Our heritage mural is a celebration of Dunboyne — its people, its stories, its places, its nature, and its future. When we started this project, we wanted to understand what heritage really means. We learned that heritage is not only about old buildings or events from the past. It is also about our environment, our families, our community, and the things we want to protect for the future. As part of this learning, we take part in the Heritage in Schools Programme, Green Schools Programme, GLOBE Programme, Biodiversity in Schools Nature Hero Awards and the Irish Aid Programme, as well as G.I.Y Grow Your Own, Incredible Edibles, Rivers as Ecosystems, and the Trinity College NCAD Lichen Mural Project. We also held an Action Day in our local GAA Club where we planted over 500 spring bulbs. All of these projects show our ongoing commitment to protecting, understanding, and celebrating the natural heritage around us. Our mural is a way for us to show what Dunboyne means to us and how we want it to be for the generations that will come after us.

The inspiration for our mural came from the Wonder Wander Walking Trail, a special trail created for Dunboyne by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage and Meath County Council. We explored parts of this trail as a class, and we were amazed to discover how many incredible sites and stories are right beside us. Even places we walk past every day have hidden meanings and history behind them. Exploring the trail helped us understand how heritage is all around us — sometimes you just have to slow down and look.

At the centre of our mural is the Lime Tree, also known as The Big Tree, which was once a famous landmark in Dunboyne. Even though the real lime tree had to be cut down because it had become rotten, it is still a strong symbol of our town. When it was removed, pieces of the tree were given to people in the community to remember it by. For us, the tree represents the heart of Dunboyne and the connection between past, present, and future.

We designed each part of the Lime Tree to symbolise something important.

The roots show the things we want to protect: our rivers, trees, wildlife, old buildings, history, biodiversity, and local stories. We included lichen on the roots, because lichen can only grow where the air is clean. This connects to our Air Quality Campaign, where we measured nitrogen dioxide and worked with schools across Europe to learn about pollution through the GLOBE Programme and through the National Tidy Towns Climate Action Award in collaboration with Dunboyne Tidy Towns.

The trunk represents strength and responsibility. It reminds us that we must look after Dunboyne — its nature, buildings, and community — because heritage only survives when people care for it. Our recent achievement of winning the National Schools Award at the Tidy Towns competition shows that we are already living up to this responsibility and playing our part in looking after our village. The old Irish proverb “Arscáth a chéile a mhaireannnadaoine,” which means we live in each other’s shadow, inspired us. It shows that community matters and that we depend on one another to make our home a good place to live.

The branches represent our families and traditions. Our school includes children from many different backgrounds, cultures, and places. Even though we all come from different families, we are united in our school and our community. The branches show that while we grow in different directions, we are still connected.

The leaves symbolise our hopes and dreams for the future. We want peace, a clean environment, healthy ecosystems, and a happy and inclusive community. We also included the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that connect to our learning and actions. As part of this, we take part in GLOBE Ireland projects such as the Temperatures and Trees Campaign and the Rainfall and Flood Resilience project, which help us understand our environment and take meaningful action to protect it.

The six SDGs in our mural are:
SDG 2: Zero Hunger — We want everyone to have access to healthy food. We planted vegetables in our GIY project and made compost using our school wormery.
SDG 4: Quality Education — We believe everyone has the right to learn, explore, and discover. Our mural is part of our education and a way to teach others.
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation — We included the River Tolka because clean water is essential for life, biodiversity, and our community. We took part in the GLOBE Local Authorities Water Programme and we also built a rainwater planter to help reduce flooding.
SDG 13: Climate Action — Our mural encourages people to protect the environment and take action on climate change.
SDG 14: Life Below Water — Rivers connect us to lakes, seas, oceans, and all the wildlife that depends on clean water.
SDG 15: Life on Land — We planted trees, wildflowers, and pollinator-friendly plants to support bees, insects, and local ecosystems.

