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03 Nov 2025
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03 Nov 2025
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Catherine McLaughlin and Lauren Doherty planning their textile artwork, with artist Bernie Murphy
A two-day arts festival which is aimed at encouraging children to connect with their heritage through painting, textiles, music and animation is taking place in Carndonagh later this month.
Spraoi agus Spórt, in partnership with the Arts Council of Ireland and supported by Donegal County Council Library Service, is running the Make Inishowen Children’s Arts Festival.
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Taking place on April 22 and 23, the festival features a two-day exhibition alongside workshops designed for children.
As part of the festival’s outreach, pupils from Tiernasligo and Urbalreagh national schools were asked to collect stories from older people in their communities.
Artists John D Ruddy, Sinead Smyth, Bernie Murphy, Roisin Harrigan and Clodagh Warnock have guided the children in turning these stories into artwork. Their work, created during this outreach project, will be shown in the exhibition.
The festival takes inspiration from the Dúchas Schools Collection, preserved by the National Folklore Collection. This archive was compiled by schoolchildren across Ireland in the 1930s—including pupils from Tiernasligo and Urbalreagh at the time. Make Inishowen gives today’s children a way to connect with their heritage through painting, textiles, music and animation.
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“It’s been a pleasure seeing this come together,” said project manager Deirdre McGrory.
“The children have really engaged with the stories and brought them to life. Working with the artists has made a big difference. They’re excited to show their work to the public.”
Annie Mae Harkin and OIlie McColgan, during the audio recording sessions in March 2025
Could your school do something similar? Visit the Dúchas Collection online—your school might be there. Ask a grandparent or neighbour about their childhood. Could you paint a scene, write a poem, or turn a rhyme into a song?
The exhibition is open to everyone at Carndonagh Library on April 22 from 11am to 5.30pm and April 23 from 9.30am to 5.30pm.
To explore the workshops and book, visit www.spraoiagussport.ie. All events are free.
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