Welcome to Beladd

Beladd is a small but special townland in County Laois, Ireland. It's like a tiny piece in the big puzzle of the world. Long, long ago, it was part of the Kingdom of Leinster, ruled by ancient Irish kings! Isn't that cool?

Did you know? In olden days, people in Beladd used to travel by horse carts and walked on foot to reach other places. There were no cars or buses back then.

Beladd might not be very big, but it's filled with green fields and peaceful nature. In the past, people here were mostly farmers. They grew crops and had cows, sheep, and pigs.

Even though there’s no famous battle or royal palace in Beladd, it's important because it shows how our ancestors lived. They didn't have fancy gadgets and supermarkets but they worked hard and took care of each other.

Beladd may not be a place of great historical events, but it's a lovely townland with a rich history of simple and hard-working folk. Every place, big or small, has its own story to tell and Beladd is no different. It tells us about the everyday life of people in the old times.

  1. What kingdom was Beladd part of long, long ago?
  2. How did people in Beladd travel in the olden days?
  3. What kind of work did most people in Beladd do in the past?
  4. Why is Beladd important, even though there's no famous battle or royal palace there?
  5. What does the story of Beladd tell us about the everyday life of people in the old times?

All About Beladd

Beladd, located in Co. Laois, is an enchanting place brimming with natural beauty. The River Barrow, Ireland's second longest river, flows nearby and serves as a dwelling place for a variety of birds and aquatic creatures. Despite the absence of towering mountains, the area is framed by lush green hills that offer breathtaking panoramic views of the town.

Beladd is a haven for flora and fauna. You can often spot rabbits frolicking in the fields and birds like robins and sparrows fluttering about in the trees. The trees, usually willows, stand tall with their long, drooping branches.

The town of Beladd exudes tranquility with its quiet streets devoid of busy highways or towering skyscrapers. Instead, it boasts of charming homes, friendly local shops, and numerous green parks for children to play.

One of the most picturesque streets is Church Street, lined with beautiful old stone houses. At the end of the street stands St. Fintan's Church, an architectural marvel that's over 200 years old. Beladd is an excellent place to delve into Irish nature and history.

  1. What different types of wildlife can you find in Beladd?
  2. Describe the landscape of Beladd. What natural features stand out?
  3. Using a map of Beladd, can you locate and name three streets and two landmarks?
  4. Can you find out more about the history of St. Fintan's Church?
  5. Explore the area of Beladd yourself. Can you find a geographical feature that wasn't mentioned in the text? Describe what you found.

My Family and Beladd

Hi, I'm Grey! I'm 8 years old and I live in Beladd Co. Laois. It's a really cool place. We have lots of green fields and trees. I love to play outside with my friends. We like to climb the trees and sometimes we even find birds' nests!

There's this old mill in our town. It's not working anymore but it's really cool to look at. My mom told me that it used to grind wheat into flour a long time ago. I wish I could see it working. I think it would be fun to watch!

There's also a big river near our house. Sometimes, we see swans swimming there. They look so pretty with their white feathers and long necks. I love going to the river with my family on sunny days. We usually have picnics and I love eating sandwiches and playing with my dog, Spot.

Besides, I also go to the local school. It's small but very nice. My teacher's name is Ms. Smith and she's really nice. I have lots of friends in school and we learn lots of new things every day. I love living in Beladd Co. Laois!

  1. What is Grey's favourite outdoor activity?
  2. Why is the old mill in Beladd Co. Laois important to Grey?
  3. What does Grey usually do by the river?
  4. Describe Grey's school and teacher.
  5. What does Grey enjoy most about living in Beladd Co. Laois?

The Logainm of Beladd

Beladd is a special place in County Laois, Ireland. The name 'Beladd' comes from the Irish words 'Béal Átha', which means 'Mouth of the Ford'. A long time ago, people used 'fords' or shallow places in a river to cross it. So, 'Beladd' is a place where people used to cross a river. Cool, right?

Some of the older people in Beladd still remember tales about the old ford. They say that horses and wagons would splash through the water, carrying goods from one side to the other. It must have been a bustling place!

Today, we don't need fords to cross rivers because we have bridges. But, the name 'Beladd' reminds us of a time when people depended on these natural crossings. So, next time you hear the name 'Beladd', remember the ford and the splashing horses and wagons from long ago!

  1. What does 'Beladd' mean in English?

  2. What is a 'ford'?

  3. Why do you think people named the place 'Beladd'?

  4. How did people use the ford in Beladd a long time ago?

  5. Why don't we need 'fords' to cross rivers today?

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