Mayo author scoops prestigious national award for book series
A Mayo author has scooped a prestigious Irish Enterprise Award for her children's book series, “The Adventures of Gráinne Bear.”
Louisburgh-based writer Bernie Gaughan's work was lauded as "the most immersive children's book experience 2025."
Speaking to the award sponsors EU Business News, she said the inspiration for the book series initially came from working in the Granuaile Centre, Louisburgh, where she witnessed at first-hand the fascination children had with Granuaile, Ireland’s Pirate Queen.
She elaborated: "I got the idea that, through the medium of bears, I could make charming stories, conveying this part of Irish history mingled in with fun bear adventures.
"The main character is Gráinne Bear and together with her family of bears, they travel the Wild Atlantic Way, visiting many historical sites and places on the trail of Granuaile.
"The bears, who each have their quirky individual characters, get up to all sorts of mischief along the way and these are recounted in a most enchanting and magical way.
"The stories are accompanied by whimsical, childlike illustrations to enjoy.
"The book series is aimed at seven to nine year olds, but adults and smaller children alike are enjoying the stories too.
"My intention is to seamlessly combine both fact and fiction, taking the reader on a journey where their imagination can thrive.
"What an exciting way to learn history through such a medium as teddy bears.
“The Adventures of Gráinne Bear,” I believe, stands out because it is not just a book series; Gráinne Bear is very much real, out and about in the community, captivating audiences wherever she goes.
"The stories run parallel with real life places that people can relate to, or are encouraged to visit as a local or tourist.
"Real life adventures in the community add realism to my stories, so they don’t just sit on the pages; they come to life in a great epiphany."
Bernie confirmed to The Connaught Telegraph that her next book is coming out 'very soon'.