BOOKVILLE SCHOOLS PROGRAMME
For Bookville 2024 we were delighted to bring you an exciting free programme of in-person and virtual workshops by some of the best contemporary children's authors and illustrators from Ireland and the UK.
Make sure you call in to our 'Adventures of Pinocchio' exhibition in the Mayfair library, Kilkenny, 056 7794174 [email protected] R95 N23R. See Exhibition page for details.
Make sure you call in to our 'Adventures of Pinocchio' exhibition in the Mayfair library, Kilkenny, 056 7794174 [email protected] R95 N23R. See Exhibition page for details.
VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS via ZOOM
All schools can book for virtual workshops.
Bookings for virtual workshops open at 9am on 17th September & close on 2nd October at 5pm.
Pre-booking is essential
To book virtual workshops use the QR code below to open the direct booking link or contact Aideen McDonald at [email protected]
All schools can book for virtual workshops.
Bookings for virtual workshops open at 9am on 17th September & close on 2nd October at 5pm.
Pre-booking is essential
To book virtual workshops use the QR code below to open the direct booking link or contact Aideen McDonald at [email protected]
This QR will not be active until bookings open at 9am on 17th September and will no longer be active after 5pm on 2nd October.
Virtual workshops at a glance (detailed descriptions below):
THURSDAY 10TH OCTOBER, 10am to 11am
Draw Along with Sheena Dempsey. Junior Infants to 1st Class.
FRIDAY 11TH OCTOBER, 10am to 11am
As Gaeilge with Sadhbh Devlin. Senior Infants to 3rd Class.
MONDAY 14TH OCTOBER, 11am to 12 noon
Detective Skills with Robin Stevens. 2nd to 6th Class.
TUESDAY 15TH OCTOBER, 10am to 11am
Irish history with Ann Murtagh. 3rd to 6th Class.
WEDNESDAY 16TH OCTOBER, 10am to 11am
Forgettable History with Myles Dungan. 2nd to 6th Class.
THURSDAY 10TH OCTOBER, 10am to 11am
Draw Along with Sheena Dempsey. Junior Infants to 1st Class.
FRIDAY 11TH OCTOBER, 10am to 11am
As Gaeilge with Sadhbh Devlin. Senior Infants to 3rd Class.
MONDAY 14TH OCTOBER, 11am to 12 noon
Detective Skills with Robin Stevens. 2nd to 6th Class.
TUESDAY 15TH OCTOBER, 10am to 11am
Irish history with Ann Murtagh. 3rd to 6th Class.
WEDNESDAY 16TH OCTOBER, 10am to 11am
Forgettable History with Myles Dungan. 2nd to 6th Class.
THURSDAY 10TH OCTOBER
VIRTUAL WORKSHOP via ZOOM
Draw along with SHEENA DEMPSEY
Draw along with SHEENA DEMPSEY
Sheena Dempsey
Meet author and illustrator Sheena Dempsey. Take a behind the scenes look into Pablo and Splash and gain an insight into how Sheena creates her graphic novels, from idea, to rough art, to final art. There will be a penguin character draw along and penguin facts galore.
VIRTUAL WORKSHOP via ZOOM
Date: Thursday 10th October
Time: 10am to 11am
Ages: Junior Infants to 1st Class
Date: Thursday 10th October
Time: 10am to 11am
Ages: Junior Infants to 1st Class
Sheena Dempsey is an award winning children's book illustrator and author from Cork. She has illustrated lots of titles since 2013 including Yoga Babies by Fearne Cotton, Mermaid School by Lucy Courtenay and Dave Pigeon and Bad Panda by Swapna Haddow. Pablo and Splash is her first graphic novel. She spent nearly a decade in London after studying for a Masters in illustration at Kingston University and now lives by the sea in Folkestone, Kent with her husband Mick and their beloved greyhound Jeremy. Pablo and Splash grew out of an autobiographical webcomic she made during lockdown called Isolation Penguin.
FRIDAY 11TH OCTOBER
VIRTUAL WORKSHOP via ZOOM
As Gaeilge with SADHBH DEVLIN
As Gaeilge with SADHBH DEVLIN
Sadhbh Devlin
Tá Rua breá sásta go bhfuil an deireadh seachtaine ann agus gur féidir leis luí siar ar an tolg le breathnú ar chartúin ar feadh an lae. Tá Mamaí sásta go bhfuil an deireadh seachtaine ann freisin ach tá plean iomlán éagsúl aici siúid don lá! Léifidh Sadhbh óna pictiúirleabhar nua (atá maisithe ag Brian Fitzgerald) agus beidh deis ag na páistí ‘Ninja Nádúr’ a chruthú!
VIRTUAL WORKSHOP VIA ZOOM
Date: Friday 11th October
Time: 10am to 11am
Age Group: Senior Infants to 3rd Class
Date: Friday 11th October
Time: 10am to 11am
Age Group: Senior Infants to 3rd Class
Sadhbh Devlin is an award-winning writer of adorable Irish-language picturebooks including Geansaí Ottó and Amuigh Faoin Spéir. Sadhbh was the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Libraries Writer in Residence in 2019/2020 and the DCU Irish Language Writer in Residence in 2022. She lives in Bray with her husband, twin daughters and a cheeky kitten named Pico.
MONDAY 14TH OCTOBER
VIRTUAL WORKSHOP via ZOOM
Detective skills with ROBIN STEVENS
Detective skills with ROBIN STEVENS
Robin Stevens
Join the detectives from Robin Stevens’ bestselling Murder Most Unladylike and Ministry of Unladylike Activity series as Robin shares her top tips for mystery-solving and code-cracking to mark the publication of her latest book, The Most Unladylike Puzzle Book. This year celebrates 10 years of Robin’s iconic Murder Most Unladylike series! Bring your detective skills and join Robin at this workshop, whether you’re part of the Detective Society, a Ministry Member or just want to enjoy the party.
