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. 

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. 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.