Duration: 8 Thursdays

Time: 19:00-21:00

Dates: 30 Jan, 6, 13, 20, 27 Feb, 6, 13, 20 Mar

1. Increase participants understanding of the biodiversity, heritage and their connections
with the marine environment, particularly with estuaries and the seashore.
The classes will include presentations and discussions where participants will learn how to identify animals and plants that live within the estuaries and on a typical rocky seashore. The content will also include developing the participants understanding of the tides, types of seashores, how a seashore is divided (zonation), safety & conservation, as well as a description of useful equipment for use on fieldtrips. An introduction and practical tips will be provided in identifying species, seaweeds and plants found in key locations along the upper, lower and middle seashore, as well as along an estuary.

2. Develop participants understanding and skills so they can communicate the importance of estuaries and the seashore in a meaningful way – sharing with the wider community and public.
The content covered in the training will enable the participants to develop their skills, ability and competency in active engagement, inclusive discussion and opportunities for facilitating challenging conversations relating to their local marine environment.

3. The Role of Seaweed in the Marine Environment
To explore the multifaceted significance of seaweed in Irish marine culture and heritage and the crucial role it plays in biodiversity and its significance to conservation efforts and to climate change. To gain an insight and understanding of the historical, cultural, ecological, and economic importance of seaweed in Ireland, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with its sustainable management.

4. Traditional Small Boats in Irish Marine Culture: exploring a nature-based approach through heritage, conservation, and sustainability.
This module explores the value of a nature-based approach in exploring the rich maritime heritage of traditional small boats in Ireland and their significance in Irish marine culture, heritage conservation, and sustainable coastal development. Participants will learn about the diverse types of traditional boats found in Ireland, their historical use, cultural symbolism, and contemporary conservation efforts.

Challinor, H., Murphy-Wickens, S., Clark. J., Murphy, A. (2001) A Beginner’s Guide to Ireland’s Seashore,
Sherkin Island Marine Station, Cork, Ireland

Clarke, M., Farrell, E.D., Roche, W., Murray, T.E., Foster, S. and Marnell, F. (2016) Ireland Red List No. 11:
Cartilaginous fish [sharks, skates, rays and chimaeras], National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts,
Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Dublin, Ireland.

Críostóir Mac Cárthaigh, Dónal Macpolin and Ríonach Uí Ógáin (2008). Traditional boats of Ireland : history,
folklore and construction. Cork Ireland: Collins.

Dónal MacPolin (1999). The Drontheim. D. Macpolin.

Dónal MacPolin (2007). The Donegal Currach.

Dromgool-Regan & Eimear Manning (2021) Explorers Wild about Wildlife on the Seashore Information Sheets,
Marine Institute, Ireland: https://oar.marine.ie/handle/10793/1675

Dromgool-Regan, C. & Crowley, D. (2023). Explorers Turtle Talk With Sea Turtles: An Introduction to Sea
Turtles. Explorers Education Programme, Camden.Education. Marine Institute, Ireland:
https://oar.marine.ie/handle/10793/1816

Dromgool-Regan, C., Crowley, D., McCrea, M., (2023) Explorers Fin-Tastic Sharks+ An Introduction to
Elasmobranchs for Children. Explorers Education Programme, Marine Institute, Ireland:
https://oar.marine.ie/handle/10793/1885

Elbert, D. A. & Dando, M. (2021) Sharks, Rays & Chimaeras of Europe and the Mediterranean, Princeton
Fish J. D., and Fish, S. A. (2011) A Student's Guide to the Seashore (3rd edition), Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge, England

Jerzy Gawroński, Holk, V., J C A Schokkenbroek, Scheepvaartmuseum (Amsterdam, Netherlands, Netherlands.
Rijksdienst Voor Het Cultureel Erfgoed and Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (2017). Ships and maritime landscapes :
proceedings of the Thirteenth International Symposium on Boat and Ship Archaeology, Amsterdam 2012.
Eelde: Barkhuis Publishing.

