Welcome to Tirlaydan

Welcome to the magical land of Tirlaydan, in County Donegal, Ireland! Tirlaydan may seem like just a regular townland now, but it has stories to tell you from long, long ago!

In the olden times, Tirlaydan was a bustling place filled with people who worked really hard on their farms. They grew potatoes, raised cows and sheep, and built snug homes from stones. They lived simply, but happily, cherishing their close-knit community.

One special thing about Tirlaydan is its beautiful nature. The townland is surrounded by rolling green hills, sparkling streams, and a magical forest that the locals believe is populated by fairies! Can you imagine, fairies living right here in Tirlaydan? Isn't that exciting?

Even though Tirlaydan might not have big historic events like battles or kings and queens, its real magic lies in the stories of the people who lived and worked here. Each stone in the old stone walls, every tree in the forest, and every path in the hills has a tale to tell about the simple, hardworking, and joyful lives of the people of Tirlaydan. So, the next time you visit, remember to listen carefully. You might just hear the whispers of the past!

  1. What were some of the things people in Tirlaydan did in the olden times?
  2. What is one special thing about Tirlaydan?
  3. What do the locals believe about the forest in Tirlaydan?
  4. Why do you think the people of Tirlaydan were happy even though they lived simply?
  5. What can you learn from the story of the people who lived and worked in Tirlaydan?

All About Tirlaydan

Tirlaydan in County Donegal is a magical place in Ireland, filled with nature's beauty and exciting things to explore! The town is spotted with charming streets, like Fern Road, where you can see lots of cute houses.

Nature is a big part of Tirlaydan. You will find many different plants like the colorful wildflowers and tall, green ferns. Animals love Tirlaydan too! If you're lucky, you might spot a red deer or a playful otter near the rivers.

Speaking of rivers, the lovely Owentocker River flows through Tirlaydan. You can have a fun picnic by its banks or just watch the water flow. The town is also near the majestic Blue Stack Mountains, which are perfect for a family hike.

In the town center, you can find benches to sit and enjoy a tasty ice-cream, and some pretty lampposts that light up the streets at night.

Tirlaydan is also close to the sea! You can reach Ballymastocker Bay in a short drive. Its sandy beaches are perfect for building sandcastles and its blue waters are great for a summer swim.

So, isn't Tirlaydan a fun and beautiful place to be?

  1. What kinds of plants can you find in Tirlaydan?
  2. Which river flows through Tirlaydan and what activities can you enjoy there?
  3. What geographical features are near Tirlaydan?
  4. Using a map, can you find the route from Tirlaydan to Ballymastocker Bay? What are some landmarks you might see along the way?
  5. Explore Tirlaydan or a similar area in your own time. What geographical features did you find interesting and why?

My Family and Tirlaydan

Hi there! I'm Oisín, and I'm 8 years old. I live in Tirlaydan, Co. Donegal. It's the best place ever! There are so many cool things to see and do here. I love to visit the Tirlaydan Stone Circle. It's really old and mysterious. I like to pretend it's a portal to another world.

Another place I like is the Glenveagh National Park. It's so big! I once saw a red deer there. It was really cool, but I was a bit scared. I also like to look at the mountains. They make me feel so small. I want to climb them when I'm bigger.

My favourite place is the beach. I love to build sandcastles and look for shells. Sometimes, I can see dolphins jumping in the sea. One day, I want to swim with them. But for now, I'm happy just watching.

I'm lucky to grow up in Tirlaydan. It's full of adventure and I learn something new every day. I can't wait to see what I'll discover next!

  1. What is the name of the place where Oisín lives?
  2. Can you describe the Tirlaydan Stone Circle?
  3. What animals can you find in Glenveagh National Park?
  4. What does Oisín like to do at the beach?
  5. Why does Oisín feel lucky to live in Tirlaydan?

The Logainm of Tirlaydan

Tirlaydan is a special name that comes from an Irish language word - 'Tír Leathain'. This name belongs to a place in County Donegal, a beautiful area in the northwest part of Ireland. The words 'Tír Leathain' translate to 'Broad Land' in English. This name perfectly describes the wide, open landscapes that you can see in this part of Donegal.

Many years ago, people in Ireland spoke only Irish. They named places around them in this language, describing what they saw or felt about these places. That's how Tirlaydan got its name. Over time, people started speaking English more, but the old Irish names stayed, reminding us of our history and heritage.

Today, even though most people in Tirlaydan speak English, the name of their home still speaks in Irish. It tells everyone about the beautiful, broad lands that have been there for many years. Isn't it cool to think about how a name can tell a story about a place?

  1. What is the English translation of 'Tír Leathain'?
  2. Why do you think the place was named 'Broad Land'?
  3. What language was spoken in Ireland many years ago?
  4. Why do you think the Irish names of places are still used, even if most people speak English now?
  5. Can you think of a story that the name of your town or city might tell?

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