Creativity
Space to imagine, make, experiment and find individual ways to express ideas.
Nature • Connection • Confidence • Adventure
Growing through
nature, together.
Holistic Forest School experiences in Cloughjordan where children have time to move, play, create, take healthy risks, build friendships and grow in confidence through real experiences in nature.
Forest School Cloughjordan
What is Forest School?
More than simply spending time outdoors.
Forest School is a child-centred approach to learning and development that takes place through regular experiences in a woodland or natural environment. Children have time to play, explore, make choices, develop practical skills, build relationships and follow their own curiosity.
At Forest School Cloughjordan, the emphasis is on the whole child. The woodland becomes a place where children can develop confidence, independence, resilience, creativity and friendships while building a meaningful relationship with nature and the environment.
The Forest School Principles
Six principles underpin Forest School practice.
Together, these principles distinguish Forest School from a one-off outdoor activity.
Regular sessions
developed over time
Woodland setting
learning in nature
Community
relationships & belonging
Holistic development
supporting the whole child
Supported risk
challenge, choice & growth
Qualified practitioners
skilled, reflective leadership
Irish Forest School Association
Visit the Irish Forest School Association →
Mark Murphy and Karen Sugrue are members of the Irish Forest School Association. Our Forest School practice is informed by the Association’s core principles.
Our Educational Approach
Education rooted in relationship, experience and nature.
Forest School Cloughjordan brings together experience in primary education and Forest School practice to create a calm, encouraging and inclusive environment for children.
Our approach is holistic and child-centred. We support children to follow their interests, build friendships, take on real responsibility and develop confidence, independence and resilience through practical experience, creativity, play and time outdoors.
We believe children learn deeply when they are active participants in their own learning — exploring, making, moving, problem-solving, collaborating and connecting with the natural world around them.
Our Vision For every child to feel that the outdoors is a place where they belong.
Our vision is to create an inclusive Forest School community where every child is welcomed, valued and encouraged to be themselves. Through creativity, play and meaningful experiences outdoors, we aim to help children develop confidence, independence and resilience; make friends and learn to work with others; deepen their understanding of nature and the environment; and discover the joy of learning through play, exploration and the outdoors.
Inclusive & welcoming
A community where children can participate, belong and be valued for who they are.
Confidence & independence
Real choices and achievable challenges that help children trust themselves and their abilities.
Resilience
Time to try, adapt, persevere and learn that mistakes are a natural part of growing.
Friendship & connection
Shared experiences that encourage communication, cooperation, empathy and new friendships.
Nature & environment
Learning about the woodland, wildlife, seasons and our responsibility to care for the natural world.
What We Offer
Time in nature to play, connect, learn and grow.
Our programmes are designed to give children meaningful, repeated experiences outdoors — with space for creativity, friendship, practical skills, confidence and adventure.
Forest School Saturdays
Regular woodland sessions where children can build confidence, friendships and practical skills through play, exploration and shared experiences.
View Saturday programme →
Holiday Forest School
Summer, Easter and Halloween programmes filled with seasonal activities, outdoor cooking, woodland games, creativity and plenty of time to explore.
See holiday programmes →
Pre-School Groups
Gentle, play-based woodland experiences for younger children, with time to explore, create, move, make friends and build confidence through nature and outdoor play.
Ask about a pre-school group visit →Meet the Team
Experienced educators with a shared love of outdoor learning.
Our team brings together extensive primary teaching experience, Forest School leadership and a shared commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment for children.
MM
Mark Murphy, B.Ed.
Forest School Leader
Mark has 20 years of experience as a primary school teacher. His approach combines education, nature connection, play and practical learning to help children develop confidence, independence and resilience.
MM
Michael Murphy, B.Ed.
Primary Educator
Michael has 20 years of experience as a primary school teacher and brings a strong understanding of child development, learning, inclusion and wellbeing to Forest School experiences.
KS
Karen Sugrue, B.Ed.
Forest School Leader & Primary Educator
Karen has 20 years of experience as a primary school teacher and is also a Forest School Leader. She brings a warm, creative and child-centred approach to learning outdoors.
