The History and Culture of Ireland

The history of Ireland is an interesting one; it is intertwined with the development of most other European nations. Beginning with the arrival of the Celts, Ireland was also occupied by Gaels, the Scoti, and Christians. Ireland has been home to such literary greats as Edmund Burke, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and James Joyce, and modern favorites including popular musicians U2, and "Riverdance" creator Michael Flatley.

Students can do research and make models or drawings of the numerous landmarks throughout Ireland. Using clay, Model Magic, Sculpey or a similar material, students can create a small model of some of Ireland’s most important sites including Blarney Castle, the Spire in Dublin, Kylemore Abbey, and Saint Canice’s Cathedral. You may also choose to have them write a brief report on the site to reflect their research.

Ireland is the birthplace of countless individuals who changed the course of human history. You can have a Irish Heritage Festival in which all of these figures come together to share their ideas – for better or for worse – inventions and writings. You can assign each student a historical figure such as Robert Boyle (“the Father of Chemistry”), actors Pierce Brosnan and Liam Neeson, Saints Patrick and Columba, politician Sean MacBride and others. Have them dress in character, deliver a brief speech introducing themselves and then allow them to mingle with the other historical figures whom they might not have met previously.

Older students may benefit from simulating a Northern Ireland Peace Summit in which they propose a plan for peace in the region.  This web site Ulster-ior Motives provides additional information and ideas for teachers. What follows are more lesson plans about the history of Ireland.

History of Ireland Lessons and Activities:

Lesson Plan on Tolerance

For those wishing to teach about the conflict in Northern Ireland, this lesson provides some excellent background information, as well as some general questions for research and discussion. Students explore the root causes, as well as the events throughout history, which have caused violence and tension in the region.

Dig Into Ireland

This lesson provides a great opportunity to work with colleagues in the science department in an effort to teach students about the ecology and wildlife indigenous to Ireland. Students learn about Ireland’s natural resources and how the nation’s culture developed in response to its environment.

In Search of Ancient Ireland

In conjunction with its show "In Search of Ancient Ireland," PBS produced some excellent lesson plans and resources for teachers. This lesson engages students in online research about ancient Ireland and its mythology. Students illustrate a myth of their choosing and then the class creates a newscast to summarize their findings about mythology and other aspects of Irish culture.

Dance Lesson Ideas

Dancing is an integral part of Irish culture and heritage. This web site teaches the basics of Irish step dancing. This is a fun activity for teachers with a bit of time remaining at the end of class or as a way to collaborate with physical education teachers who may be willing to teach students how to step dance. Also consider bringing in any local groups that may perform Irish dances.

Review even more dance lesson plans.