The Fingal Magic of Stories Festival Returns to Swords Castle on the 27th of September

Now in its fourth year, the Fingal Magic of Stories Festival has firmly established itself as one of Ireland’s premier celebrations of children’s literature. Fingal Libraries will once again build on the success of previous years to deliver a fun-filled day of author visits and creative activities at Swords Castle on Saturday, 27th September. 

The programme for this year’s Fingal Festival of Children’s Literature was launched on Monday, 11th August at Swords Castle by the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Tom O’Leary. He was joined by County Librarian Betty Boardman, Festival Creative Director Shane Hegarty, children’s author and illustrator Úna Woods, illustrator Tarsila Kruse and a group of enthusiastic young readers. 

Author and illustrators Tarsila Krüse, author and festival curator Shane Hegarty, Mayor of Fingal Cllr Tom O'Leary, Deputy Chief Executive Ethna Felten, author and illustrator Úna Woods, County Librarian Betty Boardman and young readers Fiadh, Addie, Conor and Seán.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Tom O’Leary, said: 

"The Magic of Stories Festival promises a fantastic day out, offering young readers a rare and exciting chance to meet the authors, storytellers, and artists behind their favourite tales. Set against the enchanting backdrop of Swords Castle, the event is sure to spark imagination and creativity in every child who attends."

Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, added: 

"The Magic of Stories Festival is a key part of Fingal Libraries’ commitment to ensuring all children—regardless of background—have access to books, learning, and creative experiences. This special family day at Swords Castle is a celebration of storytelling that will inspire a lifelong love of reading in everyone who attends."

County Librarian Betty Boardman said: 

"Since its launch in 2022, The Magic of Stories has quickly become a standout event in the Fingal Libraries calendar. This vibrant festival offers young readers a special chance to meet the authors behind the books that have sparked their imaginations and encouraged their love of visiting the library."

Creative Director Shane Hegarty commented: 

“The fantastic Magic of Stories Festival at Swords Castle will provide something for everyone with a mix of author readings, creative activities, and music. We can’t wait to see you there on the 27th of September for a day of fun and creativity for all the family.” 

Authors and illustrators Úna Woods, Shane Hegarty and Tarsila Krüse with young readers Beibhín, Eryn, Addie, Conor, Fiadh and Seán. 

This year’s festival will feature events across the Little Library Tent, The Chapel, The Story Tent, the Tall-Tales Tent, and the Creative Zone. The Big Bear Planetarium will be back to allow attendees to explore the wonders of the universe with help from authors Eve McDonnell and Máire Zepf. A new addition this year is the City of Lost Trees, an enchanting tale told through Victorian mechanical theatre. Returning favourites include the Fanzini Brothers, masters of street and circus performance, and the Book Doctors from Children’s Books Ireland, offering one-to-one reading recommendations. 

In the Creative Zone, children can dive into Street Art Ink Graffiti Workshops, Lollipop Tie-Dye, Flower Crown-making with The Wizard of Creation and Art and Story-making with Orlaith O’Sullivan. This year the Creation Station will be run by three art students. Come along and try out different ways of making art and releasing your creativity. The messier the better!The Little Library Tent will host Áine Gallagher and her giant Cup of Focals, along with sensory toys and a quiet space for those who need a break. 

In The Chapel, authors Ciara Geraghty and Sarah Webb will read from their books and answer questions. Illustrator Ashwin Chacko will bring stories to life, and the legendary author Eoin Colfer will share his wisdom. Meanwhile, Niamh Sharkey and Owen Churcher will present Penguin TV and invite children to contribute to the Monster Doodle in the Story Tent. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Bits & Bobs Orchestra, and Sarah Sparkles will return with songs, stories, and puppets. Úna Woods will be reading from her latest book and leading a spooktacular workshop, Tarsila Krüse will host an arty bird-day party and Erika McGann and Clive McFarland will help everyone try to find out what a peachick is.

Ringmaster Alan Nolan will MC the Tall Tales tent, Eoin Colfer & Steve McCarthy, Aoife Dooley and Pádraig Kenny will be celebrating their latest books, and Chris Judge will get everyone involved in The Great Cloud Game. Book gifting remains a key feature of the festival, and attendees can get their books signed by the authors. 

Young reader Seán with A Spooktacular Place to Be by author and illustrator Úna Woods

Once again, the brilliantly talented Alan Nolan has created The Magic of Stories Activity Book, available for free at Fingal library branches. It includes the Great Book Character Selfie Competition, where children can draw themselves as their favourite book character.

Every story is magic, so this year Fingal also introduces a Short Story competition for ages 8-13, and a Magical Poetry competition for writers under 8. These will be judged by legendary author Eoin Colfer, and prizes will be awarded at the festival. Details and entry forms for these competitions can also be found in The Magic of Stories Activity book.

The Fingal Festival of Children’s Literature takes place at Swords Castle on Saturday, 27th September 2025, from 11am to 4pm. Pick up a brochure at your local Fingal library or view it online at fingal.ie/fingallibraries.