VIRTUAL WORKSHOP VIA ZOOM
Date: Monday 14th October
Time: 11am to 12 noon
Age Group: 2nd to 6th Class
Date: Monday 14th October
Time: 11am to 12 noon
Age Group: 2nd to 6th Class
Robin Stevens was born in California and grew up in an Oxford college, across the road from the house where Alice in Wonderland lived. She has been making up stories all her life. When she was twelve, her father handed her a copy of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and she realised that she wanted to be either Hercule Poirot or Agatha Christie when she grew up. Robin lives in England and is now a full-time author and the creator of the internationally award-winning and bestselling Murder Most Unladylike series. She still hopes she might get the chance to do some detecting of her own one day.
TUESDAY 15TH OCTOBER
VIRTUAL WORKSHOP via ZOOM
Irish history with ANN MURTAGH
Irish history with ANN MURTAGH
Ann Murtagh
Focussing on her third book, The Climbing Boys. Ann illustrates how history inspires and guides her writing. This interactive workshop aims to encourage children to see history in the same light as Ann herself.
VIRTUAL WORKSHOP via ZOOM
Date: Tuesday 15th October
Time: 10am to 11am
Ages: 3rd to 6th Class
Date: Tuesday 15th October
Time: 10am to 11am
Ages: 3rd to 6th Class
Ann Murtagh lives in Kilkenny with her husband and two dogs. She is the author of three books: The Sound of Freedom (2020), The Kidds of Summerhill (2021) and The Climbing Boys (2023), all published by The O’Brien Press. She believes historical fiction is a great way to shine a light on the amazing lives and times of children in the past. Ann loves exploring history and sees possible stories at every turn!
WEDNESDAY 16TH OCTOBER
VIRTUAL WORKSHOP via ZOOM
Forgettable history with MYLES DUNGAN
Forgettable history with MYLES DUNGAN
Myles Dungan
Myles Dungan will discuss the writing of the children's history book The Forgettables, how the choices were made for inclusion, how the research was done on each 'Forgettable', why our history is so important and how history is just the best fun.
VIRTUAL WORKSHOP via ZOOM
Date: Wednesday 16th October
Time: 10am to 11am
Age Group: 2nd to 6th Class
Date: Wednesday 16th October
Time: 10am to 11am
Age Group: 2nd to 6th Class
Myles Dungan is a historian and broadcaster for RTÉ, currently presenting The History Show on RTÉ Radio 1. He has written several history books for adults as well as the bestselling The Great Irish History Book for children.
WORKSHOPS
Bookings open at 9am on 17th September
Pre-booking is essential
Please note that while we do our best to accommodate everyone, places are limited
To book workshops, contact your partner library. See contact page for library details.
Please note: school groups should ONLY book for events at their partner library. If you are not sure which library your school is partnered with, please contact Library Headquarters on 056 779 4160 [email protected].
Bookings open at 9am on 17th September
Pre-booking is essential
Please note that while we do our best to accommodate everyone, places are limited
To book workshops, contact your partner library. See contact page for library details.
Please note: school groups should ONLY book for events at their partner library. If you are not sure which library your school is partnered with, please contact Library Headquarters on 056 779 4160 [email protected].
Workshops at a glance (detailed descriptions below):
THURSDAY 10TH OCTOBER
Junior Infants to 1st Class - 10am to 11am & 11.30 to 12.30pm
2nd to 6th Class - 1pm to 2pm
Junior Infants to 1st Class - 10am to 11am & 11.30 to 12.30pm
2nd to 6th Class - 1pm to 2pm
2nd to 6th Class - 10am to 11am & 11.30am to 12.30pm
FRIDAY 11TH OCTOBER
EXCLUSIVE EVENT FOR CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS, ages 7 to 13
10am t0 10.45am, 11.15am to 12 noon & 12.30pm to 1.15pm
Senior Infants to 1st Class - 10am to 11am
2nd Class to 6th Class - 11.30am to 12.30pm
Senior Infants to 2nd Class - 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm. 1pm to 2pm
Junior Infants to 1st Class - 10am to 11am & 11.30 to 12.30pm
2nd to 6th Class - 1pm to 2pm
3rd to 6th Class - 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
Junior Infants to 6th class - 11am to 12 noon
MONDAY 14TH OCTOBER
2nd to 6th Class - 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
Senior Infants to 1st Class - 10am to 11am
2nd Class to 6th Class - 11.30am to 12.30pm
Junior Infants to 1st Class - 10am to 11am
2nd to 6th Class - 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
TUESDAY 15TH OCTOBER
2nd to 6th Class - 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm, 1pm to 2pm
2nd to 6th Class - 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm, 1pm to 2pm
Junior Infants to 1st Class - 10am to 11am
2nd to 6th Class - 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
WEDNESDAY 16TH OCTOBER
Junior Infants to 1st Class - 10am to 11am
2nd to 6th Class - 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
3rd to 6th Class - 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm, 1pm to 2pm
2nd to 6th Class
10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm, 1pm to 2pm
Junior Infants to 1st Class
10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm, 1pm to 2pm
Junior Infants to 1st Class - 10am to 11am
2nd to 6th Class - 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
- Magical journeys with Chris Haughton
Junior Infants to 1st Class - 10am to 11am & 11.30 to 12.30pm
2nd to 6th Class - 1pm to 2pm
- Imagination with TADA!
