Schools Programme for 2012

The schools programme is mostly aimed at primary schools visiting the centre. However the programme can easily be adapted to fit the needs of visiting secondary schools. Indeed we welcome the visits of secondary schools and can put together a programme to suit each individual school as needed. For further information on secondary school tours please do not hesitate to contact us at the Michael Cusack Centre.

Prior to a schools visit, teachers will be furnished with an activity pack which they can distribute to children. This pack will include puzzles, word games and other materials based on/connected to their tour of the Michael Cusack Centre. The activity pack will engage children and prime them for their visit to the centre.

The schools visit will be educational, creative and fun and it will be geared to the relevant age group/curriculum. In addition to the audio-visual presentation on Michael Cusack, his life and times and the foundation of the GAA in the cottage, children will also learn about the Burren environment, history, folklore, mythology, native sports, culture and history, amongst other subjects. Time permitting students can also take part in a nature scavenger hunt on the cottage grounds.

Some of the tour will be indoors - including the audio-visual in the cottage and an introductory talk in the Expo room - but the tour will largely be conducted outdoors in the nature environment surrounding the cottage. Of course alterations to the tour can be made for wet days. The overall time of the programme is 60 minutes, however if teachers wish though, the tour can be shortened in length where time is an issue for visiting schools.

** Tours can be conducted through the medium of Irish by prior arrangement with the Michael Cusack Centre**

Further Information

Opening Hours: 10.00-17.00 (last admission 16.30)
Facilities on site: Gift shop, café, free parking, picnic area, toilets, bus parking
Rates: Group rates and combo packages available
Appropriate Age : All ages
Maximum/Minimum capacity: Primary/sccondary school students/no minimum
Recommended length of time: 1 hour


For further information please do not hesitate to contact us at 065-7089944 or email Michael Cusack Centre

Testimonial

"On Tuesday 25th October 2011, 4th class from Clarecastle N.S went on an outing to the Michael Cusack Centre in Carron, Co.Clare. Despite the day being very wet, the children really enjoyed the activities planned. The quiz was a great alternative to the outdoor hunt, some of the questions were a little difficult for the age group but it was still fun. The setting in the cottage and bringing the past to life in Michael’s homeplace was well conveyed and the children learned a lot about Michael Cusack and life at that time. The staff at the centre were most helpful ,friendly, obliging and professional and interacted most positively with the children. I definitely recommend this outing as a place to visit locally and capture some of the near local attractions whilst there. A great day guaranteed irrespective of the weather".

Christina Talty,
Class Teacher,
Clarecastle National School