Around our Lime Tree, we painted some of Dunboyne’s important buildings and landmarks. Each one tells part of the story of our town.

We included St. Peter and St. Paul’s Catholic Church, which was built in 1956 and designed by Simon Aloysius Leonard. Its tall bell tower is one of the best-known features in Dunboyne, and it has beautiful stained-glass windows by artist George Walsh.

We painted the Grotto, which was blessed by Pope John Paul II and is a symbol of hope, peace, and reflection.

We added the Cast Iron Bridge over the Castle Stream. It was designed by William Turner, whose father Richard Turner created the famous curvilinear glasshouses in the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin.

We also included Hamilton Mausoleum, where Charles Hamilton is buried. He supported agriculture and set up timber mills. His daughters, Letitia and Eva Hamilton, were well-known artists, and Letitia even won a bronze medal in the 1948 Olympic Games for painting!

Finally, we added the River Tolka, which represents clean water, nature, movement, and our connection to the wider world.

Our mural is not just about the past — it is about the future too. We are planting a Hare’s Corner wildlife hedge of 50 native Irish trees, and we are part of the Global Classroom Programme, connecting with students around the world to work on the SDGs.

Our mural shows who we are, what we value, and what we hope for. It is our way of saying that Dunboyne is our home — and we want to protect it.

Here is a link to a video showing the progress of our Mural: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qfC5dKe0KC7A0S6aCSdq2yQOEUUY95T6/view?usp=drive_link

Our Future Plans include: 

Recording a Podcast explaining the symbolism of the mural. We will create a QR Code which will be displayed with the mural so people can reflect on what the lime tree symbolises for Dunboyne's Heritage, identity and future in relation to the Heritage Tree mural. The Podcast incorporates story writing to explore themes of story writing, belonging and connection to nature. 

We will also record Our Heritage Keepers Rap which we created together.

We will be hosting a launch day for our mural and inviting members of the local community and Grandparents to attend. There will be a presentation explaining the different aspects of the mural and what they symbolise.

THE DUNBOYNE HERITAGE RAP

By 4th & 5th Class, Dunboyne SPS

INTRO – GROUP (chanting):

Yo! We’re Dunboyne crew,

We’ve got stories for you,

Heritage, history —

Let’s see what we can do!

VERSE 1 — The Wonder Wander Trail

We walked the Wonder Wander, taking history slow,

Learning ’bout the places our school community should know.

Hamilton Mausoleum, and the Castle Stream,

Old stories turning into brand new dreams.

St. Peter and St. Paul’s, with the bell tower tall,

Stained glass shining colours on the churchyard wall.

The Grotto stands proudly in the centre of the village,

A peaceful place of hope where memories live in it.

CHORUS — GROUP:

Hey! Dunboyne, this is our home!

From the roots to the branches, watch us grow and roam!

SDGs in the leaves so the world can see,

Our mural is the story of our community!

Arscáth a chéile — we thrive when we unite,

Supporting one another as we shine our light!

VERSE 2 — The Lime Tree Symbolism

At the centre of the mural stands the Big Lime Tree,

Roots down deep in our history.

We’ve got lichen for air, symbols everywhere —

Showing clean air matters and we really care.

The trunk stands strong — that responsibility,

To protect our place and community.

Branches stretch wide ’cross every homeland,

Different families united — hand in hand.

Leaves in the breeze hold futures bright,

Clean water, peace, and climate rights.

Zero hunger, education — SDGs in our art,

Life below water, life on land — we take part!

CHORUS — GROUP:

Hey! Dunboyne, this is our home!

From the roots to the branches, watch us grow and roam!

SDGs in the leaves so the world can see,

Our mural is the story of our community!

Arscáth a chéile — we thrive when we unite,

Supporting one another as we shine our light!

VERSE 3 — Science, Nature & Global Action

We tested air quality — nitrogen dioxide,

Working with schools from Ireland worldwide.

