Welcome to Ballynagree West

Ballynagree West is a lovely townland in County Cork, Ireland. Just imagine a beautiful, green patchwork quilt of fields and farms, with friendly people and a rich history.

Did you know that people have lived in this area for hundreds of years? That's right! They weren't always towns or even villages, but small groups of people who worked together, farming the land and taking care of each other.

One of the most interesting historical stories of Ballynagree West is about the O'Leary family. They were a big, powerful family way back in the 1600s. They owned lots of land, built houses and even a castle. However, when Oliver Cromwell, a man from England, came to Ireland, he took away their lands. The O'Leary family had to leave their home, which was very sad.

But don't worry! The story doesn't end there. The O'Learys never forgot their home and, after many years, they returned to Ballynagree West and started again. This shows that even though times can be tough, people can bounce back and make their home a happy place again.

So, Ballynagree West is more than just a pretty place, it's a symbol of resilience and hope!

  1. What is Ballynagree West? Describe it in your own words.
  2. Who were the O'Leary family and what happened to them?
  3. What did the O'Leary family do when they returned to Ballynagree West?
  4. Why do you think the O'Leary family decided to return to Ballynagree West after so many years?
  5. What does Ballynagree West symbolize, according to the story? Explain why you think so.

All About Ballynagree West

Ballynagree West is a small, friendly village located in County Cork, Ireland. It's a special place where the green grass grows, and you can hear the birds singing. This area is filled with beautiful landscapes; rolling hills, sparkling rivers, and lush countryside. One of the most important features here is the River Lee. The water is clean, and you might spot ducks swimming happily. Nearby, you'll find the Derrynasaggart Mountains, standing tall and proud. From the top, you can see the whole village! Walking around, you might notice some curious animals. There's a variety of birds, like robins and sparrows, and mammals like rabbits and foxes. And let's not forget about the colourful wildflowers and trees! The hawthorn trees are particularly pretty when they blossom in spring. Ballynagree West doesn't have any big streets like in the city. Instead, there are lovely country lanes where you can enjoy nature. You may stumble upon some old stone walls along these paths, a reminder of the history that this village carries. Remember, when exploring this beautiful village, respect nature and keep it clean for everyone to enjoy!.

  1. What is the name of the river that runs through Ballynagree West?
  2. Describe the landscape of Ballynagree West.
  3. What kind of animals might you encounter in Ballynagree West?
  4. Using a map, can you find the Derrynasaggart Mountains and trace the path of the River Lee through Ballynagree West?
  5. Explore the area around Ballynagree West and find a geographical feature not mentioned in the text. Describe what you found and why it's interesting.

My Family and Ballynagree West

Hi! I'm Lee, and I just turned 8! I live in a tiny but fun place called Ballynagree West in Co. Cork. Let me tell you about it!

My house is right next to this huge hill that's super fun to roll down. It's called Mullaghanish, and it has a big TV mast on top that you can see from miles away. Sometimes, I pretend it's a spaceship ready to zoom into space!

There's also this old church close by, St. Colman’s Church. It's really, really old but still super pretty. I love listening to the stories about the people who used to go there a long time ago.

Oh, and my favourite place is the playground! It's small but has the best slides and swings. I bet I could spend all day there!

Even though Ballynagree West is small, it's full of places to explore and things to learn. I feel lucky to grow up here!

  1. Can you name one place that Lee likes to go to in Ballynagree West?
  2. Why do you think Lee likes the playground?
  3. What does the TV mast on Mullaghanish remind Lee of and why?
  4. What is something that Lee learned from St. Colman’s Church?
  5. What do you think are the advantages of growing up in Ballynagree West?

The Logainm of Ballynagree West

Ballynagree West is a special place in Co. Cork, Ireland. Its name comes from the Irish language, 'Baile na Graig', which means 'Town of the Rocks'. Long, long ago, there were many rocks and stones in this area, so people just called it the 'Town of the Rocks'. Over time, this Irish name changed into English as 'Ballynagree'.

For many years, people have lived in Ballynagree West and they've been part of its story. Each generation told the next about the meaning of its name, keeping the memory of those rocks alive. Today, even though the rocks aren't as many, we still remember them through the name 'Ballynagree West'. So, the name is a special link between the past and the present.

When you visit Ballynagree West, you won't just see a place. You'll see a story that has been told for hundreds of years, from the time of the rocks to the homes and people there today. And just like that, you're now part of its story too!

  1. What does 'Baile na Graig' mean in English?
  2. Why was Ballynagree West called 'Town of the Rocks'?
  3. How does the name 'Ballynagree West' connect us to the past?
  4. How has the name 'Baile na Graig' changed over time?
  5. How are you now part of the story of Ballynagree West?

Slideshow - Ballynagree West
A full set of teaching plans for teaching about Ballynagree West