Bye Bye Summer, Blackrock, Galway Bay

Saying goodbye to summer sun and beach fun is difficult! A few favourite pictures from quality time spent in Salthill, Galway.

Some highlights from the summer include: the famous diving tower at Blackrock had a special visitor in August to support the Olympics in Rio - a great surprise on a beautiful sunny morning; my son, Cillian (age 7) took the brave step of jumping off the diving tower at Blackrock on a stormy but warm evening; the children also enjoyed finding Jellyfish and Crabs at the beach with their cousins from New York; and off course there is the wonderful sunsets in Salthill we were treated to on a fine day!

There is alot more fun to come in the Autumn. As the temperatures fall, there is still lots to do along the coast and many treasures to be found!

Now for some Ireland and ocean facts….
Blackrock Diving Tower in Salthill Galway dates back to the summer of 1885, when a springboard was erected on the site. It was not until May 1954 that the Blackrock tower was built by James Stewart and Co to a design by Mr B Faherty. In 1954 the total cost of the tower was £5,500 (Irish pounds), of which £1,000 was contributed by the Salthill Citizens' Organisation.

For more information and pictures on the history of Blackrock, please check out the Galway Advertiser link http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/55052/swimming-and-diving-at-blackrock   

My boys have asked me where does Seaweed come from?
Seaweeds are marine algae. Seaweeds are found throughout the world's oceans and seas and none are known as poisonous. Seaweed is actually lovely to eat and is found in many foods and health products! 
Check out the colourful seaweed found in Galway Bay at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka0kyQ_AlL8  

Now for some create and playtime activities...
A. Parents, teachers and children - take a trip to the beach and collect some samples of Seaweed, then ask the children to come up with some fun ideas to do with the Seaweed back in the classroom.
B. Take a few moments to write down three things you want to do this Autumn with Mum and Dad outdoors!

Enjoy the Ireland learning adventures!