Junior Infants to 1st Class - 10am to 11am & 11.30 to 12.30pm
2nd to 6th Class - 1pm to 2pm
- Percussion with Music Generation Kilkenny
2nd to 6th Class - 10am to 11am & 11.30am to 12.30pm
FRIDAY 11TH OCTOBER
- Sensory-friendly Music & Movement with Jess Rowell
EXCLUSIVE EVENT FOR CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS, ages 7 to 13
10am t0 10.45am, 11.15am to 12 noon & 12.30pm to 1.15pm
- Rhythm with Music Generation Kilkenny
Senior Infants to 1st Class - 10am to 11am
2nd Class to 6th Class - 11.30am to 12.30pm
- The Wild Atlantic Way with Carol Ann Treacy
Senior Infants to 2nd Class - 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm. 1pm to 2pm
- Imagination with TADA!
Junior Infants to 1st Class - 10am to 11am & 11.30 to 12.30pm
2nd to 6th Class - 1pm to 2pm
- Wild wonders with Éanne Ní Lamhna
3rd to 6th Class - 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
- Comedy Show with Strictly Barking
Junior Infants to 6th class - 11am to 12 noon
MONDAY 14TH OCTOBER
- Milly Madness with Leona Forde & Karen Harte
2nd to 6th Class - 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
- Vocals with Music Generation Kilkenny
Senior Infants to 1st Class - 10am to 11am
2nd Class to 6th Class - 11.30am to 12.30pm
- Gaelic games with Evanne Ní Chuilinn
Junior Infants to 1st Class - 10am to 11am
2nd to 6th Class - 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
TUESDAY 15TH OCTOBER
- Inspiration with Dave Rudden
2nd to 6th Class - 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm, 1pm to 2pm
- Dream place with Helena Duggan
2nd to 6th Class - 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm, 1pm to 2pm
- Adventures & comics with Wayne O'Connor
Junior Infants to 1st Class - 10am to 11am
2nd to 6th Class - 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
WEDNESDAY 16TH OCTOBER
- Poetry with Lucinda Jacob
Junior Infants to 1st Class - 10am to 11am
2nd to 6th Class - 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
- Drawing with PJ Lynch
3rd to 6th Class - 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm, 1pm to 2pm
- Magical things with Caroline Busher
2nd to 6th Class
10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm, 1pm to 2pm
- Atoms, planets, germs & brains with John Devolle
Junior Infants to 1st Class
10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm, 1pm to 2pm
- Animal illustration with Jennifer Farley
Junior Infants to 1st Class - 10am to 11am
2nd to 6th Class - 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
THURSDAY 10TH OCTOBER
Magical journeys with CHRIS HAUGHTON
Chris Haughton
For Junior Infants to 1st Class:
Award-winning picture book maker Chris Haughton takes us on a magical journey through his wonderful stories A Bit Lost, Oh No, George!, Ssh! We Have a Plan and Well Done, Mummy Penguin. There will be wonder and laughter as stories unfold on the big screen in glorious colour!
Award-winning picture book maker Chris Haughton takes us on a magical journey through his wonderful stories A Bit Lost, Oh No, George!, Ssh! We Have a Plan and Well Done, Mummy Penguin. There will be wonder and laughter as stories unfold on the big screen in glorious colour!
.
For 2nd to 6th Class:
Join Chris Haughton as he presents his debut non-fiction book, The History of Information, following the evolution of knowledge and communication from prehistoric drawings to AI. Discover how the ways we share and store information have shaped and changed the world in this utterly unique book. What is it that makes technology improve rather than stay static or even fall into decline? The answer is information.
For 2nd to 6th Class:
Join Chris Haughton as he presents his debut non-fiction book, The History of Information, following the evolution of knowledge and communication from prehistoric drawings to AI. Discover how the ways we share and store information have shaped and changed the world in this utterly unique book. What is it that makes technology improve rather than stay static or even fall into decline? The answer is information.
Date: Thursday 10th October
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30am to 12.30pm for Junior Infants to 1st Class
1pm to 2pm for 2nd to 6th Class
Venue: Loughboy Library, 056 7794176, [email protected]
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30am to 12.30pm for Junior Infants to 1st Class
1pm to 2pm for 2nd to 6th Class
Venue: Loughboy Library, 056 7794176, [email protected]
Chris Haughton is an Irish author/illustrator based in London. He was listed in Time magazine's 'DESIGN 100' for the work he has been doing for fair trade clothing company People Tree. He has written and illustrated seven books A Little Bit Lost, Oh No George!, Shh! We Have a Plan, Goodnight Everyone, Don't Worry Little Crab, Maybe and Well Done, Mummy Penguin. He also created an app, Hatmonkey, and virtual reality experience Little Earth. His non-fiction title The History of Information comes out in September 2024.
Imagination with TADA!
Gillian Grattan
Character work - Junior Infants to 1st Class
Let your imagination take centre stage! Through playful games and creative storytelling, childen will explore fun characters and bring them to life using movement and voice. This workshop is a perfect way for children to express themselves, build confidence, and have fun!
Imagination Odyssey - 2nd to 6th Class
Embark on a journey through drama, igniting imaginations and fostering teamwork. Children will delve into expressive movement activities, exploring emotions through play. They'll collaborate to craft narratives and characters, enhancing communication and improvisation skills. With various props, they'll bring stories to life, embodying characters and weaving tales through movement.
Let your imagination take centre stage! Through playful games and creative storytelling, childen will explore fun characters and bring them to life using movement and voice. This workshop is a perfect way for children to express themselves, build confidence, and have fun!
Imagination Odyssey - 2nd to 6th Class
Embark on a journey through drama, igniting imaginations and fostering teamwork. Children will delve into expressive movement activities, exploring emotions through play. They'll collaborate to craft narratives and characters, enhancing communication and improvisation skills. With various props, they'll bring stories to life, embodying characters and weaving tales through movement.
