Welcome to Spiddle West

Spiddal, or "An Spidéal" in Irish, is a charming little townland in County Galway, on the west coast of Ireland. A townland is a small area of land. Think of it like your neighbourhood!

Long, long time ago, before your grandparents were even born, Spiddal was populated by a group of people called the Gaels. They spoke in Irish, and still to this day, many people in Spiddal speak Irish. Isn't that cool?

Although nothing famous in history happened in Spiddal, the townland has always been known for its beautiful landscapes and traditional Irish music. Imagine listening to fun, lively music while looking at the beautiful sea, mountains, and green fields. It's like a big, beautiful painting that nature has created!

Spiddal is also famous for a special type of boat called 'Galway Hookers'. No, these are not the kind of hooks you use to catch fish, but big, strong sailing boats that fishermen used in the olden days.

So, even though no big historical events happened here, Spiddal has its own special stories to tell. Its history is filled with Irish language, music, beautiful nature and sailing boats. Isn't that interesting?

  1. What is a townland?
  2. Who were the first people to live in Spiddal?
  3. What is Spiddal famous for?
  4. Why do you think the Irish language is still spoken in Spiddal?
  5. Imagine you are in Spiddal. Describe what you see, hear and feel. Use the information from the text to help you create a picture in your mind.

All About Spiddle West

Spiddle West, in County Galway, Ireland, is a special place filled with many different things to explore. It's near the Atlantic Ocean, so you can imagine the sound of waves crashing and seagulls calling. The village is famous for its colourful shop fronts and traditional Irish music.

There are lots of animals and plants to discover in Spiddle. In the fields, you might spot a flock of sheep munching on the lush, green grass. If you're lucky, you might see a red fox or a badger sneaking around. The trees and flowers are beautiful too, especially the hawthorn and blackthorn trees that bloom in spring.

The River Boluisce flows nearby, where you can spot ducks and herons. The river leads to a sandy beach where you can build sandcastles and look for shells.

One of the most famous spots in Spiddle is 'An Ceardlann', a craft village where you can watch artists make things like pottery and jewellery. It's on the Spiddal Pier Road, which is also a great place for a leisurely walk.

So, Spiddle is not just a village, it's a place of discovery, full of nature and creativity!.

  1. What animals can you find in the fields of Spiddle West?
  2. Describe the River Boluisce and its significance to the geography of Spiddle West.
  3. What is 'An Ceardlann' and what can you do there?
  4. Using a map of County Galway, locate Spiddle West and describe its location in relation to the Atlantic Ocean and other nearby landmarks.
  5. Plan a trip to Spiddle West. What geographical features or landmarks would you like to visit? Why?

My Family and Spiddle West

Hi there, I'm Taylor. I'm eight years old and I live in a cool place called Spiddle West in County Galway. My house is just near the beach and it's so awesome because I can build sandcastles anytime I want to!

Spiddle West isn't a big city or anything, it's actually a small village. But it's super fun because there is always something to do. We have a playground with swings and slides, and I always race my friends to the top of the climbing frame.

There's also this really old tower near my house. It's called the Spiddle West Tower. My dad says it's been there for hundreds of years. Sometimes, I pretend it's a castle and I'm the king or queen.

My favorite thing about Spiddle West is the Spiddle River. It's so peaceful and quiet. I love to sit by the river and watch the ducks swim. Sometimes, they come close and I feed them bread. It's a nice place to just think and be calm.

I love living in Spiddle West. It may not be big, but it's full of adventure, and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else!

  1. What can you tell about the place where Taylor lives?
  2. What activities does Taylor enjoy doing in Spiddle West?
  3. Why does Taylor like the Spiddle River?
  4. How does Taylor use their imagination when they are at the Spiddle West Tower?
  5. Why does Taylor love living in Spiddle West?

The Logainm of Spiddle West

Spiddal West, in County Galway, is a beautiful place in Ireland. Its Irish name, 'An Spidéal', means 'the hospital'. But don't worry, it's not all about doctors and nurses! Long ago, it was a kind of rest place for travellers. People who were tired or sick from their journeys could stop and get better here. That's why it's called 'the hospital'.

There are lots of old stories and legends about Spiddal. One famous story is about Saint Colmcille, a great Irish saint. Some people say he founded the first 'hospital' here almost 1,500 years ago! He wanted to help people who were sick or in trouble, just like a modern hospital.

Today, Spiddal is known for its beautiful beaches and traditional Irish music. You can still see traces of its history, like the old stone walls and houses. And guess what? People still come here to rest and feel better, just like they did hundreds of years ago!

  1. What does 'An Spidéal' mean in English?
  2. Why was Spiddal West called 'the hospital'?
  3. Who was Saint Colmcille and what did he do in Spiddal West?
  4. What can you find in Spiddal today that shows its history?
  5. How is Spiddal West similar to a hospital today?

Slideshow - Spiddle West
A full set of teaching plans for teaching about Spiddle West