Mouritsen, O.G. (2013). Seaweeds. University of Chicago Press.

National Museum of Ireland. (n.d.). Traditional Boats of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. [online] Available at:
https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collections-Research/Folklife-Collections/Folklife-Collections-List-
(1)/Boats/Traditional-Boats-of-Ireland-s-Wild-Atlantic-Way [Accessed 1 May 2024].

Prannie Rhatigan (2009). Irish seaweed kitchen : the comprehensive guide to healthy everyday cooking with
seaweeds. Holywood: Booklink.

Review of the Irish seaweed aquaculture sector and strategy for its development to 2030. (n.d.). Available at:
https://bim.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/BIM-IMAS-Strategy.pdf.

Sterry, P., and Cleave, A. (2012) Collins Complete Guide to British Coastal Wildlife - A photographic guide to
every common species, HarperCollins Publishers, London, UK

Stp, F., Brodie, J.A., A Maggs Christine and Bunker, A.R. (2017). Seaweeds of Britain and Ireland. Plymton St.
Maurice, Plymouth: Wild Nature Press.
Taylor, L., and Nickelsen, E. (2018) Ireland’s Seashore A Field Guide, The Collins Press, Cork, Ireland.

www.algaebase.org. (n.d.). Algaebase :: Listing the World’s Algae. [online] Available at:
https://www.algaebase.org/.

www.teagasc.ie. (n.d.). SeaHealth - Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development Authority. [online] Available
at: https://www.teagasc.ie/about/research--innovation/research-leaders-2025/funded-projects/seahealth/

On completion of the course, students will:

-Have an expanded appreciation of the of the marine and estuarine environments around the coast of Ireland.

-Have an understanding of the tides, types of seashores, how a seashore is divided (zonation), safety & conservation.

-Have the ability to identify common animals and plants that live within the estuaries and on a typical rocky seashore.

-Have an appreciation of the current and future impact of climate change on the marine environment.

-Have an understanding of the complex environment of our estuaries and the sensitive nature of these biotopes.

-Appreciate the adaptations developed by specialist animals in dealing with the ever-fluctuating marine environment.

-Will have gained an insight and understanding of the biological, historical, cultural, ecological, and economic importance of seaweed in Ireland, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with its sustainable management.

-Will have gained an appreciation of the rich maritime heritage of traditional small boat building in Ireland and the significance of these craft in Irish marine culture, heritage conservation, and sustainable coastal development.

-Will have gained a knowledge of the diverse types of traditional boats found in Ireland, their historical use, cultural symbolism, and contemporary conservation efforts.

Ken Whelan has over 14 years’ experience of running Lifelong Learning courses across the island of Ireland, in the UK and in the USA. Ken has a very interactive and accessible style. His overall approach is conversational and relaxed. No previous knowledge of marine biology or ecology is required to enjoy his talks.

Cushla Dromgool-Regan loves sharing stories about the animals on the seashore to those that visit Irish waters, as well as engaging those on her courses in ocean conversations. To help participants dive in and learn about our ocean, Cushla provides interactive presentations where she showcases some of her beautiful photography taken on the shores around Ireland, introducing a selection of the incredible seashore species and seaweeds. As lead author of five marine themed books for primary schools, she provides a wealth of insights into the work of marine scientists and community groups around Ireland researching marine species in Ireland. Suitable for beginners to dip their toes into the ocean, Cushla’s conversational approach covers some iconic species including sharks, sea turtles to some of the deep-sea creatures.

William McElhinney has an affable nature and delivers presentations in a creative and engaging manner. He adopts a holistic approach and has experience in delivering innovative projects from pre-school to university. This course will be presented through his own interactive case studies and work he has been involved in over the years – particularly his knowledge of restoring traditional boats. William will also use a range of presentations and videos to share his research on wellbeing, sustainability and outdoor education.