08/06/2026

🤩Very excited about The Burrenbeo Trusts Archaeology Festival on Sat/Sunday 20th/21st of June.
Tickets for the Saturday talks are sold out but entry into the experimental archaeology & family fun day is FREE on the Sunday (small fee for the bookable 🪏BIG DIG experience).

28/05/2026

👏Project Diaries 2026👏

St Edward's NS, Sligo

The class planted a mini- native woodland under the guidance of an amazing expert Brenda Mc Loughlin from Heritage In Schools. They planted over 40 native trees and created a boundary fence from bamboo and willow to protect their new woodland. Brenda also equipped them with the knowledge and skills of how to look after their woodland and protect it for the future!

Sign up to our next round via www.heritagekeepers.ie 😍

26/05/2026

🚌Fieldtrip Diaries🚌

Gaelscoil Uí Cheadaigh, Wicklow

They first walked to the nearby recycling centre and collected recycled paint that was still in good condition and in colours that would be suitable for the mural ideas we had. They then visited the newly re-opened aquarium on Bray seafront. They even got to see the mermaid's purse they had heard about so recently in the news. They had a great selection of sea creatures including axolotls, seahorses, crabs, a shark and lots more which inspired ideas for their local biodiversity mural!

Sign up to our next round via www.heritagekeeper.ie 😍

22/05/2026

👏Project Diaries 2026 👏

Academy of Success & Happiness, Louth

This project was a community-based heritage and environmental initiative that brought together migrants, refugees, local residents, volunteers, historians, and environmental organisations to deepen understanding of Ireland’s natural and cultural heritage while fostering shared responsibility for its protection.
The project includes two interconnected actions in March:
“Explore the Boyne” Heritage Walk & Learning Day and
Main Clean-Up & Spring Equinox / Earth Celebration!

Sign up for our next round on www.heritagekeepers.ie😍

20/05/2026

🚌Fieldtrip Diaries 2026🚌

St. Edwards, Sligo

In the last few weeks, St. Edwards went to to research native woodland species in support of their mini native woodland plantation for their project!

18/05/2026

Our first Projects and Fieldtrips of Round 5 are in!

⚒Project Diaries 2026⚒

Athlone Community Radio , Westmeath

Athlone Community Radio hosted a Heritage Event in Abbey Road Artists' Studios with panelists Tim Dowling, Connaught Street and Environs Community Group; , environmentalist, former councillor and first female mayor of Athlone; Jamie Berry, ACR volunteer and Colaiste Chiarain Athlone student; ecological poet Jackie Gorman; Cllr ; and Junior Mayor Devika Sahai, Athlone Community College. With local historian Vincent Harney speaking, and Dr Caroline Coyle, sociologist moderating.

A wonderful discussion on the importance of the different aspects of the heritage of Athlone was the result of this gathering. It was recorded for broadcast and will air on Athlone Community Radio soon, after which it will be available as a podcast!

15/05/2026

🚌Fieldtrip Diaries🚌

Scoil Íosa, Ballina, Mayo

"We took the Green Schools committee to Ross Beach to learn about marine biodiversity, to participate in a beach clean-up, and to have some beach fun! The beach looked pretty clean when we got there, but the children left no stone unturned and picked up a bag of rubbish. They were even more enthusiastic about the 'seashore safari' and we were all pleasantly surprised by how much we found!" Claire Mitchell

14/05/2026

Can't wait!!

The Burrenbeo Trust is delighted to announce the second annual Burren Archaeology Festival, taking place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June 2026 in Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare.

Nestled within one of Ireland’s most remarkable landscapes, the festival will celebrate the Burren’s rich and fascinating archaeological heritage. Over two days, visitors can enjoy an engaging programme of expert talks, live demonstrations, family-friendly events, and interactive displays, all designed to reveal the stories of the past and explore the deep history hidden beneath the Burren’s iconic limestone terrain.

Tickets are now available at burrenbeo.com/our-work/events/archaeologyfestival/

Burrenbeo Trust Members get 50% conference and tour tickets. Become a member at burrenbeo.com/support-us/become-a-member/

On Saturday, 20th June, festival attendees will have the opportunity to hear from some of Ireland’s leading archaeologists as they share insights into recent and significant discoveries across the Burren. Featured speakers include Karl Brady, Shane Delaney, Jake Justice, Maggie Ronayne, and Dr Ann Lynch.

On Sunday, 21st June, the focus shifts to experimental archaeology and interactive experiences for all ages.

Highlights include castle tours by Dick Cronin, archaeology themed LEGO® Workshop with Jessica Farrell - brick artist & LEGO® Certified Professional, replica artefact display and handling, wool spinning demonstration, coil pot building, blacksmith demonstration, osteology stall, and stone tool making workshops with the Irish Heritage School for children aged 5-12 (booking essential).

The BIG DIG, a simulated excavation experience for children aged 5-12, will also take place on the day (booking essential).

Proudly supported by the National Monuments Service and Burren Acres Aran.

13/05/2026

🚌Fieldtrip Diaries🚌

Scoil Chuimín agus Caitríona, Oughterard, Galway

They went to Aughnanure Castle in Oughterard as part of their local studies in History - 'Buildings in my Locality' and had a great day exploring in the sun!

11/05/2026

🚌Fieldtrip Diaries🚌

Mol an óige, Ennistymon, Clare

"As the boat gently approached Scattery Island, excitement buzzed among the twenty children and their three teachers. The island, nestled off the coast of County Clare, looked peaceful and green against the backdrop of the Atlantic. Once ashore, their guide welcomed them and began sharing stories about the island’s rich history. The group first explored the ancient monastic settlement founded by St. Senan in the 6th century. The round tower, one of the tallest and best preserved in Ireland, stood proudly above the ruins. The children were fascinated by tales of Viking raids and monks who once lived there, writing scriptures and tending to the island's small community. Next, they ventured along winding paths to the remains of churches and ancient stone crosses scattered around the island. Their guide pointed out unique carvings and described how people once traveled to the island on pilgrimages." Sinéad Kelly