Welcome to Moneybeg

Moneybeg is a tiny, charming townland nestled in the beautiful county of Carlow, Ireland. Even though it's small, it has a big history!

A long, long time ago, around the 1800s, people began to settle in Moneybeg. They built homes, farms and lived simple lives. They grew vegetables, reared animals, and played games just like we do today! Although we don't have any grand tales of knights or princesses from Moneybeg, the beauty of this townland is in its ordinary, everyday history.

The name "Moneybeg" might make you think there's treasure buried there, right? But actually, in Irish, it's called "Móinín Beag" which means "little bog". A bog is like a big, squishy outdoor carpet made of plants and water. People used to cut up bits of the bog to use as fuel for their fires.

No famous battles were fought in Moneybeg, and no kings or queens ever lived there. But the real magic of Moneybeg is in the stories of the everyday people who have lived there for hundreds of years, growing their crops, raising their families and making this tiny townland a special place. So, remember, every place, no matter how small, has its own unique and important history!

  1. What does the name "Moneybeg" mean in Irish?
  2. What did people in Moneybeg use for fuel for their fires?
  3. When did people first start to settle in Moneybeg?
  4. Why do you think the text says the real magic of Moneybeg is in the stories of everyday people?
  5. Can you think of ways the history of Moneybeg might be similar or different to the history of where you live?

All About Moneybeg

Moneybeg is a small, charming place in County Carlow, Ireland. Imagine it as a colourful patch in a big quilt of green fields and rivers. You won't find tall mountains here, just gently rolling hills. There's a little river that flows through the area, it's called the Burren River. It's a lovely place to spot ducks swimming.

The area is home to many types of animals and plants. You might see cows and sheep grazing in the fields, and if you're lucky, you could spot a hare darting across a field. Apple trees, hawthorns, and daisies bring splashes of colour to the landscape.

Moneybeg doesn't have big, busy streets like a city. Instead, there are quiet country lanes where you might meet a friendly dog or a neighbour on a bicycle.

One special thing in Moneybeg is the local stone walls. They're like natural fences, made from rocks found in the area. These walls have been there for a very long time, and they're an important part of the scenery.

Moneybeg is a peaceful, beautiful place. Even though it's small, it's full of life and colour, from the river to the fields, the animals, and the local lanes.

  1. What is the name of the river that flows through Moneybeg?
  2. List three types of plants or animals you might see in Moneybeg.
  3. Describe the local stone walls of Moneybeg. What are they made from and why are they significant?
  4. Using a map of County Carlow, can you locate Moneybeg and the Burren River? Draw a simple map showing these locations.
  5. Explore the area of Moneybeg yourself. What geographical feature or interesting place did you find that was not mentioned in the text?

My Family and Moneybeg

Hi, I'm Casey and I just turned 8! I live in a cool place called Moneybeg, in Co. Carlow. My house is near a big, old castle, it's called Ballyloughan Castle. It's really huge and sometimes I like to imagine I'm a king or queen ruling over Moneybeg.

I also love going to the River Barrow. It's super fun to watch the ducks swimming and sometimes, I even get to feed them! There's a big bridge over it, the Barrow Bridge. It's so high up that whenever I look down, I feel like I'm flying.

There's also this place called the Delta Sensory Gardens near where I live. There are lots of colourful flowers and cool water features. I like it the most when the flowers are in full bloom and everything looks like a rainbow.

Another thing I love about Moneybeg is the people. Everyone is really nice and friendly. I made so many friends at my school and in my neighborhood. Growing up in Moneybeg is the best!

  1. What is the name of the castle near Casey's house?
  2. What does Casey like to imagine when they see Ballyloughan Castle?
  3. What animals does Casey see in the River Barrow?
  4. What does Casey like the most about the Delta Sensory Gardens?
  5. How does Casey feel about the people in Moneybeg?

The Logainm of Moneybeg

Moneybeg is a pretty place in County Carlow, Ireland. But did you know that 'Moneybeg' is actually an English translation of two Irish words? Those words are 'Móinín Beag'. 'Móinín' means 'little bog' and 'Beag' means 'small'. So, Moneybeg means 'Little Small Bog' in English.

Long, long ago, Ireland was covered in many bogs. These bogs were places where people got peat to warm their homes. So, when they named places, they often used words related to the land around them. That's why Moneybeg got its name. It was probably a little small bog in the olden days!

Today, Moneybeg isn't a bog anymore. It's a beautiful area with homes, schools, and lots of happy people. But the name still reminds us of what it was like many years ago. So, the next time you hear the name Moneybeg, remember the little small bog that once was there!

  1. What does 'Moneybeg' mean in English?
  2. Why do you think places were often named after the land around them?
  3. What were bogs used for in the olden days?
  4. What does Moneybeg look like today?
  5. Why is it important to remember the history of a place's name?

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