Welcome to Drumlargan

Drumlargan is a special place in County Meath, Ireland. Even though it may seem like a quiet townland now, it has a rich history. Hundreds of years ago, people lived here and left behind fascinating clues about their lives.

Once upon a time, long before your grandparents were born, people built big stone walls in Drumlargan. These are called ringforts, and they were built to protect the people and their animals from wild creatures and enemies. You can still see the remains of these ancient homes today. Isn't that cool?

Even more exciting, archaeologists - those are people who dig up and study old things - discovered an old burial ground near Drumlargan. They found pottery and objects from the Bronze Age, a time around 4,000 years ago!

People also found old coins from the Viking Age. This tells us that Vikings might have travelled here a long, long time ago. Imagine huge Viking ships sailing up the rivers!

So, next time you visit Drumlargan, remember the ancient people who lived there. Who knows, you might even find a clue about the past yourself!

  1. What are the big stone walls in Drumlargan called and why were they built?
  2. Who discovered the old burial ground near Drumlargan and what did they find there?
  3. What does the discovery of old coins tell us about Drumlargan's past?
  4. Imagine you are an archaeologist in Drumlargan. What would your day be like?
  5. Why do you think it's important to learn about the history of places like Drumlargan?

All About Drumlargan

Drumlargan, a tiny place in Co. Meath, Ireland, is like a secret treasure box full of nature's beauty! It doesn't have many streets, but the ones it does have are lined with farms and green fields. There aren't any mountains here, but the gentle rolling hills are just as wonderful. The Blackwater River, which flows nearby, adds a sparkling charm to this place. Isn't it fun to imagine fairies playing by the river?

What about plants and animals? Well, hedgerows weave around Drumlargan like a giant maze, filled with blackberries in the autumn. Oak and ash trees stand tall and proud, providing homes for many birds. You might even spot a red squirrel or a badger if you're lucky!

We don't have street furniture like benches or lamps, but there are many old stone walls and farm gates that tell stories of the past. And guess what? There's even a special site called Drumlargan Castle, although it's more of a ruin now. It's like stepping into a fairy tale!

So you see, Drumlargan may be small, but it's full of magic and wonder. Just like you, every day here is a new adventure!

  1. Can you list three geographical features that make Drumlargan a unique place?
  2. Based on the text, what season do you think is being described in Drumlargan and why?
  3. Using a map of Drumlargan, identify the route of the Blackwater River. Can you find any other bodies of water?
  4. If you were to visit Drumlargan, what kind of geographical evidence might you look for to learn about its past?
  5. Plan a trip to Drumlargan and identify a place of geographical interest you would like to explore. Explain why you chose this place and what you hope to find or learn there.

My Family and Drumlargan

Hi there, I'm Ira and I'm 8 years old. I live in a super cool place called Drumlargan, Co. Meath. It's really nice here. We have lots of green fields and trees, it's like living in a giant park!

There's this really big hill near my house that I love to climb. It's called the Hill of Tara and it's not just a regular hill, it's also a really old and important place. People say that long time ago, kings used to live there. I sometimes pretend I'm a king too when I reach the top!

There's also a cool place called Trim Castle, but it's a little far. My parents took me there once, it was huge! I imagined knights and princesses roaming around in the old times. It's so much fun to think about that!

I also like just walking around in Drumlargan. We have nice houses, friendly people and a lovely school. I really like it here and wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

  1. What is the name of the big hill near Ira's house?
  2. What does Ira like to pretend when they reach the top of the hill?
  3. What was the large place that Ira visited with their parents?
  4. What does Ira imagine when they think about Trim Castle?
  5. What does Ira like about living in Drumlargan?

The Logainm of Drumlargan

Drumlargan is a special place in County Meath, Ireland. The name 'Drumlargan' is an English version of an old Irish name 'Droim Leargain'. 'Droim' means 'ridge' and 'Leargan' means 'sloping'. So, Drumlargan means 'The Sloping Ridge' in English. Long ago, people named places based on what they looked like or what happened there. Drumlargan probably got its name because it's on a hill that gently slopes down.

There's an ancient site in Drumlargan called 'Rath of Drumlargan'. A 'Rath' is a circular fort made by people a very, very long time ago. Can you imagine? People lived in Drumlargan over a thousand years ago! The Rath of Drumlargan reminds us today of those people and their way of life.

Today, Drumlargan is still known for its beautiful hills and rich history. The name 'Drumlargan' carries the story of the land and its people from a long time ago. When we say 'Drumlargan', we remember the ancient people who first called it 'Droim Leargain' and their life on the sloping ridge.

  1. What does 'Drumlargan' mean in English?
  2. Why do you think places were named based on what they looked like or what happened there?
  3. What is a 'Rath'?
  4. What does the Rath of Drumlargan tell us about the people who lived there a long time ago?
  5. Why is it important to remember the original Irish name 'Droim Leargain'?

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