Welcome to Dunshaughlin

Dunshaughlin, a small town in County Meath, Ireland, has a long and rich history. Did you know that its name comes from the Irish "Dún Seachlainn" which means "Seachlainn's fort"? And guess what? This fort was a real place, named after a High King of Ireland, who lived over a thousand years ago!

The town is known for its ancient history. Right in the heart of Dunshaughlin, there's a well that's really old, called Saint Seachnaill's Well. It's named after the same king as the town itself! They say that this well was used by Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, to baptize people into Christianity.

Long long ago, there was a big school in Dunshaughlin called a monastic school. This was a special type of school where monks taught students many things like reading, writing, and about God. It was one of the biggest schools in Ireland at the time.

So, next time you visit Dunshaughlin, remember you're walking in the footsteps of ancient kings, saints, and scholars. Isn't that exciting?

  1. What does Dunshaughlin mean in Irish and who was it named after?
  2. What is Saint Seachnaill's Well and who used it?
  3. What was the monastic school and what did they teach there?
  4. Can you imagine what it would have been like to be a student at the monastic school? Explain why.
  5. Why do you think it's important to know about the history of Dunshaughlin?

All About Dunshaughlin

Dunshaughlin is a lively village in County Meath, Ireland. It's not too far from the big city of Dublin, but it's got its own charm. The main street, called Main Street, is full of shops and restaurants where the locals love to gather.

One of the coolest things about Dunshaughlin is the natural beauty surrounding it. The village is near the Broad Meadow River (also known as the Tolka River), where you might spot ducks and other water birds. Keep an eye out for the Irish hare and red fox, which are common in this area!

Did you know Dunshaughlin has a rich history? You can visit the ancient earthwork called the Mound of the Hostages or Rath of the Synods. It's a mystery how these structures were built thousands of years ago!

Around the village, you'll see lots of green fields and pastures. They're home to different types of grasses, flowers, and even some trees like the Hawthorn and the Ash tree, which are typical in Ireland.

Dunshaughlin might not have mountains, but it's got a lot of charm and beauty to discover. Isn't it fascinating how much you can learn about a place just by looking around?

  1. What is the main street in Dunshaughlin called and what can you find there?
  2. What river is near Dunshaughlin and what wildlife might you spot there?
  3. What historical structures can you visit in Dunshaughlin and what mystery surrounds them?
  4. What types of vegetation can you find in the fields and pastures around Dunshaughlin?
  5. Using a map, find another nearby village or town. What geographical features might you expect to find there based on what you've learned about Dunshaughlin? Explore this area, either in person or via online resources, and report on a geographical feature of interest.

My Family and Dunshaughlin

Hi there! I'm Casey, and I just turned 8 years old. I live in a really cool place called Dunshaughlin, in County Meath! You may not know this, but Dunshaughlin has some pretty amazing places to see.

My favourite is the Blackwater Park. It's not just a regular park. It has a skate park, a cool playground, and a big, beautiful lake. Sometimes, I go with my family for a picnic near the lake. It's so peaceful and fun!

Did I mention about Dunshaughlin's ancient history? There's an old well called St. Seachnall's Well. It's named after one of the first bishops in Ireland. I think that's really interesting. I wish I could meet a bishop!

Another exciting place is the Hill of Tara. It's not in Dunshaughlin, but it's very close. It's a hill where ancient Irish kings used to live. I always pretend I'm a king when I visit there.

So, that's a little about me and where I live. Dunshaughlin may be small, but it's full of history and fun places to explore. I can't wait to grow up here!

  1. What is the name of the park that Casey likes to visit in Dunshaughlin?
  2. Who is St. Seachnall's Well named after?
  3. What does Casey pretend to be when they visit the Hill of Tara?
  4. Why does Casey enjoy having picnics near the lake at Blackwater Park?
  5. What makes Dunshaughlin a special place for Casey to grow up in?

The Logainm of Dunshaughlin

Dunshaughlin is a town in County Meath, Ireland. The name 'Dunshaughlin' comes from the Irish 'Dún Seachlainn', which means 'Seachlainn's fort'. Seachlainn was a famous king who ruled Ireland a very, very long time ago, even before your great-great-great-grandma was born! This king was so important that a whole town was named after his fort.

Long ago, people used to live in forts to protect themselves from enemies. Seachlainn's fort must have been very big and strong! It's fascinating to think about how the town's name has a story that goes back hundreds of years. Even though the fort is not there anymore, the name Dunshaughlin reminds us of a time when kings and forts were a part of everyday life.

Nowadays, Dunshaughlin is known for its lovely community and beautiful surroundings. It is a place where people live, work, and go to school, just like you! So, even though it has a name that comes from a long, long time ago, Dunshaughlin is very much a part of the present day.

  1. What does 'Dunshaughlin' mean in English?
  2. Who was Seachlainn?
  3. Why do you think people used to live in forts long ago?
  4. How does the name Dunshaughlin connect the past to the present?
  5. Can you think of any other places that might have a story behind their names?

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