Supporting the development of Forest School across Ireland
Supporting the development of quality Forest Schools across Ireland by connecting practitioners, families and learners with the power of outdoor, child-led education.
Learning Rooted in the Outdoors
Forest School is a learner-centred or child-led process with close links to regular curriculum objectives.
The success of Forest School is to a large degree dependent upon the skills of the Forest School leaders who can identify and capitalise on the varied opportunities for learning that emerge from the children's interaction with the setting.
The philosophy of Forest Schools is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences.
By participating in engaging, motivating and achievable tasks and activities in a woodland environment each participant has an opportunity to develop intrinsic motivation, sound emotional and social skills. These, through self-awareness can be developed to reach personal potential.
The Benefits of Forest School
Confidence & Self-Esteem
Children grow in self-belief as they navigate real challenges and discover their own capabilities.
Motivation to Learn
Natural curiosity drives engagement. Forest School ignites a love of learning that carries back to the classroom.
Teamwork & Empathy
Collaborative outdoor tasks build awareness of others and develop real social skills.
Language & Literacy
Rich, sensory outdoor experiences provide authentic context for language development and storytelling.
Physical Development
Climbing, building, balancing and moving freely develop gross and fine motor skills naturally.
Environmental Stewardship
Deep connection with the natural world builds lasting care for the environment and biodiversity.
Numeracy Skills
The outdoors offers endless opportunities to count, measure, pattern and problem-solve in context.
Wellbeing & Resilience
Time in nature reduces stress and builds the emotional resilience children need to thrive.
How Would You Like to Connect With Us?
01
Find a Forest School
Looking for a quality Forest School for your child or community? Browse our directory of IFSA affiliated Forest Schools across Ireland.
Search the map →
02
Join the IFSA
Become a member and access webinars, resources, community, insurance guidance and professional development opportunities.
See membership →
03
Get Involved
Have a question, want to partner with us, or get your school connected? Get in touch and we'll point you in the right direction.
Get in touch →
Join us for a nature immersion experience in Wickow this August
Coill na bPáistí Training
8–11 August 2026
Knockree Hostel, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow
Forest School in Practice
There's no better way to understand Forest School than to see it in action.
Watch children explore, build and connect with the natural world in real Irish woodland, and hear from the leaders who guide them.
Our videos show what child-led, outdoor learning looks like across Ireland.
Visit Our Channel