Waterways in Ireland
Ireland is made up of a huge network of Rivers, Lakes, Canals, and Streams. Together they're known as the Waterways.
Click here for a fun fact adventure that will tell you lots about the waterways of Ireland and the things and wildlife you might find along the way.
Lucas & Lottie's Waterways Adventures
The waterways are home to many different types of wildlife and plants. Have a look at this video:
Waterways Ireland - Wildlife from Fountainhead Creative on Vimeo.
This Waterway Wildlife Fact File is full of interesting facts about the biodiversity, the wildlife and nature along the Irish waterways.
Canals
Canals are stretches of manmade waterways that meander through the Irish countryside.
In the olden days before roads and trucks were able to transport goods around the country, barges were filled with all sorts of heavy goods like coal, sand, bricks – and pulled along the canals by horses to move them from place to place.
Have you ever wondered about Canals? How the locks work, how the water levels change and flow to allow boats and barges to move along them?
This video gives an insight into the workings of the Grand Canal.
Once you've watched the video about the Grand Canal, why not have a go at building your own barge!
Use this activity sheet on the Waterways Ireland website. Instead of teacher and class, as your parent or guardian and maybe some siblings to help you.
Videos and Activities courtesy of Waterways Ireland.