Netherlands, Ukraine, Cape Verde in the sun,

Mauritius on the map — global learning as one.

We planted trees, pollinators, even veggies we grow,

We compost in a wormery — soil power, yo!

Built a rainwater planter so the floods don’t stay,

Climate resilience in a Dunboyne way!

We’ve got a Hare’s Corner hedge — fifty trees so green,

A future wildlife habitat, the best you’ve seen.

Global Classroom sharing stories like never before,

Connecting cultures, taking action — opening doors!

CHORUS — GROUP:

Hey! Dunboyne, this is our home!

From the roots to the branches, watch us grow and roam!

SDGs in the leaves so the world can see,

Our mural is the story of our community!

Arscáth a chéile — we thrive when we unite,

Supporting one another as we shine our light!

OUTRO — GROUP (chanting):

D-U-N-B-O-Y-N-E!

This is our place, our community!

Heritage strong, future bright —

Dunboyne students ready to shine!

This is our mural — this is our rhyme,

Protecting our world one step at a time!

PEACE!

FULL PODCAST SCRIPT

“OUR HERITAGE, OUR HOME — THE DUNBOYNE MURAL PROJECT”

By 4th & 5th Class, Dunboyne Senior Primary School

INTRO

HOST 1:

Hi everyone, and welcome to our podcast! We’re 4th and 5th class from Dunboyne Senior Primary

School...

HOST 2:

...and today we’re sharing the story of our Heritage Mural — a project that helped us explore our

past, celebrate our present, and plan for our future.

HOST 1:

The inspiration for our mural came from the Wonder Wander Walking Trail in Dunboyne. This trail

was created by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage and Meath County Council.

HOST 2:

We completed parts of this trail ourselves, discovering history, stories, and places from Dunboyne’s

past that we never even knew about.

SEGMENT 1 — A SHORT HISTORY OF DUNBOYNE (DÚN BÚINNE)

STUDENT:

The story of Dunboyne — or DúnBúinne — goes back many centuries.

STUDENT:

Long ago, this area was ruled by the Ó Ceallaigh clan, who controlled the land and protected the

people living here.

STUDENT:

Around the 15th century, a stone castle was built on the site where Dunboyne Castle Hotel stands

today.

STUDENT:

The original castle no longer exists... but its history still shapes our town.

HOST 1:

And that’s when we realised something important:

WE are now part of Dunboyne’s history too.

HOST 2:

No matter where our families come from, we are united here in our school and community.

ALL:

“Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine” — we live in each other’s shadow.

This means we depend on one another, and community matters.

SEGMENT 2 — THE HEART OF OUR MURAL: THE LIME TREE

HOST 1:

In the centre of our mural is one of Dunboyne’s most loved symbols — the Lime Tree, also known

as The Big Tree.

STUDENT:

Although the real tree had to be removed because it was rotten, it was such an important part of

Dunboyne that pieces of it were given to local people as a keepsake.

STUDENT:

Our mural keeps the Lime Tree alive as a symbol of strength, community, and connection.

Meaning of the Lime Tree in Our Mural

THE SCHOOL CREST & SDGs

STUDENT:

Inside the tree we placed our school crest, surrounded by the Sustainable Development Goals —

goals to reduce poverty, protect the planet, and support education and health by 2030.

THE ROOTS — What We Want to Protect

STUDENT:

The roots represent the things we want to protect in Dunboyne:

rivers, trees, old buildings, heritage stories, wildlife, nature.

We added lichen, which only grows where air quality is good — something we’ve been testing in

our Air Quality Campaign.

THE BRANCHES — Our Families & Traditions

STUDENT:

The branches represent all our different families, cultures, and traditions — growing in different

directions but rooted in the same community.

THE LEAVES — Our Hopes for the Future

STUDENT:

The leaves show our dreams for peace, a clean environment, biodiversity, kindness, and a bright

future for Dunboyne.

