Discover how archaeological evidence can help us understand life, death and power in Medieval Ireland.
How did Ireland change after the arrival of the Anglo-Normans in the 1170s? Why was feasting so important in medieval times and how did people defend their homes 500 years ago?
Learn how archaeologists use evidence to answer these questions, then put your new knowledge to the test and create your own mini medieval Tower House to take back to the classroom!
Workshop at a Glance
Level :1st and 2nd Year
Group size: 30 students max
Location: Medieval Ireland
Duration: 75 minutes
Days available: Thursday
Times available: 10:30am
Accessibility: This workshop is not wheelchair accessible. Please advise of any mobility needs at the time of booking.
Curriculum Links
Strand 1: The Nature of History
Working with evidence/ Developing historical consciousness
Strand 2: The History of Ireland
- Recognising key change / The nature and impact of distinct civilisations in history / The impact of settlement and land ownership on ideas of identity
- Exploring people, culture and ideas / How religious beliefs and practices influenced historical change/ Impact of new and changing ideas about how people should live and be governed/ How women’s lives changed over time/
- Applying historical thinking / Connections between people, events and places in the past/ Sense of historical empathy in exploring people in the past
Key skills for Junior Cycle
- Managing myself: Being able to reflect on my own thinking
- Being creative: Thinking creatively
- Communicating: Listening and expressing myself
Learning Outcomes
- Examine how archaeology informs our understanding of the arrival of the Anglo-Normans 850 years ago
- Explore the impact of the arrival of the Anglo-Normans on the landscape and society of Ireland
- Explore life, death and power in the Middle Ages through the artefacts in the Museum’s collection
- Handle replica artefacts from the later medieval period
- Create a mini medieval tower house