Date: Thursday 10th October
Time: Character work - 10am to 11am & 11.30am to 12.30pm for Junior Infants to 1st Class
Imagination Odyssey - 1pm to 2pm for 2nd to 6th Class
Venue: Thomastown community hall, 056 7794331, [email protected]
Time: Character work - 10am to 11am & 11.30am to 12.30pm for Junior Infants to 1st Class
Imagination Odyssey - 1pm to 2pm for 2nd to 6th Class
Venue: Thomastown community hall, 056 7794331, [email protected]
As the artistic director at TADA! Theatre and Film School, Gillian Grattan teaches children to create and perform their own scripts for film and theatre. Since 2018, TADA Theatre School has participated in Cruinniù na nÓg and Culture Night events. Gillian has worked as a drama facilitator with many schools. Central to Gillian’s work is the creation of stories for theatre, film, and radio.
Percussion with Musician Educator JEREMY HICKEY from
MUSIC GENERATION KILKENNY
MUSIC GENERATION KILKENNY
Music Generation Kilkenny percussion workshops are full tilt, hands on sessions where young
beat makers will learn about rhythm through drumming, musical games, and a host of rhythms and
tones using an array of percussion instruments. Delivered in a fun, accessible and progressive
way, everyone will come away with new percussion skills to entertain the whole household!
beat makers will learn about rhythm through drumming, musical games, and a host of rhythms and
tones using an array of percussion instruments. Delivered in a fun, accessible and progressive
way, everyone will come away with new percussion skills to entertain the whole household!
Date: Thursday 10th October
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30am to 12.30pm
Venue: Urlingford library, 056 7794182, [email protected]
Age group: 2nd to 6th Class
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30am to 12.30pm
Venue: Urlingford library, 056 7794182, [email protected]
Age group: 2nd to 6th Class
Jeremy Hickey has been a Musician Educator with Music Generation Kilkenny for 4 years
delivering percussion and samba drumming workshops and is part of the Music Generation
Kilkenny primary school percussion programme.
Jeremy is a renowned producer, musician, and educator. On completion of his studies at the Royal
Irish Academy of Music and Sound Training Centre, Dublin, Jeremy gained many years of
experience producing and performing as a multi-instrumentalist on stages across the world under
the critically acclaimed guise of R.S.A.G.
delivering percussion and samba drumming workshops and is part of the Music Generation
Kilkenny primary school percussion programme.
Jeremy is a renowned producer, musician, and educator. On completion of his studies at the Royal
Irish Academy of Music and Sound Training Centre, Dublin, Jeremy gained many years of
experience producing and performing as a multi-instrumentalist on stages across the world under
the critically acclaimed guise of R.S.A.G.
FRIDAY 11TH OCTOBER
Voyage, Sensory Movement with JESS ROWELL
EXCLUSIVE EVENT FOR CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS
EXCLUSIVE EVENT FOR CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS
Jess Rowell
A nautical themed sensory friendly movement adventure designed for children & young people with additional needs. Participants & carers will set sail in search of hidden treasure, ride the ocean waves, meet some friendly fish & dance with swooping gulls. The interactive and responsive nature of the workshop encourages participants to engage and explore in their own unique way. The group will be introduced to a range of movements, rhythms and appropriate props to enhance the sensory adventure for all.
Date: Friday 11th October
Time: 10am to 10.45am, 11.15am to 12 noon & 12.30pm to 1.15pm
Venue: Mayfair Library, 056 7794174, [email protected]
EXCLUSIVE EVENT FOR CHILDREN AGE 7 to 13 WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS
Time: 10am to 10.45am, 11.15am to 12 noon & 12.30pm to 1.15pm
Venue: Mayfair Library, 056 7794174, [email protected]
EXCLUSIVE EVENT FOR CHILDREN AGE 7 to 13 WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS
Jess Rowell is an inclusive dance, artist, movement facilitator and maker of multisensory dance theatre experiences. She has performed, collaborated and directed work in both professional and community contexts for over 13 years. Inclusivity is at the heart of her practice and she is committed to making dance accessible by facilitating projects that engage young people, adults and artists with intellectual disabilities.
Rhythm with Musician Educators Mark Colbert & Clare Kilkenny from
MUSIC GENERATION KILKENNY
MUSIC GENERATION KILKENNY
Junior Infants to 1st Class: Join us for a fun and interactive rhythm workshop designed especially for young children!
In this session, children will explore the basics of rhythm through playful activities, clapping
games, and simple percussion instruments. They'll learn to keep a steady beat, understand basic
patterns, and express themselves through music in a supportive and engaging environment.
Perfect for building coordination, listening skills, and a love for music!
2nd to 6th Class: Dive deeper into the world of rhythm in this dynamic workshop for older primary school children! Participants will explore more complex rhythms and patterns using a variety of
percussion instruments, musical games and body percussion. They will learn to collaborate with
others, develop timing and coordination, and experiment with creating their own rhythms. This
workshop is great for fostering creativity, enhancing musical skills, and having fun with rhythm!
In this session, children will explore the basics of rhythm through playful activities, clapping
games, and simple percussion instruments. They'll learn to keep a steady beat, understand basic
patterns, and express themselves through music in a supportive and engaging environment.
Perfect for building coordination, listening skills, and a love for music!
2nd to 6th Class: Dive deeper into the world of rhythm in this dynamic workshop for older primary school children! Participants will explore more complex rhythms and patterns using a variety of
percussion instruments, musical games and body percussion. They will learn to collaborate with
others, develop timing and coordination, and experiment with creating their own rhythms. This
workshop is great for fostering creativity, enhancing musical skills, and having fun with rhythm!
