Welcome to Waterdale

Waterdale is a beautiful small townland in County Galway, Ireland. It might not be very famous, but it has a rich and interesting past, just like a hidden treasure box.

Long ago, Waterdale was mostly farmland. Farmers would wake up at the crack of dawn, milk their cows, and plough their fields. They grew lots of vegetables and grains, making it a very busy and important place for food.

Even though we don't have stories of kings or queens living in Waterdale, a special event did happen there. In the year 1847, during a time known as the Great Famine, the people of Waterdale showed great kindness. They shared their food with people who were hungry and helped them survive. This act of kindness is a big part of Waterdale's history.

Nowadays, people in Waterdale still farm, but also do other jobs. The townland has grown, but the people have not forgotten their history. They still remember the lessons of kindness and sharing from their ancestors. So, you see, even a small townland like Waterdale has an important story to tell!

  1. What was Waterdale mostly made up of long ago?
  2. What special event happened in Waterdale in the year 1847?
  3. What jobs do people in Waterdale do nowadays?
  4. Why do you think the act of kindness during the Great Famine is important in Waterdale's history?
  5. How do the lessons of kindness and sharing from the past affect the people of Waterdale today?

All About Waterdale

Waterdale, in County Galway, is a magical place, like a puzzle full of exciting pieces! One of the most beautiful pieces is the River Shiven, which flows through the town like a silver ribbon. It's home to many fish and sometimes, if you're really quiet, you might spot a playful otter!

The streets of Waterdale are named after famous Irish people and local heroes. The most famous is O'Brien Street, where you'll find the old stone post office - it's over 100 years old!

In Waterdale, you'll also find the most beautiful wildflowers. Daisies, buttercups, and bluebells sway in the breeze, making the town look like a colourful painting. If you're lucky, you might spot a red squirrel or a hedgehog amongst the trees!

The mountains nearby are called the Slieve Aughty Mountains. They are like giant green waves that touch the clouds. From the top, you can see the whole of Waterdale!

And finally, remember to look for the old-fashioned lampposts on Main Street. They light up Waterdale at night, making it look like a fairy-tale town. So, now you know - Waterdale is more than just a place, it's a story waiting to be explored!.

  1. What is the name of the river that flows through Waterdale? What living creatures can you find in this river?
  2. What is special about O'Brien Street in Waterdale?
  3. Describe the flora and fauna of Waterdale. What types of flowers and animals can you find?
  4. Use a map to find the Slieve Aughty Mountains. What are some characteristics of these mountains? How does the view from the top look?
  5. Explore Waterdale yourself! Can you find something else of geographical interest that was not mentioned in the article? Describe what you find.

My Family and Waterdale

Hi there! I'm Gabe, and I'm 8 years old. I live in a really cool place called Waterdale in Co. Galway. It's just the best place ever! There are so many things to see and do. My favorite place is the big, old castle right in the middle of town. It's super old, like from the time of knights and dragons! I often play there with my friends, pretending to be brave knights. I just love it!

There's also this really big lake called Lough Corrib. It's so big you can't even see the other side. My dad and I sometimes go fishing there. He says it's the second largest lake in Ireland! I like to watch the boats and the birds. Sometimes, I even spot a swan gliding across the water. It's really beautiful.

My school is also pretty cool. It's not far from the lake. We have a playground where my friends and I love to play during break time. We have so much fun! My school has the best teachers who make learning really fun. I can't wait to learn more about everything and share it with you!

  1. What is Gabe's favorite place in Waterdale and why?
  2. Can you describe Lough Corrib based on Gabe's description?
  3. What does Gabe like to do at the lake?
  4. What makes Gabe's school cool according to him?
  5. Can you imagine and describe a typical day in Waterdale based on Gabe's post?

The Logainm of Waterdale

Waterdale is a special place in County Galway, Ireland. Its Irish name is "Baile an Uisce", which means "Town of the Water". Isn't that cool? This name comes from the many rivers and lakes found in this area. Long ago, people used these waters for fishing and traveling around.

The name "Baile an Uisce" was translated to English as "Waterdale" many, many years ago to help English-speaking people understand and remember it. This name has been used for centuries and is a big part of the history of this lovely place. It reminds us of the important role water played in the lives of the people who lived here in the past.

Today, Waterdale is still known for its beautiful waters. People come from far and wide to fish in its lakes and rivers. So, you see, the name "Waterdale" or "Baile an Uisce" still connects us to the past and tells us something about this place today. It's like a story that's been told for hundreds of years!

  1. What is the Irish name for Waterdale and what does it mean in English?
  2. Why do you think the place was named "Baile an Uisce"?
  3. How was the name "Baile an Uisce" translated to English and why?
  4. How does the name "Waterdale" connect us to the past?
  5. What is special about Waterdale today and how does it relate to its name?

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