Learning on the Move - The Antrim Coast

This time, rather than focusing on a city, we are exploring a region to visit as part of our Learning On The Move series. The Antrim coast is located in Northern Ireland.

The Antrim Coast has a rich history that extends over thousands of years. Archaeological findings indicate that humans first arrived in the area around 9,000 years ago, as evidenced by prehistoric settlements. Early settlements, dating from 300 to 800 AD, have revealed flint tools, including axes. The entire coastline has been molded by medieval conflicts and is influenced by both Celtic and Norse cultures. 

From the 5th to the 9th century, the region was part of the maritime kingdom of Dalriada, renowned for their seafaring skills. The Dalriada people were Gaels who migrated from Antrim to Argyll, bringing along their Gaelic language and culture. Their Gaelic kingdom encompassed Rathlin, Ulster, the Glens of Antrim, and parts of Scotland, including a portion of the Inner Hebrides. It consisted of four distinct kinship groups that collaborated together.

This is time period is regarded as an essential precursor to the formation of the Kingdom of Scotland. Iona, a monastery established by St Columba in Dalriada, became a hub of Christian scholarship and influence, disseminating Christianity across Britannia.

Like other parts of the British Isles, the area endured Viking raids in the 9th century. Medieval castles such as Red Bay and Glenarm, along with the Franciscan friary, all showcase the area's turbulent history. These raids have influenced the region, leaving a legacy in place names and cultural traditions.

The Antrim Coast and Glens is steeped in folklore, closely associated with the "wee folk." In Irish folklore, the "wee folk" are supernatural entities, often called fairies, who are thought to dwell in the natural world. This tradition is reflected in numerous place names, like Feystown (town of the fairies), Breen (the fairy palace), and Skeagh (the fairy thorn).

Activities to enhance our learning while exploring the Antrum Coastline.

History

Carrickfergus Castle

Carrickfergus Castle is one of the top castles to explore, primarily because it has completely fallen into ruin. This Norman castle was constructed by an Anglo-Norman knight, John de Courcy, in 1177. After conquering eastern Ulster, he used the castle as his military stronghold and ruled as a minor king until 1204, when he was overthrown by another Norman adventurer, Hugh de Lacy.

King John besieged the castle in 1210 and maintained control until 1216. It stayed under English control and functioned as the primary supply port for Crown forces during that time. In 1690, King William of Orange and his army arrived there on their way to confront King James at the Battle of the Boyne. In 1760, after intense fighting, the castle was surrendered to the French.

During WW1, it was used as an armoury and garrison, and during WW2, it served as an air-raid shelter.

The Castle has been reconstructed three times and stands proudly following recent repairs. It still holds several of its original cannons that once lined the sea wall.

Design and Technology (and some walking)

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

A bit farther down the coastal path lies the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Although Atlantic salmon were initially caught here in 1620, it was not until 1755 that the first rope bridge to the rocky island of Carrick-a-Rede was built, minimizing the dependence on boats for access.

Until the 1960s, it was common to catch up to 300 salmon a day. However, fishing pressure at sea and river pollution caused a decline in salmon numbers, and the last one was caught at Carrick-a-Rede in 2002.

From the 1700s until the early 2000s, Carrick-a-Rede operated as a working fishery and had a crane on the island to lift boats out of the water, protecting them from being damaged against the rocks when not in use. The old crane was eventually damaged by weather and washing away. Today, you can see a reconstruction of the crane, built by rangers in 2016, which helps illustrate the fishing industry's significance on the Causeway Coast.

The bridge itself stretches twenty meters from the headland to Carrick Island, standing just over 30 meters above the sea level. Over the past 350 years, the bridge has taken many forms; until the 1970s, it consisted of a handrail and wooden slats. Fortunately, it is now much more robust and therefore safer to cross. Crossing the bridge offers a bird’s eye view of the clear green water and ancient caverns far below.

Geography and Storytelling (and a lot of walking)

It was believed that giants shaped parts of the natural landscape, and many Irish place names reference giants. The myth of the Giant's Causeway involves two giants: Finn McCool (the Irish giant) and Benandonner (the Scottish giant). When Benandonner threatened Ireland, Finn responded by ripping up large sections of the Antrim coastline and throwing them into the sea. This formed a pathway between Ireland and Scotland, known as the Giant's Causeway. Giving a route across the sea for Finn to confront Benandonner in battle. However, when they met, things did not go as planned for either giant. Finn realized he could not win and retreated, prompting Benandonner to destroy the causeway in a panic to prevent Finn from returning.

