Young voices in Rush bring ancient Drumanagh to life

Students from St Catherine’s National School in Rush have brought the history of Drumanagh promontory fort to life through a creative project led by artist Niamh Sharkey.

4th Class St Catherine’s National School at Rush Library

Interpreting a site like Drumanagh promontory fort isn't easy. While community excavations at Drumanagh have revealed remarkable evidence of contact with the Roman world — to most it looks like a grassy field.

The students of Ms Kavanagh’s 4th class of St Catherine’s National School Rush accepted the challenge. Through a unique artist residency, delivered in partnership with Fingal County Council’s Heritage Office, Libraries Department and Arts Office, the children have uncovered the stories of this site and reimagined them through creativity.

Award-winning children’s author and illustrator Niamh Sharkey (Laureate na nÓg 2012–2014) guided the students in exploring history, archaeology, biodiversity and storytelling through site visits, workshops and artistic experimentation using ink and charcoal. The project culminated in Discovering Drumanagh, a vibrant, child-led publication written and illustrated by the students, bringing Drumanagh to life. 

Teacher Ms Jill Kavanagh, Heritage Officer Christine Baker and Creative Communities Officer Emer Sharkey with 4th class students

"To see the student’s response to the site and their work with Niamh Sharkey has been amazing", said Fingal Heritage Officer Christine Baker. "Discovering Drumanagh is such an imaginative perspective on their local heritage."

"The children should be incredibly proud of themselves,” said Creative Communities Engagement Officer Emer Sharkey. “They have done a fantastic job bringing Drumanagh to life, and Niamh has captured each student’s vision so beautifully in this wonderful publication. The success of this collaborative project highlights how creativity can connect communities and raise awareness of the important work Fingal County Council is doing to preserve our heritage."

Artist in residence Niamh Sharkey with pupil of St Catherine’s National School

Discovering Drumanagh will be available through BorrowBox, inspiring wider audiences to connect with heritage, place and creativity. 

Funded by Creative Ireland and supported by Fingal Heritage Office, this project is an objective of the Fingal Heritage Plan 2024-2030.