Welcome to Monaskeha

Monaskeha is a special little townland in Co. Clare, Ireland. Even though it might seem small, it's full of rich history! Many, many years ago, before we had cars and mobile phones, there were people living here, just like you and me.

Did you know that Monaskeha is an old Gaelic word? It means "Móin na Sceach", which is "Bog of the Whitethorns". Whitethorn is a type of bush that grows in Ireland. It's pretty cool to think that the place you are living or visiting has a name that tells us what it looked like a long time ago!

Even though no big battles or events happened in Monaskeha, everyday life in the past was quite an adventure. Imagine living there without electricity or supermarkets, relying on nature for food and warmth! People in Monaskeha were farming, raising animals and growing their food.

Remember, every place has its own story, even if it's not written in the big history books. Next time you visit Monaskeha, try to imagine how it was hundreds of years ago. Maybe you can create your own historical adventure there!

  1. What does the name Monaskeha mean in Gaelic?
  2. What were the people in Monaskeha doing for living in the past?
  3. What is a Whitethorn?
  4. Why do you think it's important to know the history of a place, even if no big events happened there?
  5. How would you feel if you lived in Monaskeha hundreds of years ago? Explain why.

All About Monaskeha

Monaskeha in Co. Clare is a wonderful place filled with lots of exciting things to discover. It's in Ireland, which is an island filled with green fields and lovely towns. Monaskeha may not have big mountains or famous streets, but it has a beauty of its own. It is surrounded by rolling hills and lush green fields, ideal for adventures and exploration. You might spot some sheep grazing, as farming is important here.

It is home to a variety of animals and birds. If you're lucky, you might see a fox, a badger, or even a hare scampering across the fields. In the sky, you might spot the swift flight of a falcon or hear the beautiful song of a blackbird.

One of the best things about Monaskeha is the River Fergus. It flows quietly, providing a home for fishes like trout and a drink for the cows. Remember, rivers are like nature's highways, helping animals to travel and find food.

Monaskeha doesn't have busy streets with lots of shops or tall buildings. Instead, it has quiet country lanes, where you might find an old stone wall or a colourful post box, telling stories of the past. That's Monaskeha - a quiet, beautiful place full of nature's magic!

  1. What are some of the animals you might see in Monaskeha?
  2. Describe the River Fergus and its importance to the local ecosystem.
  3. What are the main features of the landscape in Monaskeha?
  4. Using a map, can you find the River Fergus? What other geographical features can you identify?
  5. Plan a visit to Monaskeha. What geographical features would you like to see? Can you find these features on a map?

My Family and Monaskeha

Hi, I'm Casey and I'm 8 years old. I live in Monaskeha, County Clare. It's a really cool place! There are lots of farms, trees, and animals. I love to watch the cows and sheep from my window. Sometimes, I even help my dad with the farming.

There's a big hill near our house, called Moylussa. It's the highest point in County Clare! I climbed it once with my mom and dad. It was tough, but the view from the top was amazing. I could see all the way across the county!

We also live near a big lake, called Lough Derg. It's so big, it looks like the sea! I love to watch the boats sailing on the lake. One time, we took a boat trip on the lake. It was so much fun!

There's also a really old church in our village. It's called Dysert O'Dea Church. It's been there for hundreds of years! I love to imagine what life was like when the church was first built.

  1. What is the name of the highest point in County Clare?
  2. Who did Casey climb Moylussa with?
  3. What types of animals can Casey see from his window?
  4. What is the name of the lake near Casey's house?
  5. What is the name of the old church in Casey's village?

The Logainm of Monaskeha

Monaskeha is a special place found in County Clare in Ireland. It has a unique Irish name, called a logainm. When we translate 'Monaskeha' into English, it becomes 'Bog of the Whitethorn'. A bog is a type of wetland with squishy ground, and the whitethorn is a small tree with white flowers that grow in Ireland.

Long ago, people named places in Ireland based on what they saw. So, 'Monaskeha' was probably named because of a bog where lots of whitethorn trees grew! Isn't it cool to know the story behind a place's name?

Today, you can still see lots of bogs and whitethorn trees in Monaskeha. Even though times have changed, the nature around us often stays the same. So, the next time you hear the name 'Monaskeha', remember the bog of the whitethorn and the people who named it long ago.

  1. What does the name 'Monaskeha' mean in English?
  2. What is a logainm?
  3. Why do you think 'Monaskeha' was named after a bog and whitethorn trees?
  4. What is a bog and what is a whitethorn?
  5. How has Monaskeha changed or stayed the same over time?

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