Beach Schools NI

06/08/2026

A lovely day at the Heart of the Glens Festival exploring Cushendall beach. There are so many beautiful pebbles and colours of seaglass. Thanks to for organising this event.

09/07/2026

Day 2 at Portballintrae and our little beach explorers had lots of fun with team games, campfires and rockpools today. There is so much to learn and see on our stunning shoreline. See you all again tomorrow!!

08/07/2026

Sun, Sea and Beach School, the perfect recipe for the summer holidays. Day 1 at Portballintrae was a complete joy. I can't wait to see you all again tomorrow.

18/06/2026

Still some spaces available for 5-8yrs at our summer sessions at Portballintrae in July. Get booked in today before they are all gone. We would love to explore the shore with you and create wonderful family memories.

30/05/2026

We would love you to join us at Portballintrae in July for our family sessions. Spend quality time outdoors exploring and learning as we enjoy our stunning shoreline. Book your space today at www.beachschoolsni.com

08/05/2026

BOOKING IS OPEN FOR SUMMER....and we would love YOU to join us. Sessions will run for 2-4yrs and 5-8yrs. Spaces are limited, so book your slot today! We can't wait to explore the shore with you.

28/02/2026

This huge spiny spider crab was stranded on the beach at today. These crabs normally live in deeper, rocky coastal waters, so finding one exposed on the sand is unusual. Tide changes, storms, or disorientation can leave them temporarily high and dry, and I couldn’t pass by without taking a closer look. 🦀

24/12/2025

Have a lovely Christmas everyone. See you in 2026!

25/11/2025

Great news ....outdoor learning being prioritised!! Brilliant work by NIFSA and Education Committee to improve awareness.

HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT: NIFSA and the NI Education Committee put forward a Motion to the Executive yesterday at Stormont.

Title: Curriculum mainstreaming and strategy for outdoor learning in schools

Motion text: “That this Assembly commends the Education Committee’s stakeholder engagement, partnership with NIFSA and research into outdoor education in schools; recognises the many inclusive learning and development benefits of outdoor education; further recognises the urgent need for all schools to have the opportunity to realise these benefits; and calls on the Minister for Education, by the end of 2026, to define and embed weekly, progressive and sustainable outdoor learning opportunities as a core component of the curriculum for pupils aged 3-18; and further calls on the Minister to develop, with the sector, an outdoor learning in schools strategy which regenerates this pedagogy by addressing systemic factors within the education system to do with leadership support, time, curriculum, policy and resourcing - and make it easy to go outdoors”.

All political parties in the Chamber overwhelmingly supported the Motion saying how important this is.

To view a recording of the debate please visit https://niassembly.tv/full-plenary-sessions/ and it is 24 November 2025 and forward to 12.57 on the clock.

This is a fantastic achievement and provides a real opportunity to put outdoor learning on the map and get real support for those teachers wanting to take their learning outside.

NIFSA would personally like to thank the Chair of the NI Education Committee, Nick Mathison and Aoibhinn Treanor, Clerk to the Committee.