Welcome to Falcarragh

Falcarragh, or An Fál Carrach, which means "The Round Meadow," is a charming little townland in County Donegal, Ireland. Just like your favourite storybook, Falcarragh has a tale to tell too.

Long, long ago, even before your great-great-grandparents were born, Falcarragh was a bustling market town. Imagine it like a big, colourful fair, with people selling all sorts of things, from fresh fruits and vegetables to handcrafted toys and clothes.

The most exciting event happened in 1889, when people from all over Donegal came to Falcarragh to stand up for their rights to own the land they lived and worked on. This event, known as the "Land War," was like a real-life game of Monopoly. It was a tough time, but in the end, it helped many farmers and their families.

Today, Falcarragh is a peaceful place with beautiful beaches and mountains. People visit the town to enjoy its natural beauty and learn about its rich history. It's like stepping into a storybook – a storybook that's waiting for you to write your own chapter!

  1. What does An Fál Carrach mean in English?
  2. What was Falcarragh like long ago?
  3. What important event happened in Falcarragh in 1889?
  4. Why was the "Land War" like a real-life game of Monopoly?
  5. How is the Falcarragh of today different from the Falcarragh of long ago?

All About Falcarragh

Falcarragh, a pretty village in County Donegal, Ireland, is surrounded by nature, from the mountains to the sea. It's like a big playground with the beautiful Ballyness Bay to the north and the majestic Derryveagh Mountains to the south.

Have you ever painted a picture? Imagine the main street of Falcarragh as a long, colourful brushstroke with shops and homes painted all kinds of colours. It's a fun place to explore!

Falcarragh is also home to amazing plants and animals. You might spot a red deer or an Irish hare in the mountains, and in the bay, keep an eye out for seals and dolphins! There are also lots of different birds to spot, like the chough or the peregrine falcon.

The town has pretty street furniture too, like benches and lamp posts, where you can sit and enjoy an ice cream. The local park, Ballyconnell, is a great spot for a picnic and playing games.

Lastly, don't forget to visit the River Ray. It's a lovely river that flows right through Falcarragh, ending up in the sea. It's a fun place to play or to just sit and watch the water flow.

  1. What kind of animals might you see in Falcarragh's mountains and bay?
  2. Describe the geographical features that surround the village of Falcarragh.
  3. Using a map of County Donegal, can you identify and mark the location of Falcarragh, Ballyness Bay, the Derryveagh Mountains, and the River Ray?
  4. What can you do in the local park, Ballyconnell?
  5. Take a trip to Falcarragh or research online and find another geographical feature or point of interest not mentioned in the article. What is it and why is it interesting?

My Family and Falcarragh

Hi, I'm Pat! I just turned 8! I live in a really cool place called Falcarragh, in Co. Donegal. It's so much fun here. We have lots of cool things to see. My favourite is the Glenveagh National Park. It’s huge and filled with deer and all sorts of birds. It has the biggest forest in Ireland. I like to pretend I'm on an adventure when I go there.

Close to my house is the Ballyconnell Estate. It’s an old estate with tall trees and a huge old house. I like to imagine it's a castle and I’m the king or queen. There's also a beach, Drumnatinney, where I sometimes go to play in the sand. It's fun to build sandcastles and look for shells there.

My friends and I also like to visit the Falcarragh Visitor Centre. We learn about history and the nature around us. I think it's cool how the people before us used to live. Living in Falcarragh is like being in a story book, there's always something interesting happening!

  1. What is Pat's favourite place to visit in Falcarragh and why?
  2. What does Pat like to pretend when visiting Glenveagh National Park and Ballyconnell Estate?
  3. What activities does Pat enjoy doing at Drumnatinney beach?
  4. What does Pat learn at the Falcarragh Visitor Centre?
  5. How does Pat feel about living in Falcarragh?

The Logainm of Falcarragh

Falcarragh, located in County Donegal, is a small town with a big story. Its name in Irish is 'An Fál Carrach', which means 'The Hurdled Ford'. A ford is a shallow place in a river or stream where people can cross over. Long ago, people would put hurdles, or small fences, in these spots to make it easier to get across. So, 'An Fál Carrach', or Falcarragh, is a place where people made crossing a river a little bit easier.

Over the centuries, lots of people have lived in Falcarragh and made their own marks on its history. One of those people was a man named Peadar O'Donnell, who was born in Falcarragh in 1893. He was a famous writer and activist who fought for workers’ rights. His story is part of the broader history of Falcarragh.

Today, Falcarragh is a lively town with shops, schools, and families who keep its history alive. They celebrate their past, like the story of the 'hurdled ford', while also creating new stories for the future. Falcarragh may have been named for a river crossing, but today it's a place where people cross paths, share stories, and make history every day.

  1. What does the name 'An Fál Carrach' mean in English?
  2. What is a ford? And what is a hurdle?
  3. Who was Peadar O'Donnell and why is he important to Falcarragh's history?
  4. How does the history of Falcarragh continue to impact the town today?
  5. Can you think of any ways people in Falcarragh might be making history right now?

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