Welcome to Bluebell

Bluebell is a charming little townland located in County Kildare, Ireland. Can you imagine it like a little dot on a big map? It's one of many such dots that make up the beautiful green island of Ireland.

Long, long ago, before your grandparents or even your great-great-grandparents were born, Bluebell was mostly farmland. People lived simple lives, growing their own food and raising animals. They built houses from stones and wood they found nearby.

While no famous battles or big events happened in Bluebell, it still has its own special story to tell. Over the years, the townland grew and changed. Instead of just farms, there were now schools, shops, and houses. People from different parts of Ireland came to live in Bluebell, making it a wonderful mixture of different cultures and traditions.

Although it might not have castles or famous heroes, Bluebell is a place with its own unique history and charm. It's a perfect example of how even the smallest places can have big stories to tell. Just like you, every place has its own story, and that's what makes it special.

  1. What was Bluebell mostly made up of long, long ago?
  2. How did the people of Bluebell build their houses in the past?
  3. What changes happened in Bluebell over the years?
  4. Why do you think people from different parts of Ireland came to live in Bluebell?
  5. If you could add one thing to the story of Bluebell, what would it be and why?

All About Bluebell

Bluebell Co. Kildare, a magical spot in Ireland, is filled with stunning landscapes and exciting places to explore. Imagine walking down its charming streets like Main Street, dotted with lovely shops and cozy cafes.

One of the best parts of Bluebell is the beautiful flora and fauna. That means plants and animals! Have you ever seen a bluebell flower? It's a pretty blue flower that the place is named after. The fields here are a home to cheeky rabbits, singing birds, and even some playful foxes.

Guess what? There's a cool river called the Liffey River that flows through Bluebell. It's a wonderful place to spot ducks and swans. If you're lucky, you might even see a playful otter!

And let's not forget about the mountains. The Wicklow Mountains are nearby, standing tall and majestic, like giant guardians looking over Bluebell.

In Bluebell, there are interesting signposts with Irish symbols and benches where you can sit and enjoy a beautiful day. So, if you love nature, animals, and adventure, Bluebell Co. Kildare is the perfect place for you!

  1. What is the name of the river that flows through Bluebell Co. Kildare?
  2. Describe the Wicklow Mountains using three adjectives.
  3. What kind of animals can you find in Bluebell Co. Kildare?
  4. Using a map, can you find and name another town or city close to Bluebell Co. Kildare?
  5. Explore the area around where you live. Can you find something of geographical interest such as a hill, river, or special type of plant? Write a short paragraph describing what you found.

My Family and Bluebell

Hi there! My name's Nat and I'm 8 years old. I live in the coolest place ever, Bluebell in Co. Kildare. Every day feels like an adventure here!

One of my favourite places is the Bluebell Community Park. It's just a hop, skip, and jump away from my house. It's super big with lots of swings and slides, and there's even a pond where I like to feed the ducks.

Just around the corner is the Bluebell Castle. It's really old and sometimes I pretend it's my castle and I'm the king or queen. I love exploring its big stone towers and imagining all the stories they could tell.

There's also this really neat place called the Japanese Gardens. It's filled with pretty flowers and trees, and sometimes I see squirrels running around. I think they're just as excited as I am!

So that's a little about me and where I live. Bluebell is a really fun place to grow up in. I can't wait to share more of my adventures with you!

  1. What is the name of the park near Nat's house?
  2. What does Nat like to do at the pond in the park?
  3. What does Nat pretend when they're at Bluebell Castle?
  4. What animals does Nat see at the Japanese Gardens?
  5. How does Nat feel about living in Bluebell?

The Logainm of Bluebell

Bluebell is a lovely place in County Kildare, Ireland. But did you know that Bluebell is not its original name? Its Irish name is "Coinleach Glas an Fhomhair", which translates to "The Green Stubble-fields of Autumn". This name describes what the fields in Bluebell would look like during the autumn season, when the crops have been harvested and the remaining stubble turns green.

Long ago, farmers would let their animals graze on these fields after the harvest. This practice is part of the rich farming tradition of the Irish people. Over time, as English became more commonly spoken, many places in Ireland got English names. That's how "Coinleach Glas an Fhomhair" became known as "Bluebell".

Today, Bluebell is still a beautiful place with lots of green fields. It reminds us of its history and the hardworking farmers who once tended the land. Even though its name has changed, the spirit of the place remains the same.

  1. What does the Irish name for Bluebell translate to in English?
  2. Why do you think the place was named after the green stubble-fields of autumn?
  3. What does the name 'Bluebell' tell us about the history of the place and its people?
  4. How has the name of the place changed over time and why?
  5. Even though the name has changed to Bluebell, in what ways does the place still reflect its original Irish name?

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