Visit the Site of One of & Europe’s Most Terrifing and Bloody Battles 1691 School Visits Information for Teachers & Leaders

Fully Interactive Experience Fully Interactive Experience

An eerie fog fell over Aughrim village on the Introduction morning of Sunday 12th July 1691 (Julian calendar) The Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre provides an as the Jacobite forces hastened to complete their authentic experience and interpretation of the most defences for the coming battle. Approximately significant and devastating (in terms of loss of life) 35,000 soldiers from eight European nations fought battle fought on the in the last great battle in Irish history. The battle island of Ireland, was the turning which took place point in the war on the original ‘The Battle of Aughrim was of the rival Kings. 12th July 1691 By nightfall, after (Julian calendar) indeed a very gruesome ~ just four hours (equivalent to 25th of fierce fighting, July in the modern but yet, a forgotten battle’ at least 5,000 calendar), as soldiers lay slain part of the wider on the fields of struggle for the throne of England in the . Aughrim. Amongst the casualties were Saint Ruth, the French Jacobite Officer, who was decapitated The Battle of Aughrim was fought during as he led his troops to repulse the final the final summer of a three-year assault of the battle. power struggle between rival Following his death, the battle monarchs King James II and King took its decisive turn and resulted William III of Orange. King James’ in an overwhelming Williamite army, the Jacobites, were led by victory. The Jacobite resistance French General Saint Ruth while to Williamite rule was broken King William’s army, the , following their shattering defeat were led by Dutch General Ginkel. at Aughrim and their remaining leaders, including Jacobite Officer Patrick Sarsfield, agreed to the Terms of the Treaty of . The Battle of Aughrim was indeed a very gruesome ~ but yet, a forgotten battle. A fascinating and educational experience for families, school children, and anyone with an interest in history

Tour Guide Experience The Tour Guide will greet the children upon arrival and will brief them about the Visitor Centre’s facilities. The Tour Guide will first bring the children into our main exhibit room which includes the following:

An immersive audiovisual exhibition, including narrated film on the Battle of Aughrim;

Interpretative panels and models that dynamically illustrate the context and history of the battle, the lead-up to the fighting and the aftermath;

Period costumes and artefacts to examine and use for photo opportunities;

Battlefield diorama with model soldiers — which is unique to the centre;

A self-guided information guide and map of the battlefield site (which outline the key sites on the battlefield) will be provided so that the schoolchildren can enjoy a tour of the battlefield site.

An Interactive map board activity ‘Wearing Marquis de Saint Ruth’s hat’. This fun game allows children to examine the battlefield diorama and act as Saint Ruth by arranging their battle troops on the map board.

Every child will receive a Colouring/Activity Book which they can complete either during or after the school visit. Fully Interactive Experience

Joyce Collection

The Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre also holds the Martin Joyce Collection which comprises items collected by or given to Mr. Martin Joyce, Headmaster, Aughrim N.S. (1930s–1970s) from the battlefields and beyond. (The collection contains such artefacts as musket and cannon balls, blunderbuss and musket guns, swords, pike heads, gun money coins and perhaps the only remaining print of Mulvaney’s famous ‘The Cavalry Fight at Urrachree’ from 1691). The centre is a terrific, engaging day out for children and adults — the period costumes and props are a particular favourite with visitors!

Education & Learning Zone An ‘Education & Learning Zone’ is located within the accessible reception area. This Zone hosts a mini military history/local history–related library, which includes a School Educational Workbook (we’d be delighted to provide associated Teachers/Learners notes electronically also), colouring/activity books and jigsaws. The centre also showcases local heritage-related books/resources. Each student will receive a colouring/activity book, which they can enjoy filling in at the Visitor Centre on the day of your visit or following the visit at school. Reception Area Facilities The reception area incorporates a seating area, toilets, baby changing and wheelchair-accessible facilities. The Visitor Centre also provides brochures on a range of heritage, cultural and tourism activities both within and outside the Hidden Heartlands area, city and Connemara area for school children to enjoy. A fascinating and educational experience for families, school children, and anyone with an interest in history

Additional The Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre can serve as an ideal base for numerous projects and excursions. In addition, adjacent to the Visitor Centre, there is a playground suitable for children under 12, as well as a large secure green park area which is laid out like a miniature version of the battlefield where one can stroll.

Planning Your Visit The centre strongly recommends a short visit by a teacher/group leader beforehand. This ensures preparedness for the school/group visit and allows staff from both places to share ideas and form a plan. If it’s not possible to visit in advance, it is strongly recommended to visit our website https://heritage.galwaycommunityheritage.org/ content/category/places/battle-of-aughrim- visitor-centre for more information about the battle and the Visitor Centre, and to download any relevant online resources.

