Welcome to Templemoyle

Templemoyle is a lovely small townland in County Galway, Ireland. It's like a tiny patch in a giant quilt of fields, farms, and homes. Can you imagine living in a place named after a 'moyl'—an old Irish word for a round hill—and a 'temple'? It sounds like a place straight out of a storybook, doesn't it?

Well, Templemoyle has its own stories too. Long, long ago, before your great-great-great grandparents were even born, there was an old church in Templemoyle. This church was often called a 'temple', and that's how Templemoyle got its name. The people who lived here hundreds of years ago would have visited this church, just like you might visit your school or park.

Even though the old church isn't there anymore, the beautiful hills and farms remind us of the townland's rich past. Templemoyle might not be a big city with towering buildings or bustling streets, but its history is just as important and interesting. It's a reminder that even the smallest places have big stories to tell. Next time you visit a small place like Templemoyle, remember, you're stepping into a piece of history!

  1. What is the meaning of 'moyl' in old Irish language?
  2. How did Templemoyle get its name?
  3. What used to be in Templemoyle long, long ago?
  4. Why do you think the history of small places like Templemoyle is just as important as big cities?
  5. If you visited Templemoyle today, how would you feel knowing you're stepping into a piece of history? Explain your answer.

All About Templemoyle

Templemoyle, in Co. Galway, is a wonderful place full of interesting things to discover. Its countryside is filled with unique animals and plants. You might spot a playful fox or a shy hedgehog, and beautiful flowers like the wild Irish rose.

The area is rich in natural beauty. There are lovely green fields where cows and sheep graze, and clear blue streams where you might see jumping trout. There's no mountain right in Templemoyle, but you can see the distant peaks of the Maumturk Mountains from here.

Templemoyle doesn't have big, busy streets like a city, but there are charming country lanes and pathways to explore. On these paths, you might find an old stone wall, covered in moss and ivy - a little piece of history!

One of the most exciting features in Templemoyle is the ancient ringfort. This is a special kind of circular fort that people in Ireland built thousands of years ago. Can you imagine what life was like back then?

It's always fun to explore Templemoyle, whether you're looking for animals, enjoying the beautiful scenery, or imagining the stories of the past. Isn't geography interesting?

  1. What kind of animals and plants might you find in the countryside of Templemoyle?
  2. Describe the natural beauty of Templemoyle. What makes it special?
  3. Can you find Templemoyle on a map? What other places are nearby?
  4. What is a ringfort and why is it significant in the history of Templemoyle?
  5. Go outside and explore your own local area. Can you find something of geographical interest? What is it and why did it catch your attention?

My Family and Templemoyle

Hi, I'm Zephyr and I'm 8 years old. I live in a cool place called Templemoyle in Co. Galway. It's not a big city, but it's not too small either. It's just right for me.

There's a big, old castle near my house. It's called Aughnanure Castle and it's really, really old. I like to pretend I'm a king or queen when I visit there. It's so much fun!

There's also a lake near my home. It's called Lough Corrib. Sometimes, my friends and I go there to play and catch fish. We even have picnics beside the lake when it's sunny. It’s the best!

My favourite place though is the Connemara National Park. There are so many animals and plants there. I like to watch the birds and sometimes I even see deer. It's like being in a movie!

So that's a little bit about me and where I live. It might not be the biggest or the busiest place, but I think it's the best. I love Templemoyle!

  1. What is the name of the castle near Zephyr's house?
  2. What does Zephyr like to do at Aughnanure Castle?
  3. What are some activities Zephyr and their friends do at Lough Corrib?
  4. What animals does Zephyr see in Connemara National Park?
  5. Why does Zephyr think Templemoyle is the best place?

The Logainm of Templemoyle

Templemoyle in Co. Galway is a special place with a unique name. 'Templemoyle' is an English translation of the Irish 'Teampall Maol'. 'Teampall' means 'church' and 'Maol' means 'bare' or 'bald'. So, 'Templemoyle' means 'the church that is bare' or 'the bald church'. Long ago, there might have been a bare church without a roof in this place. That's how it got its name!

Over the years, the place has changed, but the name has stayed the same. Today, there might not be a bare church, but the place is still called Templemoyle. Isn't it interesting how names can tell us about the past? Even though we can't see the bare church anymore, its memory lives on in the name 'Templemoyle'.

Places like Templemoyle show us that names are not just words. They carry stories and histories within them. So, the next time you hear a place name, remember it might have an interesting story just like Templemoyle!

  1. What does 'Teampall Maol' mean in English?
  2. Why do you think Templemoyle was named after a bare church?
  3. Even though the bare church is not there anymore, why do you think the place is still called Templemoyle?
  4. Can you think of any other place names that might have interesting stories behind them?
  5. Why do you think it is important to know the meanings and histories behind place names?

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