Date: Friday 11th October
Time: 10am to 11am for Senior Infants to 1st Class
11.30am to 12.30pm for 2nd to 6th Class
Venue: Callan Library, Phone: 056 7794183, Email: [email protected]
Time: 10am to 11am for Senior Infants to 1st Class
11.30am to 12.30pm for 2nd to 6th Class
Venue: Callan Library, Phone: 056 7794183, Email: [email protected]
Mark Colbert is a Musician Educator with Music Generation Kilkenny teaching weekly drum
classes at Foroige’s ‘The Drum’. Mark leads Music Generation Kilkenny’s ‘Song Collective’ - a
programme dedicated to mentoring Kilkenny’s emerging songwriters and bands, guiding them to
unlock their potential as both songwriters and performers.
Mark is a versatile drummer, producer, and educator. He excels in collaborative projects with
visual artists, young musicians, and DJs, creating immersive installations and dynamic live shows
and recordings. Mark is also member of the acclaimed band Black Bank Folk.
Clare Kilkenny teaches on the Music Generation Kilkenny ‘Vocal Programme’ and ‘Music Makers
Programme’ in primary schools across Kilkenny and delivers vocal workshops in the community.
More recently Clare co-facilitates the Kilkenny Youth Choir, a very popular Music Generation
Kilkenny initiative.
Her role with Music Generation Kilkenny realises her dream of enabling children and young people
to have access to quality music education programmes in school and community settings.
classes at Foroige’s ‘The Drum’. Mark leads Music Generation Kilkenny’s ‘Song Collective’ - a
programme dedicated to mentoring Kilkenny’s emerging songwriters and bands, guiding them to
unlock their potential as both songwriters and performers.
Mark is a versatile drummer, producer, and educator. He excels in collaborative projects with
visual artists, young musicians, and DJs, creating immersive installations and dynamic live shows
and recordings. Mark is also member of the acclaimed band Black Bank Folk.
Clare Kilkenny teaches on the Music Generation Kilkenny ‘Vocal Programme’ and ‘Music Makers
Programme’ in primary schools across Kilkenny and delivers vocal workshops in the community.
More recently Clare co-facilitates the Kilkenny Youth Choir, a very popular Music Generation
Kilkenny initiative.
Her role with Music Generation Kilkenny realises her dream of enabling children and young people
to have access to quality music education programmes in school and community settings.
The Wild Atlantic Way with CAROL ANN TREACY
Carole Ann Treacy
Join Carol Ann Tracy for a journey along the Wild Atlantic Way. There will be storytelling, videos about V-formation flying and a draw along, where the children will be shown how to draw Barnacle Goose and other native animals along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Date: Friday 11th October
Time: 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
Venue: Graiguenamanagh Library, 056 7794178, [email protected]
Age Group: Senior Infants - 2nd class
Time: 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
Venue: Graiguenamanagh Library, 056 7794178, [email protected]
Age Group: Senior Infants - 2nd class
Carol Ann Treacy is an Irish author, illustrator and designer. Carol Ann has written and illustrated three picture books to date; The Little Lost Cat’s Big Adventure in Kilkenny, Barney Goose – A Wild Atlantic Adventure and The Elfasaurus’ First Christmas. Carol Ann has an honours degree in English and Art History and also in Visual Communications and works as a creative lead/art director and graphic designer. With a special interest in picture books, she thinks there is nothing more satisfying than writing and illustrating for children. Carol Ann loves class room and library visits where she shares her passion for reading, writing, drawing and designing storyboards too!
Imagination with TADA!
Gillian Grattan
Character work - Junior Infants to 1st Class
Let your imagination take centre stage! Through playful games and creative storytelling, childen will explore fun characters and bring them to life using movement and voice. This workshop is a perfect way for children to express themselves, build confidence, and have fun!
Imagination Odyssey (2nd to 6th Class)
Join Gillian Grattan of TADA Theatre and Film School and embark on a journey through drama, igniting imaginations and fostering teamwork. Children will delve into expressive movement activities, exploring emotions through play. They'll collaborate to craft narratives and characters, enhancing communication and improvisation skills. With various props, they'll bring stories to life, embodying characters and weaving tales through movement.
Let your imagination take centre stage! Through playful games and creative storytelling, childen will explore fun characters and bring them to life using movement and voice. This workshop is a perfect way for children to express themselves, build confidence, and have fun!
Imagination Odyssey (2nd to 6th Class)
Join Gillian Grattan of TADA Theatre and Film School and embark on a journey through drama, igniting imaginations and fostering teamwork. Children will delve into expressive movement activities, exploring emotions through play. They'll collaborate to craft narratives and characters, enhancing communication and improvisation skills. With various props, they'll bring stories to life, embodying characters and weaving tales through movement.
Date: Friday 11th October
Time: Character work - 10am to 11am & 11.30am to 12.30pm for Junior Infants to 1st Class
Imagination Odyssey - 1pm to 2pm for 2nd to 6th Class
Venue: Castlecomer Library, 056 4440561, [email protected]
Time: Character work - 10am to 11am & 11.30am to 12.30pm for Junior Infants to 1st Class
Imagination Odyssey - 1pm to 2pm for 2nd to 6th Class
Venue: Castlecomer Library, 056 4440561, [email protected]
As the artistic director at TADA! Theatre and Film School, Gillian Grattan teaches children to create and perform their own scripts for film and theatre. Since 2018, TADA Theatre School has participated in Cruinniù na nÓg and Culture Night events. Gillian has worked as a drama facilitator with many schools. Central to Gillian’s work is the creation of stories for theatre, film, and radio.
