The Outdoor Classroom information session held in November was organised in conjunction with the Galway Education Centre as part of the Galway Science and Technology Festival.

The response from teachers to the event was very positive with presentations from champions Fionnghuala Geragthy of Scoil Chaitríona Senior, Brendan Smith (NUI Galway) and Carmel Burns, director of the Galway Education Centre.

Below are the points outlined, discussed and agreed upon:

1.Outdoor Classroom Kits

Through funding received from the Lifes2Good Foundation for the Galway National Park City (GNPC) initiative, multiple Outdoor Classroom kits will be purchased that will be available free of charge on a loan basis to schools for use in nature (scientific, art etc) studies in Galway’s parks, seashores, waterways, woods and other areas of high biodiversity.

The purpose of these kits is to help in the process of creating an environmentally aware and environmentally active school-going population in Galway city.

The kits could comprise:

• Children’s Raingear
• Binoculars
• Trail cameras (to record wildlife activity)
• Magnifying glasses
• Nets
• Insect Traps
• Spades
• Bulb planters
• Litter Picks
• Mats (for sitting on)
• Portable Marque tents (limited number only)
• Art sets

2.Outdoor Classroom Content Developers’ Group

Content for a set of Outdoor Classroom worksheets will be put together by a team of teachers involving champions Carmel Burns and Fionnghuala Geraghty.

 3. Glór na Oganach (Voice of Children) – February 1^st

3. The gathering of 13 city primary schools in June under the title of Glór na Oganach (The Voice of Youth) was along with its accompanying survey the first time that young people from multiple schools came together to give their opinions on how the natural environment could be better integrated into the fabric of Galway city.

The results of the survey are available on the Galway National Park City’s website.

A second Glór na Oganach, with representatives (individuals, Green committee and/or multiple classes) from all schools, will take place in February, a month that represents the beginning of Spring in the Celtic calendar with the theme of “Make Galway Greener & Better – What can I do, what can my school do, and what can our city do.”

The Secondary Schools’ Students’ & Youth Forum information session held in November was coordinated by Tom Flanagan of the Galway Community College assisted by the Galway National Park City(GNPC) initiative and the Galway Education Centre as part of the Galway Science and Technology Festival.

All bar one (technical connection issue) city secondary school attended this successful inaugural event. A big depth of appreciation is owed to Tom Flanagan and the students of Galway Community College for outlining the results of their survey on teenagers’ views of nature in the city, to Jakub Kostanski of Saute Youth/Youth Work Ireland Galway for telling the young people present of his personal experiences of participating at COP26 in Glasgow, to the student representatives from the secondary schools attending who provided an overview of eco-projects at their educational institutions, and of course to special guest (& GNPC Champion) Duncan Stewart of RTE’s Eco Eye programme for his informative views on Climate Change and for his advice to young people on the issues that it raises.  Brendan Smith acted as facilitator to the event.

Below are the points outlined, discussed and agreed upon:

1.Survey: Creating Our Future and Reimagining Our City

The survey was carried out by students of Galway Community College (GCC) and had been circulated to secondary schools across Galway City in advance of the meeting. It had obtained over 400 responses and was based around finding out about teenagers’ views of Nature’s place within the city’s physical infrastructure, in the lives of its population and on what they hope for the future.

This survey formed part of the remit of GCC students involvement in the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme which focuses on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and promoting young people’s participation in democratic life. As part of a collaboration with students from cities in Spain and Croatia, the project endeavours to document and tackle biodiversity loss in urban environments. Participants share ideas and corrective actions that they are undertaking on projects such as reducing habitat loss, rewilding, planting, and promoting educational initiatives as ways to support biodiversity in urban areas. 

2. Second Level Students’ Forum 2 – Fridays for a Reimagined Galway, February/March

It was agreed that a second students’ forum with representatives from all of the city’s (& possibly some county) secondary schools will take place on a Friday in February/March around the theme of “Make Galway Greener & Better – What can I do, what can my school do, and what can our city do.”