THE TRUNK — Caring for Our Place

STUDENT:

The trunk reminds us that we must take care of Dunboyne — because our home and our heritage

belong to all of us.

SEGMENT 3 — HERITAGE SITES IN OUR MURAL

St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church

STUDENT:

Built in 1956 by architect Simon Aloysius Leonard, this church is known for its tall bell tower.

STUDENT:

It also contains stained glass windows by famous Irish artist George Walsh.

The Grotto

STUDENT:

The Grotto is a place of reflection and hope. It was blessed by Pope John Paul II and is a symbol of

faith in our community.

The Cast Iron Bridge

STUDENT:

This bridge over the Castle Stream was designed by William Turner, whose father Richard Turner

created the iconic glasshouses in the National Botanic Gardens.

Hamilton Mausoleum

STUDENT:

The Hamilton Mausoleum stands near St. Peter’s Church of Ireland. Charles Hamilton, who

improved agriculture and set up timber mills, is buried there.

STUDENT:

His daughters, Letitia and Eva Hamilton, were talented artists. Letitia even won a bronze medal in

the 1948 Olympic Games for painting!

River Tolka

STUDENT:

We added the Tolka because it represents clean water, biodiversity, movement, and connection —

linking Dunboyne to Europe and beyond.

SEGMENT 4 — OUR SCIENCE, ENVIRONMENT & GLOBAL PROJECTS

HOST 2:

Heritage isn’t only about the past. It’s about protecting our future too.

Environmental Projects We Have Done

STUDENT:

We measured nitrogen dioxide around our school to check air pollution.

STUDENT:

We built a rainwater planter to manage flooding and water pooling.

STUDENT:

We created a wormery to make our own compost.

STUDENT:

We planted pollinator-friendly flowers and native trees.

STUDENT:

We joined schools from the Netherlands, Ukraine, Cape Verde and Mauritius for our Air Quality

Campaign and our Temperature & Trees Campaign.

STUDENT:

We also took part in the GIY (Grow It Yourself) campaign.

SEGMENT 5 — COMMUNITY INTERVIEW

HOST 1:

We invited a special guest from our community to share their thoughts on heritage.

Here are the questions we asked them:

1. What does heritage mean to you?

2. How has Dunboyne changed since you were young?

3. What buildings or places in Dunboyne mean the most to you?

4. Do you know any stories or folklore about Dunboyne?

5. How do you use and enjoy the land and nature around you?

6. Why is it important to protect our rivers, trees and wildlife?

7. What are your hopes for Dunboyne’s future?

8. What advice would you give young people about protecting heritage?

9. What simple things can we do to care for our environment?

10. How can we pass heritage on to future generations?

SEGMENT 6 — OUR FUTURE PLANS

STUDENT:

We will be planting a Hare’s Corner wildlife hedge with 50 Irish-grown native bare-root trees.

STUDENT:

We are also part of the Global Classroom Programme, connecting with students around the world

to work on the Sustainable Development Goals.

HOST 2:

Together we will share stories, explore cultural links, and design real solutions to global problems.

SEGMENT 7 — WHAT HERITAGE MEANS TO US

HOST 1:

Here is what heritage means to us...

STUDENT: Belonging.

STUDENT: Protecting the things that matter.

STUDENT: Learning from the past and caring for the future.

STUDENT: Celebrating our differences and what unites us.

ALL:

Heritage means community.

And “Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine” — we live in each other’s shadow.

We grow by supporting one another.

OUTRO

HOST 2:

Thank you for listening to our Heritage Mural podcast.

HOST 1:

We hope it inspires you to explore Dunboyne, protect our environment...

HOST 2:

...and celebrate the people and places that make our community special.

ALL:

Bye!

Thank you to Joan Power from Heritage in Schools for her guidance and support throughout the project. Thank you to Ms Lordan and Ms Ni Bhric and Ms Murphy for coordinating the project.