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A STORYTELLING event with a difference took place on the Northside recently to the delight of local children.

Author Eoin Colfer brought five storytellers and 300 schoolchildren on a magical steam train journey along the beautiful north Dublin coast.

The event was held as part of Laureate na nÓg’s, ‘Once Upon A Place’ programme for young readers.

Laureate na nÓg is a project that recognises the role and importance of literature for children.

The steam train journey was one of a series of once off events bringing stories to children in extraordinary and memorable settings, sparking their imaginations and bringing the magic of stories and books to young people in an experiential way.

Young readers from 10 Fingal primary schools, representing the diversity in Ireland’s fastest growing and youngest county, joined Laureate na nÓg Eoin Colfer for the event.

They departed from Connolly Station and travelled to Drogheda and back with readings taking place along the route.

As a keepsake, each child who took part received a souvenir train ticket from the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland, who provided the steam train. They also received a copy of Warp Book 1 by Eoin Colfer.

The event came about through collaboration between Fingal County Council Libraries, Children’s Books Ireland (which administers the Laureate na nÓg project) and Irish Rail, and working with the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland.

Yvonne O’Brien, senior executive librarian with the council, who first proposed the idea, said: “Nothing can match the magic of a steam train journey in such a beautiful setting, and with an event like this, we hope to steal the imaginations of our youngest readers and give them a lifelong interest in reading.”

From the Dublin People