Welcome to Bearna

Bearna, or Barna, is a lovely little townland in County Galway, located on the west coast of Ireland. Its name in Irish language means 'a gap', and it's often referred to as the 'gateway to Connemara', a beautiful region full of stunning landscapes.

The history of Bearna is not marked by big battles or famous events, but it's just as interesting because it tells the story of everyday people. Long, long ago, it was a small, quiet fishing village where people lived simply, fishing in the sea and farming on the land.

The fishermen of Bearna were known for their special types of boats called 'Galway Hookers'. No, they weren't naughty, they were just different! These boats had a unique design which allowed them to sail safely in the rough Atlantic waters. The fishermen would bravely sail these boats, catching fish to feed their families and to trade with other towns.

Even though Bearna has grown a lot and is not just a fishing village anymore, it still holds onto its traditions. The annual 'Barna Festival' is a time when people celebrate their history and culture. So, you see, even a quiet place like Bearna has its own unique story to tell!

  1. What does the name Bearna mean in Irish language?
  2. What were the boats used by the fishermen of Bearna called?
  3. What is the 'Barna Festival'?
  4. Why do you think the design of the 'Galway Hookers' was unique?
  5. If you could add an event to the annual 'Barna Festival', what would it be and why?

All About Bearna

Bearna, or Barna, is a beautiful village in County Galway, Ireland. It's near the Atlantic Ocean, so you can imagine fresh, salty air and lots of sandcastles! One important street is the Freeport road, which leads to the stunning Barna Woods, a magical place with tall, whispering trees and colourful flowers. You might even spot a sly fox or a fluffy rabbit hopping by.

Along the streets, you will see charming old-style lamp posts and benches where you can rest and enjoy a delicious ice cream. There are lots of pretty houses in different colours and shapes, too.

Bearna is surrounded by nature. Near the village, you can find Silver Strand, a beautiful sandy beach where you can build the best sandcastles ever. On a sunny day, the water looks like sparkling sapphire.

Bearna is also close to Lough Corrib, the second largest lake in Ireland. This lake is home to many ducks and swans. You might also see fishermen catching trout, a type of fish that loves to live in this lake.

In Bearna, everywhere you look, you'll see green fields, sparkling waters, and beautiful wildlife. It's a great place to explore and enjoy nature's wonders.

  1. What are some of the geographical features that make Bearna a unique place?
  2. Using a map of Bearna, can you identify and mark the Freeport road, Barna Woods, Silver Strand, and Lough Corrib?
  3. What type of wildlife might you encounter in Barna Woods and Lough Corrib?
  4. Describe how the Atlantic Ocean influences the climate and lifestyle in Bearna.
  5. Explore your local area. Can you find a geographical feature that is similar to one you learned about in Bearna? Describe it.

My Family and Bearna

Hi! I'm Morgan and I'm 8 years old. I live in a really cool place called Bearna in Co. Galway. It's by the sea, so I get to go to the beach a lot and build sandcastles. Sometimes, we find cool shells and even tiny crabs!

Right by my house, there's a big hill called Bearna Woods. It's super fun to climb, and from the top, you can see the whole village and the sea. We have picnics there sometimes and it feels like we're on top of the world!

I also like visiting the Bearna Pier. It's a long walkway that goes out into the sea. My friends and I love to wave at the boats passing by. Sometimes, they even toot their horns back at us!

There's also a cool old castle called Barna Castle. I love imagining that I'm a knight or a princess when I'm there. It's really old and has lots of stories to tell.

So, that's a little bit about me and where I live. I really love Bearna, it's the best place to grow up!

  1. What is Morgan's favourite activity to do at the beach?
  2. Describe the view from the top of Bearna Woods according to Morgan.
  3. How does Morgan interact with the boats at Bearna Pier?
  4. What does Morgan imagine when visiting Barna Castle?
  5. Does Morgan like living in Bearna? How do you know?

The Logainm of Bearna

Bearna is a beautiful place in County Galway, Ireland. In English, the name 'Bearna' means ‘gap’ or ‘notch’. It's like a passageway between two things, just like Bearna is a passage between the city of Galway and the wild Connemara region. In the past, Bearna was a small fishing village. Long ago, people used to fish there and sell their catch in Galway city. They would travel through the 'gap' or 'notch' to get there, and that's how Bearna got its name.

Over the years, Bearna has changed a lot. It's not just a fishing village anymore. Today, many people live there, and there are schools, shops, and restaurants. But even though Bearna has grown, it still has a connection to its past. You can still see fishing boats in the harbour, and the beautiful landscape around Bearna reminds us of the 'gap' or 'notch' that gave it its name.

  1. What does 'Bearna' mean in English?
  2. Why do you think Bearna was named after a 'gap' or 'notch'?
  3. What was Bearna like in the past?
  4. What is Bearna like today?
  5. How does Bearna still show a connection to its past?

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