3. School Eco-Presentation Videos

In the lead-up to Fridays for a Reimagined Galway in February/March, schools will be asked to submit a short video on the environmental (organic gardening, tree planting) and/or sustainability (e.g. rainwater harvesting, solar panels) projects that they are implementing or participating in. These films will be included on the website of the GNPC that can also be accessed via a link from the website of the Galway Education Centre.

4. Video Challenge – My Favourite Place in Galway

As part of an eco-challenge sponsored by the Ryan Institute NUI Galway with €540 in prizes, schools (individuals, groups, classes) are welcomed to submit films of 15-second duration on their favourite location in Galway. Thanks to Charles Spillane for securing this funding.

5. Directory of Experts (NUIG, GMIT)

It is hoped that a directory will be compiled over the next two months of scientific and technology experts from GMIT and NUI Galway who will be able to provide advice to schools on environmental and sustainability projects. GNPC Champion Louise Allcock assisted by Caitriona Carlin are coordinating the university involvement whilst Katie O’Dwyer and Mark Kelly will be involved in the GMIT aspect.

6. Volunteerism on City-based Environmental Projects

Galway National Park City initiative is hoping to work with its extensive array of corporate, third level and community partners (known as champions) to provide in 2022 and beyond an array of opportunities for second level students to secure worthwhile volunteering placements in the areas of conservation and sustainability.

7. EcoEd4All – Environmental Course for TY students
   Duncan Stewart spoke at the second level students meeting in November about EcoEd4All, a free set of environmental and sustainability educational courses for Transition Year students based on themes that include Climate Change – the Science, Climate Change –Transport, Biodiversity Loss, Water Pollution and the Circular Economy. This initiative has a strong NUI Galway with Gordon Bromley, Veronica McCawley and Brendan Smith involved. Check out www.ecoed4all.com
   An exciting new addition to this programme is Eco Advocate, a series of outdoor activities based on the EcoEd4All themes. It is coordinated by champion Jen Cunningham who has been for many years a leader in promoting the use of sustainable practices in outdoor settings to demonstrate their positive impact upon biodiversity and the natural environment.

A series of tree and flower bulb ‘Plantathons’ took place in Galway city during December involving schools, community groups and the general public in order to create woods and wildflower meadows on pasture lands adjacent to Lough Atalia. Led by Galway Community College, who own the area where the plantings took place and actively supported by the Galway National Park City initiative, this project will lead to the development of the first major new ‘rewilding’ area in Galway City since 2000 when Terryland Forest Park was established.

The community planting or ‘Plantathon’ is connected to the involvement of students from Galway Community College in a European Union Erasmus+ programme on reversing habitat loss in urban environments. It is supported by the Galway National Park City initiative and its associated champions including Conservation Volunteers Galway, Self Help Africa, Terryland Forest Park Alliance, Scoil Chaitríona Senior, Galway Education Centre and the Galway Science and Technology Festival with trees and bulbs provided by Aerogen, Lets Get Galway Growing, Dominican College Taylors Hill and Self Help Africa. The tools and equipment used were funded by the Lifes2Good Foundation as part of a new programme to support city schools in developing Outdoor Classrooms and Outdoor Labs.
The necessary permission for the plantings was granted by the National Parks and Wildlife Service on lands that lie within or near a Special Area of Conservation.

Distance: 2.89km

Start/End Point: Clybaun Hotel

Surface:

Footpaths, gravel trail and unpaved trail. Unpaved trail section only is not accessible except on foot and is challenging. Gravel trail is steep. Footpaths on Ballymoneen Road are also steep and not continuous.

