Extend your Classroom into the Natural World with a visit to a Ballyhoura Outdoor Classroom.
Ballyhoura Outdoor Classrooms are unique and inspiring places that are provided by Ballyhoura Heritage & Environment CLG, a non-for-profit community organisation, as part of every local school's learning environment.
Each Ballyhoura Outdoor Classroom is a beautiful natural place, especially chosen and managed for learning.
Ballyhoura Outdoor Classrooms are accredited national Discover Primary Science and Maths Centres.
Our programmes have links across the Primary School Curriculum, in particular, Social, Environmental and Scientific Education, literacy and the arts. There is also scope for teachers to use the facilities and equipment at Ballyhoura Outdoor Classrooms and follow their own lesson plans. Please view the Outdoor Classrooms as an extension of your own classroom!
To Make a Booking
We recommend that you book at least two weeks in advance of your field-trip to allow you time to prepare the class and book a bus. We are happy to help you in these arrangements by providing a sample letter to parents, a Fieldtrip Planner and Guidelines for Safe Learning Outdoors.
Griston Bog
Griston Bog is a raised bogland habitat with facilities especially designed to cater for outdoor activities in Science & Maths.
Lough Gur
Lough Gur is a Neolithic archaeological site incorporating history & science.
Crokers Bee Farm
Crokers Bee Farm is a family-run farm with sheep and beef cattle, a vegetable garden, fruit garden and allotments and a variety of poultry including ducks, geese and hens. An interactive workshop on bees allows students to participate and explore further the amazing life and work of the Honey bee. The workshop includes an Observation Hive where children can spot the queen, worker and drones in a safe environment.
Doneraile Court & Park
Doneraile Court and Park is a 17th Century Demesne with an abundance of space to explore the flora and fauna and aquatic life along the river.
Ballyhoura Centre, Main Street, Kilfinane
Ballyhoura Visitor Information Centre
Open 9am - 5pm, Mon - Fri