Launch of Children’s Books of Mayo Map 'a joyful celebration'
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A group of children who took part in drawing workshops pictured at the launch.Image 2 of 6
Illustrator Melanie Whelan who drew the map - pictured at the launch of the Children’s Books of Mayo Map at the National Museum of Ireland – Turlough Park.Image 3 of 6
Aoibhe Egan and her brother Liam at the launch of the Children’s Books of Mayo Map at the National Museum of Ireland – Turlough Park.Image 4 of 6
Patrick O’Dowd reading to his daughter Lily at the launch of the Children’s Books of Mayo Map at the National Museum of Ireland – Turlough Park.Image 5 of 6
Austin Vaughan, county librarian, Keira Keogh, TD, Joanne Grehan, director of services at Mayo County Council, and author Margaret Talbot at the launch of the Children’s Books of Mayo Map as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. ALL Photos: Alison LaredoImage 6 of 6
Over 300 people celebrated the launch of the Children’s Books of Mayo Map at the National Museum of Ireland – Turlough Park. Pictured at the event are Carinna and Micardo.Over 300 children, families, authors and artists gathered at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, to celebrate the launch of the Children’s Books of Mayo Map as part of Cruinniú na nÓg.
The event was a joyful celebration of storytelling, creativity, and the rich literary landscape of Mayo.
Children immersed themselves in a vibrant programme of activities designed to spark imagination and connect young readers with local stories.
A surprise visit from the bumblebee character from An Bhumbóg Mhór Bhuí ar Strae added to the excitement.
Highlights included:
· Art workshops with Maeve Clancy and Anthony D. Kelly.
· Islands of Imagination exhibition and activity station, curated by Melanie Whelan.
· Story readings by Nicola Lavelle, Gráinne Bear, Alex from Alex the Apple, Anne Printer and Shelly O'Neill.
· Science experiments by Eva Naughton and Aidan Gilmore, based on their book Alife the Secret Scientist.
· Interactive activity station with colouring book and worksheets from An Bhumbóg Mhór Bhuí ar Strae.
· Leaf Bingo, inspired by Ollie the Oak Tree.
· Colouring activities from Watchman of Westport.
· Prizes from the Jack and Adam series by Anthony Broderick.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, senior executive librarian Darina Molloy spoke about the importance of children having access to stories that are rooted in the places they live.
Illustrator Melanie Whelan, who created the map, shared insights into her creative process, explaining how she aimed to surround the books with Mayo’s landscapes.
“We’re very lucky to live in a county with both a National Museum and a National Park,” she noted.
The event concluded with a performance by Castlebar Primary School, who presented three original songs inspired by The Children of Lir, supported by their teacher Ms. Mulligan and artist Sharon Ní Chuilibín.
Mayo TD Keira Keogh added: “We are incredibly fortunate to have such a wealth of talent in Mayo dedicated to children’s literature. The map is a fantastic resource for families and schools, inspiring both a love of reading and a sense of adventure through local stories.”
Mayo County Council’s Creative Communities engagement officer, Anna Livia Cullinan, reflected: “It was a pleasure to work on this map thanks to the incredible effort from authors, illustrators, local bookshops and publishers.
"We look forward to finding more ways to celebrate the richness of children’s literature in Mayo.”
The Children’s Books of Mayo Map was made possible through Creative Ireland funding and is available now at local libraries across the county.
This is a limited print run, so early collection is advised to avoid disappointment.