Wild wonders with ÉANNE NÍ LAMHNA
Éanne Ní Lamhna
Éanna Ní Lamhna will bring along a power point presentation of slides and talk to the pupils about the wonders in her book. Did you know that spiders have all their legs on their heads and that they are cannibals? Rabbits eat their own poo. Frogs hibernate at the bottom of ponds - how come they don't drown? The pupils are encouraged to consider such matters and react to the questions Éanna will pose.
Date: Friday 11th October
Time: 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
Venue: Ferrybank Library, 051 897200, [email protected]
Age Group: 3rd to 6th Class
Time: 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
Venue: Ferrybank Library, 051 897200, [email protected]
Age Group: 3rd to 6th Class
Éanne Ní Lamhna is a botanist by profession and a zoologist by passion. She is publicly on the side of the environment as evidenced by her stint as President of An Taisce from 2004-2009 and more recently as President of the Tree Council of Ireland. She is the author of several books including Wild Dublin and Wild Things at School and her latest one for children, Wonders of the Wild. She is also an environmental consultant, radio and television presenter, columnist with the Irish Times and educator. She is noted for her passionate and no-nonsense approach to environmental matters.
Comedy show with STRICTLY BARKING
Jon & Ollie
Solitary ballroom dancing enthusiast Hogarth finds a new dance partner when he meets loveable stray dog Easy Peeler. Together they compete in a ballroom dancing competition at Barking Town Hall - but will the power-hungry Mayor and his scheming cat Steven ruin all? Get ready for laughter, fantastic tunes, crazy characters, and enthusiastic dance routines!
Date: Friday 11th October
Time: 11am to 12 noon
Venue: Loughboy Library, 056 7794176, [email protected]
Age Group: Junior Infants to 6th Class
Time: 11am to 12 noon
Venue: Loughboy Library, 056 7794176, [email protected]
Age Group: Junior Infants to 6th Class
Jon & Ollie are multi award-winning physical comedians. They met in 2015 while studying at the School Jacques Lecoq in Paris, France. Since then, they have toured the world as a duo and as part of the acclaimed company The Latebloomers, of which they are both co-founders. As a duo, they have created five shows and toured the world. In 2023, they won nine awards including Overall Children's Event Winner at Fringe World for Strictly Barking.
MONDAY 16TH OCTOBER
Milly Madness with LEONA FORDE & KAREN HARTE
Leona Forde, author
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Karen Harte Illustrator
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Join the author and illustrator of the much-loved Milly McCarthy series for some Milly madness! Read and draw along with Leona Forde and Karen Harte and prepare for a totally brilliant time in Milly’s world. As Milly would say, sure what could possibly go wrong?!
Date: Monday 14th October
Time: 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm, 1pm to 2pm
Venue: Mayfair Library, 056 7794174, [email protected]
Age group: 2nd to 6th Class
Time: 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm, 1pm to 2pm
Venue: Mayfair Library, 056 7794174, [email protected]
Age group: 2nd to 6th Class
Leona Forde is a teacher from Bandon, County Cork. Karen Harte is an illustrator, comic creator and visual designer from Dublin. Their series has received widespread praise including from The Irish Examiner who called it ‘a must for Wimpy Kid fans’ and Aisling’s Sarah Breen who hailed Milly ‘a delightful new heroine for kids.’ Milly McCarthy is a Complete Catastrophe was a top five Irish children’s fiction bestseller and Milly McCarthy and the Irish Dancing Disaster was shortlisted for an Irish Children’s Book Award.
A fun and engaging singing workshop suitable for children aged 8-12 years. During the workshop
children will develop a strong sense of team spirit, co-operation, and communication through
whole group singing engagement. Combining body percussion techniques and voice in the
creation of songs performed as an ensemble. The workshop will give children the opportunity to
socialise through singing, improve their singing ability and skill and grow their confidence, whilst
having fun through singing.
children will develop a strong sense of team spirit, co-operation, and communication through
whole group singing engagement. Combining body percussion techniques and voice in the
creation of songs performed as an ensemble. The workshop will give children the opportunity to
socialise through singing, improve their singing ability and skill and grow their confidence, whilst
having fun through singing.
Date: Monday 16th October
Time: 10am to 11am, Senior Infants to 1st Class
11.30am to 12.30pm, 2nd to 6th Class
Venue: Ferrybank Library, 051 897200, [email protected]
Time: 10am to 11am, Senior Infants to 1st Class
11.30am to 12.30pm, 2nd to 6th Class
Venue: Ferrybank Library, 051 897200, [email protected]
Music Generation Kilkenny Musician Educators Barbara Kelly and Clare Kilkenny teach on
the vocal and early years programmes across schools and community in Kilkenny. More recently
Clare and Barbara co-facilitate the Kilkenny Youth Choir, a very popular Music Generation
Kilkenny initiative.
Prior to joining Music Generation Kilkenny, Barbara Kelly taught music at the International School
of Paris from 2002 to 2017 and subsequently at the Espoo International School, Finland. During
Barbara’s tenure at the International School of Paris she was founder and director of the schools’
teacher choir, teacher band, and the primary school choir. Barbara was also the musical director of
the Primary Performing Arts Programme directing a range of musicals. Barbara is also an accomplished pianist and was the official accompanist at the Irish Cultural Centre, Paris as well as currently for Music
Generation Kilkenny programmes, concerts and events.
Clare Kilkenny has had music education in Trinity College Dublin. Her vocal experience roots from early participation in her former parish choir where she took on solo performances alongside choral performance.
Her love of singing led her to become a member of Trinity College Singers, Trinity Choral Society
and resident Chorister in Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Dublin. She has many years of experience performing in liturgical services such as weddings, funerals, and regular/Christmas services in Church. She is currently director of a four-part community choir in Kilkenny City since 2011.
the vocal and early years programmes across schools and community in Kilkenny. More recently
Clare and Barbara co-facilitate the Kilkenny Youth Choir, a very popular Music Generation
Kilkenny initiative.
