The Fingal Magic of Stories Festival Returns to Swords Castle on the 28th of September.

Brochure Fingal Festival of Children’s Literature 

Leaflet Fingal Festival of Children’s Literature 

The Fingal Magic of Stories Festival is now in its third year and is already firmly established as one of Ireland’s premier festivals of children’s literature. Fingal Libraries will be building on the success of last year’s festival to deliver a fun filled day of author visits and creative activities at Swords Castle on the 28th of September.

The programme for this year’s Fingal Festival of Children’s Literature was launched on Wednesday 7th August in Swords Castle by the Mayor of Fingal Cllr. Brian McDonagh. The Mayor was joined by the County Librarian Betty Boardman, Festival Creative Director Shane Hegarty, storyteller Sarah Sparkles, Irish Language performer Áine Gallagher and a group of enthusiastic young readers. The Magic of Stories is in its third year and aims to celebrate Irish children’s literature and the writers who weave some of the magical stories enjoyed by our young library patrons.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Brian McDonagh said: “The Magic of Stories Festival is going to be a lot of fun. It is a brilliant and unique opportunity for young readers to meet the authors, storytellers and artists who create and present the stories they love. Fingal’s own Swords Castle provides a magical backdrop to fuel any child’s imagination and creativity. As the parent of a small boy and son of a children’s writer I am really looking forward to this fantastic event. It's going to be a lot of fun.”

Chief Executive of Fingal County Council AnnMarie Farrelly said: “The Magic of Stories Festival is an important part of Fingal Libraries’ mission to give equal access to books, learning and creative opportunities to children from all backgrounds. This fun family day at Swords Castle will help foster a love of reading in all those in attendance.”

County Librarian Betty Boardman said: “The Magic of Stories has quickly become one of the highlights on the Fingal Libraries calendar since its debut in 2022. The festival gives young readers a unique opportunity to come face to face with the authors whose stories have inspired them to become regular visitors to Fingal Libraries. The festival also offers wonderful opportunities for attendees to exercise their imaginations at any of the range of creative activities available.”

Senior Executive Librarian Lilian Whelan said: “this is the third year of the festival and it’s growing all the time. Our Irish authors, illustrators and artists are second to none and are a huge support to Fingal libraries all through the year. This special day is all about the Magic of stories, books and images and how they all contribute to the imagination and wellness of children across all communities and ages. Even the adults can’t fail to feel the Magic at this festival”.

Creative Director of the festival, Shane Hegarty added: “I am delighted to again be the creative director of the fantastic Magic of Stories festival. Swords Castle will provide something for everyone with a mix of author readings, creative activities, and music. We can’t wait to see you there on the 28th of September for a day of fun and creativity for all the family.”

There is lots to experience and discover at this year’s festival, with events taking place in the Little Library Tent, The Chapel, The Story Tent, the Tall-Tales Tent and the Creative Zone. The Big Bear Planetarium will also make its Magic of Stories debut where attendees can discover the wonders of the universe. Attendees should also keep their eyes peeled for the “Story Snail” as it winds its way through the Swords Castle grounds recounting the tale of a knight who sets off to explore, do good and find love for his snailly steed. The wonderfully entertaining masters of street and circus performance, the Fanzini Brothers, will be returning to entertain all present with their amazing comedy circus. Drop by and say hello to the friendly Fingal Library staff who will answer all your questions about the amazing array of services in the Fingal Library network of branches. Want ideas for what to read next? The Book Doctors from Children’s Books Ireland will be back to give children and families one-to-one advice on books they will love.

Children can let their imaginations run wild in the Creative Zone with Street Art Ink Graffiti Workshops; Lollipop Tye Dye Workshops as well as Art and Story-making with Orlaith O’Sullivan. Discover new ways to be creative with award-winning author/illustrators Mary Murphy and Niamh Sharkey at the Creation Station. Come to the Little Library Tent to meet and practice your Gaeilge with “guerilla Irish enthusiast” Áine Gallagher and her giant ‘Cup of Focals’. This area also features a selection of sensory toys and a dedicated quiet space for attendees who would like to take a break.

The Swords Castle Chapel will be hosting authors Tarsila Krüse, Sarah Bowie, Paddy Donnelly and Marita Conlon-McKenna who will be reading from their books and taking questions from readers. Niamh Sharkey and Owen Churcher will be reading from the brilliant ‘Hello Bird’ and giving those present the chance to add to the “Monster Doodle” in the Story Tent while musical entertainment will be provided by the Bits & Bobs Orchestra. The tent will also host the songs, stories and puppets of Sarah Sparkles as well as Magnificent Mask-Making with Margaret-Anne Suggs. Alan Nolan will be at the Tall-Tales Tent for the Great Castle Drawalong while children can meet authors Leona Forde, Derek Landy and Chris Judge who will be reading from their books and answering questions.

Book gifting will again be a major feature of the festival and readers will have opportunities to get their books signed by the authors in attendance.

This year, the brilliantly talented Alan Nolan has put together “The Magic of Stories Activity Book” which is available for free at Fingal library branches. The book features the “Great Book Character Selfie Competition” where children can draw a picture of themselves as their favourite book character.

The Fingal Festival of Children’s Literature takes place in Swords Castle on Saturday 28th September from 11am – 4pm. Pick up a copy of the festival brochure at your local Fingal library or view it online on our website: https://www.fingal.ie/magic-stories-fingal-festival-childrens-literature-2024

Tickets are available for free from Eventbrite from Thursday 5th September at 9am: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/magic-of-stories-festival-2024-tickets-1003466323787

For further information contact: Emer Sharkey / Orla Drohan / Barry O’Carroll at Fingal Libraries Events & PR 

Tel: 0878074115; 0874098839 / E mail: [email protected]