The Great Places and Spaces Project is a wonderful initiative for children, young people and families in Wexford. It is about sharing good ideas and information to inspire and encourage children, young people and families to enjoy activities and fun outside in the fresh air.
We thank all the children, from primary schools all over Wexford County, who shared their own experiences of Great Places and Spaces in Wexford. Their suggestions, in this booklet, are real and have been enjoyed by children, across the county, bringing a sense of wonder, wellbeing and joy.
Being outside, enjoying ourselves is good for us all and freedom to play outdoors is especially good for children and young people.

Moving around, playing and exercise in the open air, even for just 5 minutes, can help us feel good.

This booklet is a guide and a map for families and carers to support and encourage outdoor activities and play in the wonderful natural environments we have in County Wexford. The intention is to ensure that children and young people are active and healthy, with positive physical and mental wellbeing, in accordance with Ireland’s National Policy Framework for Children and Young People.

Being outdoors is fun. There is something about the freedom of outdoor spaces that is exciting and enjoyable.
So, check out the map and choose an outdoor adventure to enjoy today.

The children of County Wexford devised a colour code; mapping colours and places and feelings; have a look at the map key to find out more!

FEELINGS

Orange: Energetic/Adventurous

Blue : Calm

Yellow : Happy

Green: Relaxes, Close to Nature

 

Wonderful Wexford with those bright rays of sun.

This map guides us to places where we can have fun!!

From golden sandy beaches and mountains galore,

or a hole through a fence where we can explore.

Playing outside with friends or a visit with gran.

Cycling over the hills to catch the ice cream van.

Tumbling near hay bales in fields made of gold.

Or climbing through ditches it never gets old.

Green spaces, blue skies, in rain sun or snow.

Energizing or calm this all helps us grow.

Our local GAA pitch or a trip to Wexford park.

Brings us all together, everyone has a part.

We hope that you find by using our map that Wexford

has great places that can capture your heart.

So choose one of our ideas and enjoy your day from

the children of Wexford who simply love to play!

Compiled using the words and drawings of the primary school children of
County Wexford 2021.

Regular opportunities for play outdoors are essential for everyone.
We know this
through our own experiences and research tells us that:

• Spending time out in the fresh air, free from busy schedules, is a great way for children and young people, to relax and feel free -enjoying the outdoors brings feelings of happiness.

• Participating in outdoor physical activity gives a good feeling to everybody -physical activity and participation in sport and exercise is fun, it eases worry and helps to lower anxiety.

• Outdoor play in a natural environment, especially with other people, is fun and enjoyable -this helps children and young people to feel good and has a positive impact on mental health.

• Our bodies love being outside in nature and soaking up natural light gives us vitamin D which is like a magic potion that our bodies use to create good energy through a special hormone called serotonin. This helps us feel good about ourselves, inside and out.

Switching off and giving some time to yourself to do the things you enjoy doing is so important in looking after your mental wellbeing. Simple activities like being creative, learning something new, spending time in nature or practising relaxation, can help to restore and revive our spirits and help us to keep ourselves well (Healthy Ireland, 2019-2025)

For a list of great resources to support your family’s wellbeing and access the outdoors go to : www.gov.ie/healthyireland

Acknowledgements:

 

Lead Visual Artist: Laura Ní Fhlaibhín

Graphic Design: Pure Designs

Wexford Mental Health Association Project Team:

Paula Lowney, Niall O’Muiri, Theresa Goff, Lorraine Cleere and Conor Ryan

Acknowledgements:

 

Wexford Mental Health Association

Mental Health Ireland

Creative Ireland

Wexford Local Community Development Committee

Wexford Healthy County Committee

Wexford County Council

HSE Health and Wellbeing

HSE Wexford Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Wexford Child and Young People Service Committee

Sports Active Wexford

 

Ballyoughter NS

Barntown NS

Bunscoil Loreto Gorey

St Canice’ Convent New Ross

St Aidan’s NS Enniscothy

Bunscoil Ris, Edmund Rice Senior School New Ross

 

Curracloe NS

Castlebridge NS

Rathangan NS

Mercy NS, Wexford

Gaelscoil Charman

Kilmyshall NS

Taghmon NS

Our Lady of Lourdes NS Bunclody

Bunclody Carrigduff NS

Our Lady of Fatima SEN Wexford

Raheen School

Castletown NS

Horeswood NS

St Iberius NS

Collective Sensory Group Child Development Centre

School Completion Programmes Bridgetown