Prior to joining Music Generation Kilkenny, Barbara Kelly taught music at the International School
of Paris from 2002 to 2017 and subsequently at the Espoo International School, Finland. During
Barbara’s tenure at the International School of Paris she was founder and director of the schools’
teacher choir, teacher band, and the primary school choir. Barbara was also the musical director of
the Primary Performing Arts Programme directing a range of musicals. Barbara is also an accomplished pianist and was the official accompanist at the Irish Cultural Centre, Paris as well as currently for Music
Generation Kilkenny programmes, concerts and events.
Clare Kilkenny has had music education in Trinity College Dublin. Her vocal experience roots from early participation in her former parish choir where she took on solo performances alongside choral performance.
Her love of singing led her to become a member of Trinity College Singers, Trinity Choral Society
and resident Chorister in Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Dublin. She has many years of experience performing in liturgical services such as weddings, funerals, and regular/Christmas services in Church. She is currently director of a four-part community choir in Kilkenny City since 2011.
Gaelic games with EVANNE NÍ CHUILINN
Evanne Ní Chuilinn
From the ‘Great Irish’ series of big topics tackled by experts and brought to life with amazing illustrations, this engaging history introduces Gaelic Games’ most significant people, history and culture to fans of all ages. Students will join the author, sports journalist Evanne Ní Chuilinn, as she guides them through the wonderful world of Gaelic Games.
Date: Monday 14th October
Time: 10am to 11am, Junior Infants to 1st Class
11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm for 2nd to 6th Class
Venue: Loughboy Library, 056 7794176, [email protected]
Time: 10am to 11am, Junior Infants to 1st Class
11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm for 2nd to 6th Class
Venue: Loughboy Library, 056 7794176, [email protected]
Evanne Ní Chuilinn is an Irish sports broadcaster. She currently works in news and TV sports programming for RTE.
TUESDAY 15TH OCTOBER
Inspiration with DAVE RUDDEN
Dave Rudden
Dave Rudden's workshops are loud, chaotic and packed full of inspirational writing tips for aspiring young authors. Bring your weirdest questions, your strangest ideas, and let Dave show you how to turn them into exciting, fully-realised worlds.
Date: Tuesday 15th October
Time: 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm, 1pm to 2pm
Venue: Mayfair Library, 056 7794174, [email protected]
Age group: 2nd to 6th Class
Time: 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm, 1pm to 2pm
Venue: Mayfair Library, 056 7794174, [email protected]
Age group: 2nd to 6th Class
Dave Rudden is the award-winning author of the Knights of the Borrowed Dark trilogy, as well as numerous works in the Doctor Who universe. He has written for film, stage, RPGs, and headlined hundreds of workshops, school events, theatre shows, lectures and conferences (and one literary death match).
Dream place with HELENA DUGGAN
Helena Duggan
Get your pencils and paper ready as Helena Duggan takes you to the land of Whizdom. In this workshop, you will discover a mysterious land, meet a peculiar guide and be given a magical key before you are whisked off to the place of your dreams without ever leaving your seat.
Date: Tuesday 15th October
Time: 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm, 1pm to 2pm
Venue: Thomastown community hall, 056 7794331, [email protected]
Age Group: 2nd to 6th Class
Time: 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm, 1pm to 2pm
Venue: Thomastown community hall, 056 7794331, [email protected]
Age Group: 2nd to 6th Class
Helena Duggan is from Kilkenny and the medieval, haunted city was the inspiration for her bestselling series A Place Called Perfect. She is now six books deep having just finished her second series The Light Thieves and surprisingly is still a functioning human being (though some might disagree with that statement). She writes stories full of adventure and mystery because she gets bored easily. When she's not writing, her favourite activity is to hang around, usually she hangs around with her daughters and husband, but she will hang around with anyone if they'll have her.
Adventures & comics with WAYNE O'CONNOR
Wayne O'Connor
Choose your own adventure - Junior Infants to 1st Class
Inspired by the books of the same name, this interactive storytelling session allows the kids themselves to be the authors and determine the situations and outcome in a fun hour of adventure. Each session can weave completely different plot lines and is filled with interactive elements and games that lead to an unpredictable finale.
Dive into Comics - 2nd to 6th Class
An exciting workshop jammed full of tips, facts and inspiration about the world of comics. Mixing tactical lessons with visual displays and handouts that highlight the world of comics and ways to create your own exciting comic books.
Inspired by the books of the same name, this interactive storytelling session allows the kids themselves to be the authors and determine the situations and outcome in a fun hour of adventure. Each session can weave completely different plot lines and is filled with interactive elements and games that lead to an unpredictable finale.
Dive into Comics - 2nd to 6th Class
An exciting workshop jammed full of tips, facts and inspiration about the world of comics. Mixing tactical lessons with visual displays and handouts that highlight the world of comics and ways to create your own exciting comic books.
Date: Tuesday 15th October
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30am to 12.30pm for Junior Infants to 1st Class
1pm to 2pm for 2nd to 6th Class
Venue: Graiguenamanagh Library, 056 7794178, [email protected]
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30am to 12.30pm for Junior Infants to 1st Class
1pm to 2pm for 2nd to 6th Class
Venue: Graiguenamanagh Library, 056 7794178, [email protected]
Wayne O'Connor is an artist, storyteller and educator from Wexford but currently living in Sligo. His work is inspired by fantasy, mythology and games. His workshops are high energy sessions full of humour, stories and inspiration.
WEDNESDAY 16TH OCTOBER
Poetry with LUCINDA JACOB
Lucinda Jacob
Lucinda Jacob will read from her books including I Am the Wind: Irish Poems for Children Everywhere (Little Island, Edited with Sarah Webb and Illustrated by Ashwin Chacko). She will take participants on a fun-filled creative journey where the destination is their very own poem.
