Programmes for Primary Schools

The Muckross area of Killarney National Park has a wealth of natural habitats in a compact area, and also has all the additional facilities that a visiting group requires (such as cafeteria, bathroom facilities etc.). It therefore provides an ideal setting for nature study tours for primary schools.

Programmes available include:

Nature Day

The class will visit the National Park and will participate in a wide range of nature activities which may include:

  • Food Chain Games
  • Tree Identification
  • Small Mammal capture and release
  • Leaf rubbing
  • Use of Pooters
  • Pond Dipping
  • Trip to the Bog
  • Tree vitalstatistics
  • Flower Identification
  • Walkthrough Cave
  • Smelly Plants
  • Microscopes
  • Fungi search

The aim of the day is to encourage the student to explore the natural world around them and to introduce basic ecological and environmental concepts (such as food chains and water pollution) as and when appropriate.


Visit to the School

As an alternative to a full visit to the National Park, one of our staff will visit your school to present an interactive nature session. This will include a slide show about Irish nature, question and answer session, games, hands-on session with a variety of nature items (antlers, plant galls etc.), and a chance to participate in some activities within the school grounds.

The precise timing for these options is flexible to allow for travelling time etc. (Cork and Limerick are within convenient travelling distance for day trips). A typical session lasts from approximately 10.30am-2.30pm. A visit to the Park could also include a visit to Muckross House or Muckross Traditional Farms if desired. If you wish to incorporate a visit to the town itself during the day, your tour could be based in the Knockreer area of the Park, which is conveniently close to town.

We also run an annual in-service training course for primary teachers entitled 'Exciting Ways to Teach Nature'.

For further details of the above, and other programmes please contact us at:
Killarney National Park Education Centre,
Knockreer House,
Killarney,
Co. Kerry,
Ireland.
Phone/Fax +353 64 35960
E-mail knpeducationcentre@eircom.net


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