Welcome to Ballaghaderreen

Ballaghaderreen is a special town in County Roscommon, Ireland, with an interesting history. Long ago, it was actually part of County Mayo until 1898, when a big change happened. The town was moved to County Roscommon, but don't worry, no one had to pick up their houses and carry them. It was just a change in the map!

Ballaghaderreen is also famous because a very important person was born there. His name was John Blake Dillon, and he was born in 1814. He was a big part of the Young Irelander Rebellion in 1848, when people fought for Ireland's freedom. Can you imagine how brave he must have been?

In the town, you'll find a big cathedral called St. Nathy's. This beautiful building is over 150 years old! Imagine all the history it has seen.

Ballaghaderreen may seem like a small town, but it has a big history. From changing counties to being the birthplace of a hero, this little town has many stories to tell. Just remember, no matter how small you are, you can always make a big difference, just like Ballaghaderreen.

  1. What big change happened to Ballaghaderreen in 1898?
  2. Who was the important person born in Ballaghaderreen? What did he do?
  3. What is the name of the big cathedral in the town and how old is it?
  4. Why do you think the story of Ballaghaderreen is important?
  5. How can you make a big difference in your own community, just like Ballaghaderreen did?

All About Ballaghaderreen

Ballaghaderreen is a fascinating town located in the county of Roscommon, Ireland. It's like a big playground, full of interesting things to see and do. One of the main roads in Ballaghaderreen is called Main Street. Imagine that! It's where you can find the local shops and, if you're lucky, enjoy a scoop of delicious ice cream.

Nature is everywhere in Ballaghaderreen. The town is surrounded by lush green fields where cows and sheep love to graze. If you're quiet, you might even spot a fox or a rabbit! There's a lovely park called The Demesne, with tall trees and colourful flowers, and a fabulous playground for you to have fun in.

The Lung River flows peacefully through the town. It's a great spot for a picnic and to watch the ducks go by. On a clear day, you can see the beautiful Arigna Mountains in the distance.

And, oh, don't forget to look out for the old stone bridges around town. They're like a peek into the past, when horses and carts used to roam the streets instead of cars.

Ballaghaderreen is a wonderful place to explore, full of nature and history. So, grab your adventure hat, and let's get exploring!

  1. What is the name of the main road in Ballaghaderreen and what can you see there?
  2. Describe the nature you can find in and around Ballaghaderreen.
  3. What river flows through the town and what mountains can you see in the distance?
  4. Next time you visit Ballaghaderreen, explore the area and find something of geographical interest. What did you find and why is it interesting?
  5. Using a map of Ballaghaderreen, can you identify and name some of the main geographical features, such as the river, mountains, and main roads?

My Family and Ballaghaderreen

Hi, I'm Sam! I'm 8 years old and live in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. Ballaghaderreen is super cool, it's a small town but there's so much to do! There's a big cathedral called The Cathedral of Annunciation. It's really pretty and big, I go there with my family on Sundays. My town is also known for the Lung River, it's not too far from my house. When the weather is nice, we go for a picnic there. It's fun to watch the water and the ducks.

The best part of Ballaghaderreen is my school. My friends and I play soccer in the big field during breaks. We also have a cool park called The Square. There are swings, a slide, and a climbing frame where I spend a lot of time with my friends.

Ballaghaderreen is also famous for the Roscommon Lamb Festival. It's a fun time when we celebrate sheep, food, and crafts. I love my town and can't wait to see more of it as I grow up!

  1. What is the name of the cathedral in Ballaghaderreen?
  2. What activities do I enjoy doing at The Square?
  3. Where do I go for picnics when the weather is nice?
  4. What do we celebrate during the Roscommon Lamb Festival?
  5. What do I do with my friends during school breaks?

The Logainm of Ballaghaderreen

Ballaghaderreen is a town in County Roscommon, Ireland. The name 'Ballaghaderreen' is really interesting because it tells a story in the Irish language. In Irish, it is 'Bealach an DoirĂ­n' which means 'the way of the little oak'. Long ago, there was a small oak tree that marked the route to this town, and so it got its name!

As time went on, the little oak became a symbol of Ballaghaderreen. Even though the original tree isn't there anymore, the name 'Ballaghaderreen' makes us remember it. This is how places get their names - from landmarks, events, or even people that were important at some point.

Nowadays, Ballaghaderreen is a busy town with lots of people, houses, shops, and a school. But whenever someone says its name, they are also talking about a little oak tree from a long time ago. Isn't that cool?

  1. What does 'Ballaghaderreen' mean in English?
  2. What was the small oak tree in Ballaghaderreen?
  3. How did Ballaghaderreen get its name?
  4. What does the name 'Ballaghaderreen' make us remember?
  5. What can you tell about Ballaghaderreen today?

Slideshow - Ballaghaderreen
A full set of teaching plans for teaching about Ballaghaderreen