This April, the vibrant tapestry of Irish literature will weave its way through Cork as part of an unprecedented literary adventure. Patricia Forde, the esteemed Laureate na nÓg, is spearheading the ‘Whole Wild World’ Bus Tour, a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering a love for reading and creativity among young minds. The announcement made today details a captivating journey that promises to connect school children and families in Cork with the creators of their beloved Irish books.
Spanning a 1400-kilometre odyssey along Ireland’s picturesque west coast, the tour is set to commence at Malin Head, County Donegal, Ireland’s northernmost point, on the 14th of April. It will gracefully conclude at Kinsale Library in Cork on the 28th of April, marking a significant cultural event. Cork, with its rich literary heritage, will play host to four of these stops, including Bantry, Schull, Sherkin Island, and Kinsale, offering a unique platform for interaction between young readers and a host of Irish children’s writers and illustrators.
The tour is an embodiment of Forde’s vision to spark imaginations and ensure the continuity of Cork’s legacy of great writers and illustrators. By bringing books and their creators directly to the audience, particularly those in local areas who rarely get such opportunities, the tour aims to inspire, entertain, and ignite a passion for storytelling.
At each stop, including Bantry Library and Schull Community College, participants will have the chance to engage in workshops, readings, and artist events specially designed for school groups, library groups, and families. The full lineup of authors and illustrators joining Patricia Forde in Cork, as well as the detailed programme of activities, will be announced in March, promising a roster of exciting and inspiring events.
Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland, and Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council, both heralded the tour as a crucial initiative for bringing memorable literary experiences to Ireland’s remote communities. Their support underscores the significance of this tour in promoting access to cultural and creative resources, particularly for young readers.
Patricia Forde’s illustrious career as a writer, educator, and advocate for children’s cultural rights, coupled with her role as Laureate na nÓg, positions her perfectly to lead such a transformative journey. The ‘Whole Wild World’ Bus Tour is not just a celebration of Irish children’s literature but an investment in the creative futures of young readers across Cork and the west coast of Ireland.
For those eager to follow this literary adventure and participate in the events, more information and updates can be found at www.childrenslaureate.ie. This tour is more than just a series of events; it is a beacon of inspiration, inviting young minds to explore the endless possibilities within the pages of a book and beyond.
Full tour route
Details of planned activity at each stop will be available on www.childrenslaureate.ie.
- Monday, April 15th – Malin Head – Creeslough – Gweedore
- Tuesday, April 16th – Glenties – Manorhamilton – Sligo
- Wednesday, April 17th – Sligo – Easkey – Ballina
- Thursday, April 18th – Belmullet – Newport – Westport
- Friday, April 19th – Leenane – Furbo – Galway
- Saturday, April 20th – Galway City
- Monday, April 22nd – Ennistymon – Limerick
- Tuesday, April 23rd – Limerick – Listowel – Tralee
- Wednesday, April 24th – Tralee – Cloghane – Kilorglin
- Thursday, April 25th – Cahersiveen – Ballinskelligs – Kenmare
- Friday, April 26th – Bantry – Schull – Mizen Head – Skibbereen
- Saturday, April 7th – Sherkin Island
- Sunday, April 28th – Clonakilty – Kinsale