Claddagh Festival of Children's Books

19/11/2022

That was something else!
Hundreds of people of all ages came together at Claddagh National School yesterday for our family afternoon. It was a joy to bring so many people together to celebrate the wonderful world of children's books and stories (with extra music, facepainting and hot chocolate, of course!).
The school hall, with a pop-up bookshop from Charlie Byrne's Bookshop (staffed by our brilliant volunteers), live music from The Rascals, facepainting and free hot drinks from the Barista Bus outside, was at the heart of the action.
More pics of some of the other great stuff that went on to follow!
All this was possible, of course, thanks to funding from the Irish Arts Council and all the Claddagh School staff who gave up their free time to help oganise and keep things running (relatively!) smoothly.

17/11/2022

Don't miss our FREE family open afternoon tomorrow. It's going to be mighty!

16/11/2022

Nun's Island Theatre was abuzz with cheers, applause and joy today as children from Claddagh N.S. and Scoil Chroí Íosa (The Pres) came together for the Claddagh Festival of Children's Books Poetry Slam.
Working from the theme of "We Are One", the children performed astonishingly well-written poems on a wide range of topics, including economic inequality, climate change and racism.
Well done to all the children, whose bravery in performing, solidarity in supporting one another, and insightful articulation of their thoughts was truly inspirational. Special congratulations to the three winners, who are pictured with Méabh McDonnell from Charlie Byrne's Bookshop, teacher Joanna Cluskey from Scoil Chroí Íosa Presentation Primary Galway and teachers Seán Leonard, Fiona Leem and Hazel Heneghan from Claddagh National School.
The slam was judged by Méabh McDonnell from Charlie Byrne's Bookshop, which sponsored prizes for the three winners.

15/11/2022

And we're off!
In-school events commenced today with visits from storyteller/author/actor/all-round amazing entertainer Órla McGovern, poet and creative genius Terry McDonagh and prize-winning author Debbie Thomas.
www.orlamcgovern.com
https://littleisland.ie/books/chameleon-dad/

14/11/2022

Free Family Afternoon
Claddagh NS, Friday, 18th November, 3-5 p.m.

Meet illustrator Gerry Daly, whose gorgeous illustrations of beautiful creatures will delight children from 5-7 years at his workshop in Claddagh National School this Friday. 3.15 p.m. - don't miss it!

Our Arts Council-funded festival starts tomorrow with in-school events, but families far and wide are invited to our open afternoon on Friday, which, as well as Gerry, will feature author and illustrator workshops for children up to 12 years of age, the Children's Books Ireland Book Doctor Clinic, music from the Rascals, free hot drinks from the Barista Bus, free facepainting and a pop-up bookshop from Charlie Byrne's Bookshop !

The O'Brien Press Irish Arts Council Gerry Daly What's On In Galway The Galway Advertiser Galway Bay Fm News Connacht Tribune - Galway City Tribune

Gerry Daly, Dublin based illustrator of picturebook Where Are You, Puffling? published by O'Brien Press.

11/11/2022

THIS DAY WEEK - don't miss it!
In-school events start on Tuesday, and will include lots of visiting authors, illustrators, poets and storytellers, as well as our legendary inter-schools poetry slam and, of course, our FANCY DRESS day on Friday (with prizes from Charlie Byrne's, of course!).

09/11/2022

Sneak peek, coming next week!
Tell your friends, tell your family, tell the people on the street, tell the person next to you on the bus, shout it down Shop Street - Here come's Galway's cosiest family festival afternoon, and it's all free!