The Irish World Heritage Centre has been delighted to welcome over 200 young people through its doors since May - in its latest educational initiative.

The children have come from primary schools in Manchester, including St Dunstan's, St Chad’s and St Bernard’s, and also numerous summer schemes such as the Urbis 0161 Summer School and the Irish Community Care Travelers Play Scheme.

They have participated in info-hunts around the building, exploring and examining the Centres collections and archives, and have been treated to traditional Irish music and art workshops facilitated by the CCE Development Officer Michelle O’Leary and community Artist Catherine Clements.

They have had lunch which included Tayto crisps and red lemonade, all of which are on sale in the shop at the Irish World Heritage Centre.

The young people from the Urbis summer scheme also learned how to make potato cakes with Josephine Keegan from Roscommon and learned a few Gaelic Football moves from Paul Murphy from St Lawrence’s football club.

They examined a collection of traditional and contemporary Irish dancing costumes and learned some Irish dancing, taught by Louise Keegan from the Keegan-Kennedy school of Irish Dancing.

“I loved learning the tin whistle. I am going to take it home and practice every day.” Nan, aged 11.

These cultural days have been a great success both for the children that have participated and for at the Irish World Heritage Centre.

“We have worked hard on placing an emphasis on the educational value of the activities that we provide, but just as importantly on the fun aspect of their visit.” Margot Ryan, Cultural and Educational Development Worker, Irish World Heritage Centre.

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