Route:
From Clybaun Hotel where there are toilets, bike parking, car parking and a bus stop, head up Clybaun Road and turn left at entrance to Ard Fraoigh. Walk through to the end of this leafy estate and you see a trailhead with a bollard. Follow this steep narrow path up through the wildflowers and greenery and you are rewarded with a panorama of the city and the hills of Clare. You can return back the same way here or you can continue on an unpaved trail. This is an old buaile (cattle path) with stone walls and delicate bog flowers. It is marked as a potential greenway which could serve the new developments growing up around it. Veer left very soon along the trail. In summer the trail is hard to follow amongst the six foot ferns! You will come to a rock clearing, with bog heather and orchids amongst the aiteann (furze). Admire the city from here and then follow a narrow trail back through the Ard na Gaoithe estate and out onto the Ballymoneen Road. You can follow the steep road down here to the Western Distributor Road, enjoying the elevated views of Galway Bay, and then turn left to follow the Western Distributor Road back to the Clybaun Hotel. There is new hedgerow along this road as road reservation which is developing its own ecological corridor.

Click here to access the MapMyWalk trail map.

Distance: 3.09km

Start/End Point: Coach Station, Forster Street, Galway city.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour 5 minutes

Elevation: 55.1 feet

Terrain: Flat and mostly suitable for people of all abilities (no access to the beach forthose with disabilities).

Surface: Mainly Paved or tarmac with trail to beach rocky and rough.

Parking: Public transport is advisable to get to/from the Coach Station, but ample car parking is available at the Coach Station

Toilets: Available at the Coach Station; no toilets available along the route.

This loop of Lough Atalia is a beautiful hour-long walk that brings you into contact with many aspects of the blue and green of nature, beginning and ending in the city centre. While most of the walk has very little elevation and is ideal for those of all abilities, there is one segment of the trail, leading onto Dead Man’s Beach, which is currently gated and unsuitable for those with mobility difficulties or disabilities. The walk around the Lough itself is paved and suitable for all abilities.

The walk begins at the Coach Station on Forster Street, a short distance from Eyre Square and the main train and bus station in the city. This makes it an ideal walk for those waiting for these transport options and have the time to explore a hidden natural environment in the heart of the city. Leaving the entrance to the Coach Station, walk south-easterly and carefully cross the busy Lough Atalia Road at the traffic lights. In addition to a pathway along the edge of the Lough, many walkers find themselves on the grass verges closer to the water where a variety of seabirds can be observed all along the shoreline. Just a short distance walk along the edge of the Lough, the St Augustine’s Holy Well is celebrated by locals for its healing power, in particular for those with eye problems. As the holy well is situated in a tidal zone, at times it may be hard to locate at full tide.

Walking further along the shoreline, a feature of this end of Lough Atalia are the traditional plots that many local people used to grow their own vegetables and other produce over many years. In more recent times and in some places, this has given way to a variety of exotic trees and flowers that continue to be maintained by the community in this area. A short distance away is the first of two children’s playgrounds on this trail.

Continuing along the walkway, at the north end of the Lough an abundance of silver birch trees is evident on your left and the wild shoreline expands to the right. The local community college at Moneengisha (Móinín na gCiseach) have begun a significant rewilding project on this south-western shoreline of the Lough. Continuing down along the Lough walkway, behind the Department of Defence, under the railway line and at the edge of Dun Ui Mhaoliosa (Renmore Military Barracks), a locked gate prevents those with mobility difficulties entry to the trail to Dead Man’s Beach.

Dead Man’s Beach is one of Galway’s hidden gems with great views of Galway Bay and is the site of a training school for sailing for young people. Continuing along the beach and shoreline, the walker enters the docks area with views of Nimos Pier and the Claddagh, and Galway Bay and the Burren in Co Clare. This is also a great site to spot seabirds amongst the activities of a busy docks area. Walking through the docks and back to Eyre Square and the Coach Station, watch out for Forthill Cemetery and other signs of a heritage that goes back to the 15th century.

Click here to access the MapMyWalk trail map.

Note: The author of this trail is Mike Hynes. He has called the route after his beloved dog who died the month (July 2021) it was posted on our website. This was Belle’s regular walk.

Distance: 5.4km (alternative routes possible to make as long or short as desired)

Start/End Point: Entrance points at NUIG Orbsen Building (mapped), Dangan sports grounds, NUIG Park & Ride, and various points on campus.

Surface: Primarily cinder, some places dirt or short grass, but these areas can be avoided.

