Welcome to Edenderry

Edenderry is a charming townland in County Offaly, Ireland. Even though it seems like a small, quiet place now, it has a fascinating history.

Long ago, around the 16th century, a grand castle stood in Edenderry. This castle belonged to the famous Blundell family. Imagine, kids playing in the shadow of a huge castle!

The most exciting part of Edenderry's history happened in 1798. This was during the Irish Rebellion, a time when the people of Ireland were fighting for their freedom. The brave men and women of Edenderry joined the fight against British rule. Sadly, many lost their lives, but their bravery is remembered till today.

Edenderry also has a long history of making things. In the 19th century, it was known for its linen and cotton factories. Imagine, clothes you wear might have been made in Edenderry long ago!

Today, Edenderry is a peaceful town with friendly people, beautiful green fields, and a rich history to discover. Even though it doesn't have castles or factories anymore, the spirit of the brave people and hard workers still lives on.

  1. What was standing in Edenderry in the 16th century?
  2. Who used to own the castle in Edenderry?
  3. What was the important event that happened in Edenderry in 1798?
  4. What was Edenderry known for in the 19th century?
  5. Reflect on how the spirit of the brave people and hard workers still lives on in Edenderry today.

All About Edenderry

Edenderry is a pretty town in County Offaly, Ireland. It's a special place with lots of interesting things to see and do! Edenderry is known for its beautiful landscapes. Most famous is the Grand Canal, a big, long waterway where you can spot ducks and swans swimming! There are also lovely green fields around where you might see cows and sheep grazing. Plus, there are cool walking trails in the Bog of Allen, a large peat bog that's home to unique plants like sphagnum moss and animals like the bog frog!

In the town, you'll find O'Connell Square, the main street with shops and cafes. The most famous building there is probably St. Mary's Church with its tall, pointy spire that can be seen from far away. Edenderry also has a pretty park, Fr. Kearns Park, where you can play or just sit and enjoy the sunshine. The park has benches, which are pieces of street furniture, where you can rest. There aren't any mountains in Edenderry, but it's surrounded by low-lying hills which are fun to climb and offer nice views of the town. Edenderry is a charming place full of nature's beauty and interesting places!.

  1. What is the most famous waterway in Edenderry and what wildlife might you spot there?
  2. Describe the Bog of Allen. What makes it special?
  3. What is the name of the main square in Edenderry and what famous building can you find there?
  4. Use a map to identify the low-lying hills surrounding Edenderry. How do they impact the town's landscape?
  5. Explore the area yourself and find a geographical feature not mentioned in the article. What is it and why did it catch your attention?

My Family and Edenderry

Hi, my name's Parker and I'm 8 years old. I live in Edenderry, Co. Offaly and it's a really cool place! There are lots of amazing things here. My favourite is the Grand Canal. It's really, really big and sometimes I see ducks swimming in it. I like to feed them bread crumbs. It's fun!

There's also the Blundell Castle. It's old and looks like it's from a fairy-tale. I love to go there and pretend I'm a brave knight or a powerful queen. Sometimes my friends and I play hide and seek there. It's a little scary but also exciting!

I also love the Edenderry Town Hall. It's quite big and they sometimes have plays and music there. My school once put on a play there. I was a tree. It wasn't the main role, but I had lots of fun.

Oh, and we have a cool golf club! My dad sometimes takes me there on weekends. I'm not very good yet, but dad says practice makes perfect. I hit the ball really hard and sometimes it goes really far. It's very satisfying.

So, that's a little bit about me and where I live. Edenderry is full of adventures and I can't wait to grow up here. Bye for now!

  1. What's Parker's favourite thing about Edenderry?
  2. Which castle does Parker like to visit and what games does Parker play there?
  3. Where does Parker's school put on their plays?
  4. What is Parker's experience at the golf club?
  5. What does Parker do at the Grand Canal?

The Logainm of Edenderry

Edenderry is a small town in County Offaly in Ireland. Its name in Irish is Eadán Doire, which means "hill-brow of the oak wood". The name comes from the lush oak forests that once covered the area. These forests were home to many animals and were very important to the people who lived here long ago. They used the wood from the oaks to build houses and to keep warm during the cold winter months.

As years passed, the oak trees were cut down to make way for farms and houses. Today, you might not see many oak trees in Edenderry, but the name of the town reminds us of its rich history. So, whenever you hear or see the name "Edenderry", remember the oak forests that once stood tall and proud on the hill-brow.

  1. What does the name "Edenderry" mean in English?
  2. Why do you think the town was named after the oak wood?
  3. What happened to the oak forests that were once in Edenderry?
  4. How does the name of the town help us remember its history?
  5. Can you give an example of how the people used the wood from the oak trees in the past?

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