Date: Wednesday 16th October
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30am to 12.30pm for Junior Infants & Senior Infants
1pm to 2pm for 3rd to 6th Class
Venue: Mayfair Library, 056 7794174, [email protected]
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30am to 12.30pm for Junior Infants & Senior Infants
1pm to 2pm for 3rd to 6th Class
Venue: Mayfair Library, 056 7794174, [email protected]
Lucinda Jacob is an award-winning Irish writer and creative writing facilitator who writes poetry and stories for children as well as scripts for chidren’s TV and Radio. Her books include Hopscotch in the Sky (illustrated by Lauren O’Neill), Climate SOS! and Guzzler’s Party (illustrated by Alan Nolan). I Am the Wind: Irish Poems for Children Everywhere, edited with Sarah Webb and illustrated by Ashwin Chacko, won the An Post Children’s Book of the Year (Senior) 2024.
Drawing with PJ LYNCH
PJ Lynch
PJ Lynch's workshop will begin with a slideshow showing his work and short videos of him drawing and painting. PJ will give potted versions of the stories he has illustrated... so there is a fair bit of story-telling going on. Then the children will get to do some drawing. PJ has various tips and tricks to help all ages to be more confident drawers. It's always a lot of fun!
Date: Wednesday 16th October
Time: 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
Venue: Graiguenamanagh Library, 056 7794178, [email protected]
Age Group: 3rd to 6th class
Time: 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
Venue: Graiguenamanagh Library, 056 7794178, [email protected]
Age Group: 3rd to 6th class
P. J. Lynch is a children’s book illustrator. He has won many awards including the Mother Goose Award, the Christopher Medal three times, and the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal on two occasions. "The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey” has sold more than a million copies worldwide and has been made into a play, a musical and a motion picture. In recent years PJ has been commissioned to design posters for Opera Ireland and the Abbey Theatre, several sets of stamps for An Post and large scale works including two large scale murals and the largest mosaic in Europe. PJ Lynch has also held the title of Laureate na nÓg, Ireland’s greatest honour in the field of children’s literature.
Magical Things with CAROLINE BUSHER
Caroline Busher
Join Irish Times best selling author Caroline Busher on a spectacular journey to magical lands. From the vanishing island of the coast of Wexford, to islands under the sea. Children will create their own mythical creatures and islands inspired by Irish folklore. Then Caroline will read from her latest book The Spectacular Library of Magical Things and reveal her top tips for being a writer.
Date: Wednesday 16th October
Time: 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
Venue: Castlecomer Library, 056 4440561, [email protected]
Age Group: 2nd to 6th Class
Time: 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
Venue: Castlecomer Library, 056 4440561, [email protected]
Age Group: 2nd to 6th Class
Caroline Busher is an Irish Times Best Selling and Book Award shortlisted author. She has an MA in Creative Writing from UCD. Her books include “The Ghosts of Magnificent Children”, “The Girl Who Ate The Stars”, “The Legend of Valentine Sorrow”, “The Spectacular Library of Magical Things” and “The Boy Who Slipped Through Time.” Caroline is a Heritage Expert with the Heritage Council of Ireland and she is on the Poetry Ireland Writers in School Scheme.
Atoms, planets, germs & brains with JOHN DEVOLLE
John Devolle
Join John Devolle for his workshop of collage and drawing. Taking inspiration from John's books, or from anything at all that inspires them, John will start by showing the children how he makes a collage drawing myself, so they can see how free they can be with it. This is a great workshop to encourage children who might not consider themselves very good at drawing, as using simple shapes and colours to make collages is a really good way to get experimenting and seeing where happy accidents take them!
Date: Wednesday 16th October
Time: 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
Venue: Ferrybank Library, 051 897200, [email protected]
Age Group: Junior Infants to 1st Class
Time: 10am to 11am, 11.30am to 12.30pm & 1pm to 2pm
Venue: Ferrybank Library, 051 897200, [email protected]
Age Group: Junior Infants to 1st Class
John Devolle is an illustrator and author, living and working in Dublin, Ireland. Over the past 15 years he has worked for various clients, including magazines such as GQ, Monocle, and The Financial Times, and organisations such as The Houses of Parliament, The Francis Crick Institute and The British Library, where he has turned complex ideas into simple and engaging visuals. He has written and illustrated four children’s books to date: ATOMS, PLANETS, GERMS and BRAINS. These have been translated into multiple languages and his 5th book ‘HUMANS’ is due to be released next year through Pushkin Press.
Animal illustration with JENNIFER FARLEY
Jennifer Farley
Join award-winning children’s book illustrator and author Jennifer Farley for the 'Wonder-Vet Workshop'. Jennifer will read from her book "Wonder Vet" followed by an illustration workshop where everyone will learn to draw some of the animals.
Date: Wednesday 16th October
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30am to 12.30pm for Junior Infants to 1st Class
1pm to 2pm for 2nd to 6th Class
Venue: Urlingford Library, 056 7794182, [email protected]
Time: 10am to 11am & 11.30am to 12.30pm for Junior Infants to 1st Class
1pm to 2pm for 2nd to 6th Class
Venue: Urlingford Library, 056 7794182, [email protected]
Jennifer Farley is sometimes known as Jen Farley or Laughing Lion. I am an Irish author, illustrator and designer. I draw pictures for children’s picture books, illustrated maps, editorial illustrations, t-shirts, and graphics for websites and promotional events. My work is colourful with a hint of mid-century retro, a dab of texture and a faint waft of humour. I’m originally from Dublin, but am now living the country life with my husband and our two dogs, Betty and Juno.