Welcome to Midleton

Midleton is a wonderful townland in County Cork, Ireland. It's got lots of interesting history to explore!

Long, long ago, in the 12th century, Midleton was known as "Mainistir na Corann" which means "Monastery of the Weir" in Irish. Back then, it was the home to the Cistercian monks who built a big monastery that stood out from the surrounding lands. The monks were like the superheroes of their time! They helped people, farmed the land, and even made some pretty tasty honey!

But, the most exciting thing happened in the 17th century. That's when the brothers Sir St John Brodrick and Sir Alan Brodrick came to town. They helped to make Midleton a bustling place filled with people and businesses. They built a large manor house and set up a market for farmers to sell their fruits, vegetables, and other goods.

Even though times have changed, Midleton still keeps its old charm. You can still see the old woolen mill, the distillery where they make the famous Jameson Whiskey, and the lovely clock tower that reminds us of the time when monks and the Brodrick brothers were shaping the history of this amazing townland. Let's always remember, history is full of exciting stories, just like the story of Midleton!

  1. In which century was Midleton known as "Mainistir na Corann"?
  2. Who were Sir St John Brodrick and Sir Alan Brodrick?
  3. What can you still see in Midleton that reminds us of its history?
  4. From the text, what can you infer about the significance of the Cistercian monks in Midleton?
  5. How can the changes that Midleton has gone through over the centuries be connected to the development of other towns in Ireland?

All About Midleton

Midleton is a vibrant town located in the County of Cork, Ireland. It's surrounded by the beautiful Irish countryside, filled with lots of green fields and farms. The town has a main street called "Main Street" that's always bustling with people. The most famous place in Midleton is the Jameson Distillery, where they've been making delicious Irish whiskey for over 200 years!

The area around Midleton is home to lots of different plants and animals. In the fields, you might see cows and sheep grazing, and in the skies, you might spot birds like robins and starlings. The town also has beautiful gardens with flowers like daffodils and roses.

Midleton is nestled near the Owenacurra River, which is a lovely spot for a picnic. The river is home to fish like trout and eels. Nearby, there are also the Nagles Mountains where you can have a fun day hiking and exploring.

In the town, you'll see street lamps that light up Main Street at night, and benches where you can sit and enjoy a snack. Midleton is a wonderful place with lots to see and do, whether you love nature, history, or simply wandering around a charming Irish town..

  1. What is the name of the river that runs near Midleton, and what types of fish can you find in it?
  2. What type of animals might you see in the fields around Midleton?
  3. Using a map, can you identify the location of the Nagles Mountains in relation to Midleton?
  4. What is a famous place in Midleton and what has been produced there for over 200 years?
  5. Explore the area around Midleton yourself. Can you find something of geographical interest that hasn't been mentioned in the text?

My Family and Midleton

Hi, I'm George! I'm 8 years old and live in a cool place called Midleton, Co. Cork. It's in Ireland, you know! I love it here. I live near this really old place called Jameson Distillery. It's been here for like, 200 years! They make whiskey, but I'm too young to try that!

There's also this big green park called Baby Walk. It's awesome because I can play football there with my friends. And guess what? We have a cinema too! I love going there on Saturdays to watch cartoons.

Oh, and there's also a place called Midleton Farmers Market where we go every week to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and sometimes even cookies! It's fun to pick out my own snacks.

Did I mention I have a dog? His name is Max and we love walking around Midleton together. There are so many places to explore! I think I'm very lucky to grow up here. It's the best place ever!

  1. What is the name of the old place near George's house?
  2. Why does George like the Baby Walk park?
  3. What does George do at the Midleton Farmers Market?
  4. Who is Max and what do they do together?
  5. Why does George think they are lucky to grow up in Midleton?

The Logainm of Midleton

Midleton is a lovely town in County Cork, Ireland. The name 'Midleton' comes from the Irish language, and it's made up of two words: 'Mainistir' and 'Dhún'. 'Mainistir' means 'monastery' and 'Dhún' means 'fort'. So, the whole name 'Mainistir Dhún' means 'Monastery Fort'. This name tells us that many, many years ago, there was a big fort in Midleton that was used as a monastery, a special place where monks lived and prayed.

But how did 'Mainistir Dhún' become 'Midleton'? Well, it's all thanks to the English language. When English speakers started living in Ireland, they found 'Mainistir Dhún' a bit tricky to say. So, they changed it to 'Midleton', which was easier for them to pronounce! And that's the name that we use today.

Even though the name 'Midleton' has changed, the history of the town hasn't been forgotten. If you visit Midleton today, you can still see parts of the old monastery fort that gave the town its name. It's a wonderful link to the past, showing us that even though things might change over time, they can still carry a piece of history with them.

  1. What is the meaning of 'Midleton' in English?
  2. What is a 'monastery'?
  3. Why did the name 'Mainistir Dhún' change to 'Midleton'?
  4. How does the town of Midleton today remind us of its history?
  5. Can you think of other places that might have changed their names like 'Midleton' did?

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