Primary School Tours

Castlecomer Discovery Park is a registered Discover Science
Centre under the Discover Primary Science Programme

For primary school groups, we have two options: the full Primary Science Day which runs from September to April and the more relaxed School Tour programme which runs during May and June and allows teachers to select activities and leaves time for children to visit the playground and giftshop.

Primary School Science Day

Our Primary Science Day is suitable for all ages at Primary School level. A typical day will be approximately four hours duration and will involve most if not all of the following activities.

Footprints in Coal

An interactive multimedia exhibition in which Children are transported back in time over 300 million years to find out how the coal first formed and to see some of the first plants and animals to colonise the Earth.

Invertebrate Collection

The children will use pooters and nets to hunt for their own mini-beasts or invertebrates. They will then examine the creatures up close and explore the similarities and differences with fossil forms.

Water Ecology

Using nets, the children will go into the stream to collect small invertebrates in the water. They can then use keys to identify the different types and see how the different species can be used to check the water quality. This activity is weather dependent and wellington boots are essential.

Amphibians

Before seeing the amphibian fossils in the exhibition, the children will discuss what makes an amphibian different from other animals and learn a little about the classification of animal groups.

Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt through the woodlands encourages children to observe their surroundings and learn about the plants and animals of the woodlands.

Older children will be provided with a workbook on the day (there are two workbooks aimed at different age groups) and teacher notes on the exhibition and activities can be downloaded here.
Workbook Junior (pdf) (Suitable for 1st – 4th Class)
Workbook Senior (pdf) (Suitable for 5th & 6th Class)
Teacher Notes (pdf)

Group Size

We can cater for two class groups each day with preferably no more than 25 children in each group.

Supervision

All activities will be guided by experienced Castlecomer Discovery Park staff but teachers must be responsible for supervision and safety of their groups at all times during the day. We recommend that you bring extra adults to help with supervision. Any accidents should be reported to Castlecomer Discovery Park staff. If teachers / adult helpers wish to visit the coffee shop please ensure that you have sufficient supervision so that there will be someone with the group at all times.

Location

We can be found on the main N78 road immediately north of Castlecomer town. For directions and a map check our Location page.

Facilities

There is parking on site for cars and coaches, a picnic area, toilets, coffee shop and gift shop.

Booking

To book a school group contact the Discovery Park at 056 4440707.

School Tours

During May and June, we offer a more relaxed school tour programme, where teachers can choose a selection of activities from the Primary Science Programme and leave more time for visiting the playground and / or the gift shop.
The activities are individually priced and timetables are tailored to teachers’ requirements. This is especially useful if you are combining a trip to Castlecomer Discovery Park with another activity or attraction.

Teachers can select from the following activities:

• Footprints in Coal Experience


• Invertebrate Collection
• Water Ecology
• Guided Tree Trail – a walk through the woodlands with games and activities along the way
• Self-guided nature trail

The children will also have a chance to visit our adventure playground, which is designed around the themes of the exhibition.

Download our primary schools brochure here.pdf

For more information on Primary School Groups contact Castlecomer Discovery Park