Garda VettedAll leaders are fully Garda Vetted.
First Aid TrainedAll leaders are First Aid trained.
Experienced EducatorsDecades of combined primary teaching experience.
• ❦ • ❦ •
Forest School Saturdays
Autumn 2026.
A five-week journey through the woods with child-led play, practical skills, seasonal discovery, friendship and space to grow in confidence.
Dates26 September – 24 October 2026
Time10am – 2pm each Saturday
SettingCloughjordan, County Tipperary
LeadersFully Garda Vetted & First Aid trained
What we do
Every day brings a new adventure.
Activities respond to the seasons, the woodland and the interests of the group.
Build & create
Shelter building, knots, tool skills, natural crafts and practical challenges that build focus, coordination, patience and confidence.
Cook outdoors
Prepare simple food over the fire, share food together and learn safe, respectful fire use.
Explore & play
Games, den building, discovery trails and freedom to play, imagine, cooperate and follow curiosity in nature.
Book a Forest School place
Choose a woodland experience.
Our seasonal programmes give children repeated time in nature to settle, connect, explore and grow. Choose the experience that suits your family and send an enquiry to Mark.
Summer
Summer Forest School
Longer summer days for woodland adventures, free play, practical skills, shared meals, nature connection and unhurried exploration.
Enquire / BookHalloween
Halloween Forest School
An autumn woodland experience full of creativity, seasonal traditions, outdoor games, storytelling, sensory discovery and playful Halloween fun.
Enquire / BookEaster
Easter Forest School
Springtime Forest School with new growth, nature discovery, woodland play, making, movement, games and practical outdoor experiences.
Enquire / BookAutumn 2026
Forest School Saturdays
Five consecutive Saturdays to build familiarity with the woodland, deepen friendships, develop skills and grow through repeated connection with nature.
Enquire / Book
Leaders are fully Garda Vetted and First Aid trained. For bookings or questions, contact Mark on
087 285 4703.
Life in the woods
Life, learning & connection in the woods.
Real moments from our woodland sessions in Cloughjordan — moving, making, cooking, wondering, laughing, problem-solving and learning together.
Forest School Shop
Bring a little of the woods home.
Forest School Cloughjordan merchandise is coming soon. The shop is now part of the website and ready for products to be added.
Clothing
Forest School branded clothing for adventures in and out of the woods.
Coming soonForest School Gear
Useful branded items designed for outdoor days and woodland adventures.
Coming soonGifts
Simple Forest School gifts and merchandise for children, families and supporters.
Coming soonGood to know
Frequently asked questions.
What is the approach to learning?
Our approach is holistic and child-centred. We value practical skills and knowledge alongside confidence, creativity, emotional wellbeing, relationships, movement, independence and connection with nature.
What should children wear?
Outdoor clothing suitable for getting muddy, sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate layers. Spare clothes are useful too.
What happens if it rains?
Forest School is an outdoor experience in all seasons. Sessions continue in suitable weather while comfort and safety remain the priority.
Are leaders trained?
Leaders are fully Garda Vetted and First Aid trained.
Come and grow with us.
If you are looking for a Forest School experience that values the whole child — confidence, curiosity, wellbeing, creativity and connection — we'd love to hear from you.
Contact Forest School CloughjordanDirections
Find Forest School Cloughjordan.
Forest School Cloughjordan
Islandwood
Cloughjordan
Co. Tipperary
E53 WP89
For the easiest route, open our location directly in Google Maps. The link will give you live directions and traffic information from wherever you are travelling from.
Arriving at Forest School
Google Maps destination:
Forest School Cloughjordan, Islandwood, Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary, E53 WP89
Tap below for turn-by-turn navigation.
Open route in Google Maps →Get in touch
Questions? We’d love to hear from you.
For bookings, programme information or general Forest School enquiries, send us a message or contact Mark directly.
Phone
087 285 4703
Location
Islandwood, Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary, E53 WP89
Directions
Open in Google Maps →