Come on a fantastical visual journey through other worlds of myth, folktale, poetry and wonder created by Shona Shirley Macdonald. An award-winning illustrator and author based in Co. Waterford, Shona creates unique characters and mystical worlds that fire the imaginations of children and adults alike.

The exhibition includes illustrations from Shona’s new picture book The Amazing Jam as well as her debut picture book The Pooka Party. Also featured are Girls Who Slay Monsters  by Ellen Ryan, Cluasa Capaill ar an Rí by Bridget Breathnach, The Moon Spun Round by W. B. Yeats, Noreen Doody and An Féileacén agus an Rí by Máire Zepf.

Join illustrator and author Shona Shirley Macdonald in this interactive art workshop based on creating characters for illustration. 

With Shona’s wide range of skills in art and illustration and her engaging style, this is a wonderful opportunity for young artists to delve into their own imaginations and discover the depths of their creativity. Following a drawing demonstration and a glimpse into the process of creating a book illustration, each child will get the chance to design their own character to fit into a 3D village scene. 

Sit down, not for long though! 

Enter the world of Fin and the Wicked Fairy of Tara in this live dance performance event for young audiences that combines the art of contemporary dance with a live reading. Perfect your greatest warrior moves, fly like a fairy or hunt in the darkest forest in the accompanying interactive workshop. 

Created by Irish/Brazilian choreographer Selma Daniel, this is story time as you’ve never experienced it before!

Join Áine for a fun workshop where you and your adult will together learn how to decorate a willow wreath with dried flowers that you can take home with you. All flowers used are organically grown by Áine at Flós Farm, An Spidéal, Cois Fharraige and dried at home. 

This is a bilingual event. All materials supplied.

Ceardlann spraoiúil a bheidh anseo le hÁine, áit an mbeidh tú ag foghlaim chun fleasc sailí a mhaisiú le bláthanna triomaithe. Fásann Áine na bláthanna seo ar a Feirm Flós, An Spidéal, Cois Fharraige agus triomaíonn sí féin iad.

Is ócáid dátheangach é seo.

Join experienced art teacher Kate Kelly for a hands-on art and sensory play experience where children are free to create, explore and play. With a range of open ended art and sensory play invitations, children can follow their own ideas, make their own choices and engage at their own pace. 

Designed for children of all abilities and their grown ups, this playful experience encourages creativity, curiosity and connection. It’s the perfect opportunity to unplug, connect and enjoy quality time together in a supportive environment. 

Dress for mess and arrive ready to play!

In this Samhain themed workshop led by author Deirdre Sullivan, we will engage in short writing exercises that explore folklore and tradition around Samhain. Using motifs associated with this time of the year to develop pieces of poetry or flash fiction. Weaving old practices and traditions into fiction is a way to forge depth and connection. We will look at ways to do this that are personal and respectful.

This writing workshop, led by author Deirdre Sullivan, will explore creative writing in depth - with an emphasis on voice, perspective and the right form for the story only you can tell. 

Participants will work both individually and collaboratively, and engage with a range of approaches to writing, as well as playful and engaging ways to access inspiration and connect with their own voice.