Welcome to Ballydowny

Ballydowny is a magical little place in County Kerry, Ireland. Imagine a beautiful countryside, filled with green pastures, where cows and sheep happily graze. That's Ballydowny!

But Ballydowny wasn't always a peaceful townland. Hundreds of years ago, around the 1600s, it was a busy area full of farms and mills. People used the stream that ran through Ballydowny to power their mills, which were small factories that ground grain into flour.

One special story about Ballydowny happened in 1691 during a time called the Williamite War. Two big armies, one led by King William of Orange and another by King James II, fought in Ireland. Ballydowny was right in the middle of their path! It must have been scary for the people who lived there. But don't worry, Ballydowny is peaceful now.

Today, Ballydowny is famous for its natural beauty and charm. Though it's small, it's packed with history and stories that make it a unique part of Ireland. So, next time you're looking at a map of Ireland, see if you can spot Ballydowny, the little townland with a big history!

  1. What was Ballydowny like hundreds of years ago, around the 1600s?
  2. What was the special story that happened in Ballydowny in 1691?
  3. What is Ballydowny famous for today?
  4. Why do you think the people of Ballydowny used the stream to power their mills?
  5. How do you think the people of Ballydowny might have felt during the Williamite War?

All About Ballydowny

Ballydowny is a cute little village nestled in the beautiful county of Kerry, Ireland. The place is brimming with nature's wonders. Right in the heart of Ballydowny, you'll find Main Street. It's where everyone loves to meet, with friendly shops and smiling faces. There's also the charming River Laune, flowing gently, a perfect spot for a picnic. Look for the ducks, they love visitors!

The place is beautifully guarded by mountains like Carrauntoohil, the highest mountain in Ireland. Imagine being on top of it, feels like touching the sky, doesn't it?

Ballydowny is like a big playground for animals. You can spot playful rabbits, shy foxes, and if you're really lucky, you might even see a red deer! The place is also home to beautiful birds like robins and blackbirds. Listen to their chirpy songs in the morning, it's like nature's own orchestra!

Don't forget to look down at your feet too. The land here is covered in a green quilt of grass, speckled with pretty flowers like buttercups and daisies. Isn't Ballydowny a magical place? It's like stepping into a storybook!

  1. What are some of the animals you might find in Ballydowny?
  2. Describe the physical features of Ballydowny. Include the River Laune and Carrauntoohil in your answer.
  3. Using a map of Ballydowny, can you identify where Main Street is? What other features can you find on the map?
  4. What kind of flora (plants) can you find in Ballydowny?
  5. Plan a short trip to explore Ballydowny. What geographical features or points of interest would you like to see or investigate?

My Family and Ballydowny

Hi there! I'm Emery, and I'm 8 years old. I live in a really cool place called Ballydowny in Co. Kerry. It's surrounded by lots of green fields, and we have a lot of cows and sheep. My house is nearby this big old castle, Ballyseede Castle. I love pretending I'm a knight or a princess when I play there.

There's also this really big mountain, called Mount Brandon. It's one of the highest mountains in Ireland! My dad says when I'm a bit older, we can climb it together. I can't wait!

One of my favourite things about Ballydowny is the river. It's called the River Lee and it flows all the way through our village. In the summer, we go fishing there. I once caught a fish as big as my arm!

Living in Ballydowny is super fun. I love exploring the fields, playing in the castle, and fishing in the river. And one day, I'll be able to say I've climbed one of the highest mountains in Ireland!

  1. What is the name of the river that flows through Ballydowny?
  2. How does Emery feel about living in Ballydowny?
  3. What does Emery enjoy doing at Ballyseede Castle?
  4. Why is Emery looking forward to growing older?
  5. What was a memorable experience Emery had at the River Lee?

The Logainm of Ballydowny

Ballydowny is a special place in County Kerry, Ireland. Its original Irish name is 'Baile Dúnaí' which translates to 'Town of the Downy one' in English. This name might sound a little funny, but it has a lot to do with the history of the place. You see, a long time ago, people used to give names to places based on important things that happened there or the type of people who lived there.

So, who was this 'Downy one', you may ask? Well, in this case, it's believed that the name comes from a person who lived there a very long time ago. This person was probably known for his soft, downy beard or hair, hence the name 'Downy one'.

Fast forward to today, Ballydowny is still a charming little town in Kerry. It is home to friendly people and beautiful landscapes that echo the tales of the 'Downy one'. Even though we don't know much about him, his name lives on in the town of Ballydowny, reminding us of the rich history and stories that every place holds.

  1. What is the original Irish name of Ballydowny and what does it mean in English?
  2. Why do you think places were named after people or events that happened there?
  3. Who was the 'Downy one' and why do you think he was called that?
  4. How does the name 'Ballydowny' link the town to its history?
  5. Can you think of any other places that might have interesting stories behind their names?

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