Learning at North Down Museum

School and group visits

At North Down Museum, we provide a wide range of activities, workshops and resources for education and community groups, with something to suit every age. 

Please note that school and group visits need to be booked in advance to ensure the best experience for everyone and a small fee may be payable for some programmes.

Early Christian workshop (KS2)

This programme is aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils.

Prior booking is required for all groups.

Description: One of the most prominent eras of history in the Ards and North Down area is the Early Christian period. Come to North Down Museum and learn about life in Ireland in Early Christian times. What did a monastic settlement look like? How did monks live? Why were abbeys important and where can we see evidence of them today? Find this out, and more, during your visit to North Down Museum.

Children will have the opportunity to see a monastery model, handle a replica bronze bell, dress as a monk, enter our monk’s cell, and discover what life was like in the borough during this time.

The visit includes a unique opportunity for children to be instructed in the art of illumination – the decorative writing of the monks – which has been made famous by writings such as the Book of Kells.

Duration: 2 hours+ (depending on requirements for break/shopping)

Cost: £3 per pupil

Vikings workshop (KS2)

This programme is aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils.

Prior booking is required for all groups.

Description: The tour begins in our Discovery Room where children can learn about the role of archaeology in understanding our past. The context will then be set as children learn about Bangor’s beginnings as a monastic settlement in the years around 800AD, and Bangor’s very important link with the Vikings in the 9th century.

The tour then moves into our longhouse where the children will meet a Viking warrior! There is much to see and handle from items of everyday life to items of war. This session is interactive and encourages children to challenge assumptions made about these warriors from a distant land.

The final element of the visit is a craft workshop where children will recreate the Ballyholme brooches, which can be taken back to school to paint when dry. The running order of the visit may be altered depending on the size of your group.

Duration: 2 hours 30 mins + (depending on requirements for break/shopping)

Cost: £4 per pupil

Catering

If you would like refreshments to be provided during your school or group visit, please contact the museum café directly on: 028 9127 8050

Preparing for your visit

Please contact our Education and Outreach Officer, Ruth, to book your visit or to discuss specific requirements (see contact details below).

Handling boxes

We have a number of handling boxes available for schools or groups to borrow for a short period. These include a collection of items which have been donated to the museum over a period of years, or which have been specifically acquired for this purpose. All boxes have copies of local photographs available (except for the Vikings!) and are available for the following topics:

  • Second World War
  • 1950s
  • Vikings
  • Victorians 

NB We are currently collecting objects relating to the 1960s and 1970s. 

Please contact our Education and Outreach Officer, Ruth, to discuss any of the above: ruth.verner@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

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