9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wexford libraries to host new Irish language children's story project
Titled 'Éist', the story project will invite children from six to 12 years of age to take part in bilingual workshops in libraries across Wexford throughout July and August while offering access to a cosy pop-up installation of children's audio stories. The project is funded by Wexford County Council through the Creative Ireland programme.
In the first 'Cúpla Focal' Irish/English workshops in July, children in Gorey, Enniscorthy and Wexford Town libraries will be guided by writer Alison Ní Mháirtín in activities to unearth their favourite Irish words.
Following these workshops, Alison will write a new audio story featuring the favourite focail that will be recorded with actor Miriam Needham and produced by Rose Producing for broadcast across the airwaves.
Then in August, there will be a series of 'Scéalta & Sound' listening party workshops – in Bunclody, New Ross and Wexford Town libraries – where the young participants can embark on their own sonic adventure while getting the chance to listen to the new story.
Alison said: 'I'm really excited to find out what the children's favourite words are as Gaeilge and collaborate with them all on this new audio story and workshop series across libraries in Wexford. I love tents and it will be great to have the warm festival feeling of summer without having to go to a muddy field.'
In each of the participating libraries there will be an audio installation running for a number of weeks. Young listeners will be invited to get cosy in one of the specially set-up audio tents and enjoy one of the following bilingual and monolingual stories: Fiachra and the Biscuit Tin Garden (Alison Ní Mháirtín); Lara ar Strae (Miriam Needham); Caoimhe agus na Caoga Caoirigh Craicáilte (Fionn Foley); Hug Me With Your Words (Brigid O'Dea); Duisíonn na hIoraí Rua (Lewis Kenny); Gig Nua (Diane Crotty); Niamh's Nuacht (Hilary Bowen-Walsh) and Arwa and the Egotistical Limpet (Brigid O'Dea).
While suitable for all children, the tents have proven particularly popular in the past with autistic children at similar installations produced by Rose Producing at other venues.
Booking for the workshops is through Wexford Library Service's website
For further information on the workshops and for accessibility information, please contact alisonnimhairtin@
Éist workshops are taking place on the following dates and times:
Wednesday, July 2 at 11am – Gorey Library
Saturday, July 5 at 11am – Enniscorthy Library
Saturday, July 12 at 11am – Wexford Town Library
Scéalta and Sound listening party workshops:
Tuesday, August 19 at 11.30 – Bunclody Library
Wednesday, August 20 at 11am – New Ross Library
Saturday, August 23 at 11am – Wexford Town Library