The Giant’s Causeway is made up of more than 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns, most of which are systematically uniform in shape. This phenomenon occurs when hot volcanic rock cools and contracts. As the lava rapidly cools from the outside toward the center, it contracts, and variations in the cooling process result in the formation of hexagonal, prismatic columns.

This is an excellent destination, but you should bring a few essentials. Firstly, choose a day with good weather to ensure you have enough time to explore the entire area. Secondly, wear sturdy walking shoes and dress in weather-appropriate layers. Lastly, pack a lunch. Plan to spend some time here, and if you organize your visit well, you can explore the whole site, but you'll need sustenance, a packed lunch and some GORP. It's a long way from the visitor centre (and the toilets), so start there! Then, follow the route around to the amphitheater and double back, climbing the shepherd’s steps and returning along the cliff top to make the most of your visit. The steps are challenging (consider it your exercise for the day), so take advantage of the benches to rest along the way.

Giant's Causeway

Giant's Causeway

More on History and Politics (and more walking)

Derry (Londonderry) has a rich and intricate history, and care should be taken when discussing the city's name with locals to avoid causing offence. (The city is called Londonderry by unionists who want Northern Ireland to remain as part of the Uk. Nationalist, call it Derry, are those who would like Northern Ireland to be returned to Ireland.)

St Columba established Derry in the 6th century. During the early 17th century, the Plantation of Ulster led to the city being renamed Londonderry and the construction of its iconic walls. In the late 18th century, Derry became a key hub for shirt manufacturing.

In 1922, following the Partition of Ireland, Derry’s economic situation worsened.

From 1968 to 1998, the city endured considerable sectarian violence, highlighted by the tragic events of Bloody Sunday in 1969. The Good Friday Agreement in 1998 initiated a phase of peace and reconciliation.

You may know the TV show The Derry Girls, a comedy set during the period of The Good Friday Agreement. I will now introduce the term "The Derry Boys."

Derry, officially known as Londonderry, is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland, for the purpose of the is blog I am going to call it Derry – out of respect for the three young “Derry Boys” who chatted with me on the wall of the old town.

I know what you're going to say—I spend most of my workweek talking with teenagers, and even on holiday, I end up chatting with the local teens. The suggestions on where to go and what to do in Derry come from a conversation with the "Derry Boys" after I asked them for recommendations. Their response might be a bit biased, as one of the Derry Boys' mum - is a teacher.

They recommended that you boldly explore the Derry City Walls, the Tower Museum, the Museum of Free Derry, the Guildhall, and the Peace Bridge.

The Derry City Walls feature informative boards throughout, detailing your current location in the city and the historical events of the Siege of 1688-89. You anc learn how the apprentices saved the city by closing the gates.

Even if the siege doesn't interest you, these boards provide insights into various city sections. For instance, the butchers operated inside the city, with cattle entering through a specific gate. Tanners, who transformed cowhide into leather, worked outside the city gates due to the unpleasant odor of the leather-making process. The first school was located within the city, adjacent to the bishop's residence and the church, as literacy and education were primarily church-driven at the time.

The Tower Museum addresses the political conflict that influenced the city, while The Museum of Free Derry delves into the civil rights movement and the events of Bloody Sunday, making it more appropriate for KS3 students. The Guildhall is more suitable for those in KS2.

Cross the Peace Bridge, and you'll discover St Columb’s Park, which all three boys suggested. There's a playground by the water's edge that is perfect for the younger brother and sister.  

Derry Guild Hall

Art

Regarding the art, the Derry Boys recommended that families would appreciate official walking tours around the Bogside and Free Derry Corner more. These tours are guided, allowing you to navigate efficiently and reach each point faster, as opposed to stumbling upon the art by chance.

And Even More History (with some S.T.E.M)

Apologies for this history-heavy Learning On The Move blog, but there's one final educational stop during your stay here.

A visit to Titanic Belfast is essential. This exhibition is fantastic, though be warned—the initial section is designed to reflect the city's hustle and bustle, so it can feel overwhelming at first. Now that you're prepared, take your time to fully engage with the experience. This isn't a quick visit; there's a wealth of fascinating background information on the city, the shipbuilding industry, and the construction, sinking, and discovery of the Titanic. Your ticket also includes access to the SS Nomadic, docked just outside.