Starting on the university campus, the biodiversity trail lives up to its name. Entire ecosystems sit side by side, including wildflower meadow, river bed, deciduous and alluvial woodland, and reed bed. Numerous birds, plants, bugs, and animals can be seen on the walk, a favourite trek for students, dog walkers, families, and Galway residents, especially on sunny days.

The trail has bike racks at nearly all major entrance points, and has a car park at either farthest end (Orbsen Building and Dangan Sports grounds). The trail could be walked, run, and cycled (however cycling may not be advisable during peak pedestrian hours). The trail is approximately 1.5m in width along along its length, and while facilitating many people, never feels crowded. A great way to escape into nature while staying within the city boundaries!

Parking: Car (fee) and bike parking

Toilets: Available in university buildings when they are open.

Click here  to access the MapMyWalk trail map.

Distance: 1.36km

Start/End Point: In front of the Knocknacarra Community Centre

Surface: Tarmac and bonded gravel

Parking: Car and bike parking available

Toilets: None

The second of two recommended walks in Cappagh Park.

Both of these walks can be adjusted in myriad ways using the paths available to create many other looped walks for health and exercise.
Along the way there is an abundance of different types of plant and birdlife to see, and an occasional mammal or two if you are lucky in the early hours or near dusk. These paths are perfect for availing of the tremendous peace and tranquility combined with the surrounding woodland and wildlife that Cappagh Park provides as you get your lungs full of fresh air on a day out right here in our city.
There are several benches along the way upon which to sit and take a rest or to enjoy a chat while the birds sing away all around you.
Bins are provided at Cappagh Park, as is ample car and bicycle parking. These routes are largely available to wheelchair users, (bar one small part where the slope is perhaps too steep for some but there are alternate ways to go around that part via the map).
*There are no public restrooms available in the immediate area

Click here to access the MapMyWalk trail map.

Distance: 1.31km

Start/End Point: In front of the Knocknacarra Community Centre

Surface: Tarmac

Parking: Car and bike parking available

Toilets: None

The first of two suggested walks in Cappagh Park. Both of these walks can be adjusted in myriad ways using the paths available to created many other looped walks for health and exercise.
Along the way there is an abundance of plant and birdlife to see, and an occasional mammal or two if you are lucky in the early hours or near dusk. These paths are perfect for availing of the tremendous peace and tranquility combined with the surrounding woodland and wildlife that Cappagh Park provides as you get your lungs full of fresh air on a day out right here in our city.
There are several benches along the way upon which to sit and take a rest or to enjoy a chat while the birds sing away all around you.
Bins are provided at Cappagh Park, as is ample car and bicycle parking. These routes are largely available to wheelchair users, (bar one small part where the slope is perhaps too steep for some but there are alternate ways to go around that part via the map).
*There are no public toilets available in the immediate area. 

Click here to access the MapMyWalk trail map.

Distance: 1km

Start/End Point: Hunter’s bike and car park

Surface: Tarmac but earth and grass pathways in wooded areas.

Parking: There is ample vehicle parking for both cars and bicycles at Hunter’s Park where you can leave your chosen mode of transport on arrival and enjoy the walk.

Public Toilets: none

This is a true two-in-one walk that will have something for everyone. It is an easy walk with a wonderful mix of open parkland on Galway Bay combined with a small section of old Galway woodland.  The waterline walk in Hunter’s Park offers wonderful views of the tidal Rusheen Bay and the chance to look across the water and maybe see some herons at their nests, nests that are now over 100 years old. The woodland loop part of the walk offers a small footpath meandering through a lovely bit of old woodland and on out to the launch site for the Rusheen Bay Windsurfing school to watch both beginners and experts sail across the water. Benches to sit and enjoy the view are available in Hunter’s Park. The surface of the paths in Hunter’s Park are paved and approximately 2 meters wide. The woodland section consists of a natural footpath through the woodland. There is no public toilet but customers of the petrol station on Barna Road can avail of the one there in a pinch.

Click here to access the MapMyWalk trail map.