The Ash Tree

Belmont National School is part of a special project led by Milltown Heritage in collaboration with the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History. As part of the project, Belmont explored the ash tree, a native species rich in Irish folklore and heritage. The children brought the theme to life through poetry, artwork, clay pottery, and lessons that linked nature and history to art, science, writing, and Irish.

The project also celebrated the school’s deep roots in the local landscape from the legend of the battling giants and the hilltop ash tree, to the historic ties with Belmont House, the ancient hillfort, and the Blake and Birmingham families. These local stories, along with links to Dalgin and Carnageehy schools, reflect a rich natural and cultural heritage that continues to shape the identity of Belmont N.S. today.

This project forms part of the Dead Zoo Lab exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland - Collins Barracks.

It was also featured during a special drop‑in event at the Dead Zoo Lab during National Biodiversity Week, where school representatives met visitors to the "Our Irish Natural History exhibition" to learn more about the ash tree project.

Congratulations to everyone involved in Belmont NS on being selected as the national winners in the Young European Heritage Maker's competition, representing Ireland at European level. Belmont NS also won the Schools Contribution to Heritage Award at the Cathaoirleach Awards 2026. Fantastic achievements!