Code of Conduct Please ensure your pupils respect other visitors, Centre artifacts and staff. Staff reserve the right to ask visitors to leave if their behaviour disrupts the experience of others in the attraction.

Mr. Boyd Rankin of Irish Arms RIP Fully Interactive Experience

SCHOOL TOUR Season BOOKING Form Opening Dates / Times

The Battle of Aughrim Visitor STEP BY STEP GUIDE Centre is open seasonally It is advisable that all school/group visits to the Battle of Aughrim May–September each year. Visitor Centre must be booked in advance ~ please discuss your needs Opening Hours: 10:30am– with the Visitor Centre’s Assistant/Tour Guide when making a booking. 4.30pm Tues–Sat Contact the Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre and Sun 2–5pm by phone: 09096 73939 Last Admission: 4pm (Tues–Sat) or email: [email protected] and 4.30pm Sunday

Please note: to avoid disappointment please aim to book your visit at least 6 weeks in advance.

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Does your group have any Special Educational or other Access needs? A fascinating and educational experience for families, school children, and anyone with an interest in history

Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre

We are easy to find...

Athlone Moate M6 Galway Loughrea Ballinasloe

Limerick Dublin

R446

R446 M6 Galway R446 M6 M6

Address: Aughrim Village, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, H53 KH51 R446 Tel: 09096 73939 (during opening season) Email: [email protected] PHOTO OPPERTUNITY

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PHOTO OPPORTUNITY Fully Interactive Experience

Teacher/Leader Considerations Some suggested questions/ prior to booking topics for discussion It is a good idea for your group/school to have Where are we going? Show your students images of an objective in mind for your visit — to build the the Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre. visit into a project at school and give the children Explain what kind of Visitor Centre it is, using the an idea of what they can expect to see or have a background and historical information contained class discussion about the Battle of Aughrim in in the Centre’s Educational Workbook and other advance of the visit. Familiarise them with some of information available from the Battle of Aughrim’s the vocabulary that they might come across at the website. Visitor Centre. Educational packs are available — please contact the Visitor Centre or see link below* for more information. Post Visit Work Have some follow-up work planned for back in the classroom, such as a classroom discussion and activities to build on what the students have learned and experienced at the Visitor Centre.

Please refer to the following Questions you could pose to pages from the Educational the children include: Workbook: • What was your favourite part of the exhibition? 1. A Game of Thrones • Describe some of the weapons used at the Battle of Aughrim. 2. War of the Kings — Main Characters • Describe the soldiers’ uniforms. 3. The Soldiers and their Artillery and Weapons 4. The Armies

*TEACHER/LEADER RESOURCES An educational workbook for senior classes (4th–6th class) has been produced by the Centre with accompanying teachers notes and are available apon request. Please contact the Visitor Centre for more information. A fascinating and educational experience for families, school children, and anyone with an interest in history

Education FAQ’s What is included in a school tour? What time does the Battle of School tours include a guided tour of the Aughrim Visitor Centre Open? interpretative room, dressing up in battlefield costumes, watching the video of the Battle of The Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre is open Aughrim, examining the battlefield diorama and seasonally May–September each year. acting as Saint Ruth to arrange your battle troops The Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre is open on the in the centre’s board game. A self-guided map following days: can be provided to your school if you would like Tuesday to Saturday: We open from 10:30am until to undertake a tour of the battle sites. The centre 4.30pm. Last admission 4 pm. provides a colouring /activity book for each student, which can be completed at the centre on the day of Sunday: We open from 2.00pm to 5.00pm. your visit or following the visit at school/home.. Last admission 4.30pm. The Centre is closed on Mondays. What if the weather is bad? The Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre is fully covered; How do you pay for school however, if your school wishes to undertake a self- tours? guided tour of the battlefield sites, we would advise you to have a change of clothes on your bus in case Payment can be made in advance of your visit of bad weather. or upon arrival at admissions. Please note no groups can be admitted without full payment being Can teachers leave their groups received. with the Battle of Aughrim We accept the following: Centre Tour Guide? Cash No. Teachers must remain with their groups at all Cheque - made payable to ‘Battle of Aughrim Visitor times. School groups remain the responsibility of Centre’ their teachers while they are visiting. Credit Card — you can pay using your credit card via Are there are toilet facilities? our secure SumUp technology. Yes, toilet facilities are available in the Centre. *Please note Credit Card payments must be paid in advance of your visit. Please contact reservations Is there wheelchair access? on 09096 73939 during opening season or email The Visitor Centre is accessible by wheelchair and [email protected] has full toilet facilities on site.

Aughrim Village, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, H53 KH51 Tel: 09096 73939 (during opening season) Email: [email protected]