Tag Archives: travel

Getting ready for the ‘Under the Hawthorn Tree’ Exhibition in The Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh.

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I am getting very excited as the time gets nearer for the opening of the ‘Under the Hawthorn Tree’ exhibition in The Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh in Northern Ireland in a few weeks’ time.

I have been working with Victoria Miller and the wonderful team from Northern Ireland Museums on this big project over the past year and a half as they build and bring this Exhibition to life

It is a totally new experience for me getting involved with listening to young actors, musicians helping to choose illustrators and designers and seeing the detailed craft work done for an exhibition like this. I never realised the hard work and dedication mounting such an exhibition takes.   I am learning so much and it is great fun as I can see things begin to come together.

 I was back up in Omagh a few weeks ago to film with a group of wonderful students from the Sacred Heart School , Tattyreagh..They were  in great form and full of questions and chat despite the awful rainy wet weather

It is hard for me to believe that it is over thirty – five years ago since I first visited thre park to do some research for my book ‘Wildflower Girl,’ . Little did I dream that all these years later an exhibition based around  my book ‘Under the Hawthorn Tree ‘would  be opening there.

As the time gets closer there is so much work going on with Stefan McKee designing and creating the exhibition and talented heritage maker Bob Johnson working in the Ulster Museum Folk site using willow to create the most incredible hawthorn tree for the centre of the exhibition and Matthew Walton creating birds that will sit in the tree. I cannot wait to go back up to Omagh and to see the tree in situ.

The exhibition will be open at the end of March, just in time for the Easter Holidays.

The Picasso Exhibition in The National Gallery  

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I highly recommend a visit to The Pablo Picasso Exhibition currently on in The National Gallery, Dublin, which is a collection of work from his studio (which he would apparently not sell).

This wonderfully curated show is visually stunning with a wide selection of his art work over different periods. It is a celebration of the Picasso’s long life and continued need to paint and create and work until just before he died.

It is interesting on every level and entertaining and also backed up with a detailed and helpful telling of his life story. The additional filmed clips of Picasso being interviewed, making ceramic pottery doves to be fired in a local pottery and relaxing in his garden in the south of France bring a sense of intimacyand connection to the show. 

The exhibition opened in October and will run until the 22nd February 2026.  Tickets are available from the National Gallery but must be booked in advance, with children going free.   

Another one to watch out for is The Gate Theatre’s stage adaption of ‘Poor’ by  Katriona O Sullivan. It is a rare theatre experience to see such a powerful and heart rending account of a childhood of poverty, neglect and abuse turned in to such a triumphant and deeply involving play. I loved the book but seeing Sonya Kelly’s adaption is a very special experience and makes you realise the power of good drama, acting and direction (Roisin McBrinn), in bringing this complex story to life. There were stunning performances from young Pippa Owens (child)  and Aisling O’Mara (adult) and Hilda Fay (mother).

‘Poor’ sold out its run in October but following rave reviews will return to the Gate Theatre on 13th March  and run until 26th April 2026 so …get booking.

Wild, Windy and Wet in Cork!

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Summercove N.S. Kinsale with School Principal Louise Hallissey

Despite Storm Amy and arriving rather windblown and wet I had a brilliant few days in Cork meeting some amazing young readers and writers.

First there was Bishop Aherne National School in Leamlara School near Glanmire. A school literally in the woods with welcoming teachers and great kids which is a magical place. The original school was built in 1847 during The Great Irish Famine. It was lovely also to meet recently retired principal Mrs Marie Murphy too, who told me about reading ‘Under the Hawthorn Tree’ to her class sitting in the wood surround by trees.    

Then on to Summercove  N.S in Kinsale, where the waves were wild and stormy and coming up over the pier.  Another amazing school who are also busy reading my books , it was an emotional visit when one of the teachers  Muireann Ni Raghallaigh got out her violin and played  ‘Isle of Hope and Isle of Tears ‘and all the children sang together , one of those rare special moments in your life. 

Cosied up at lunch in The Bulman afterwards as the storm blew.   The next day talked to a great crowd in Kinsale’s new Library which is well worth a visit.  A wonderful array of readers of all ages turned up for my conversation with Kate Murphy.  What a great audience!

I went to some brilliant events with Diarmuid Ferriter and Peadar Thompson and also one with author Niall Williams.   I got a wonderful warm welcome from Maureen Tierney as stayed in her lovely Friars Lodge, right in the heart of Kinsale.  Had some great food, shout out Man Friday and some great music, talented Cork singer and guitarist Bo Collins who blew us all away with her voice in The Blue Haven.  Thanks to Kate, Maureen and Susan everyone at the ‘Words by Water Festival,’ for looking after me so well during my visit.

Summercove School with Muireann ni Raghallaigh, Bishop Ahern School with principal Billy O Connor teacher Laura Butler, and former principal Marie Murphy and Class. Kate Murphy in Kinsale Library.

‘THE MAGIC OF STORIES FESTIVAL’ AT SWORDS CASTLE

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With Author Illustrator Niamh Sharkey

The sun came out for Saturday’s ‘The Magic of Stories’ Fingal Festival of Children’s Literature held in the grounds of Swords Castle in Swords in County Dublin.

The castle was a hive of creativity for kids and families of all ages, with something to entertain everyone. There were talks and art, games, music and theatre, workshops, and lots of fun filled activities with artists, writers and illustrators Niamh Sharkey, Paddy Donnelly, Tarsila Kruse, and Margaret Ann Suggs, Alan Nolan, Derek Landy, Leona Forde, Eve McDonnell, Alan Nolan, Sarah Bowie, Owen Churcher, and Chris Judge.  

I had great fun meeting everyone in the Castle’s Chapel where author Megan Wynne and I had a lovely chat about writing and books. There were so many things to see and do and everyone who came along got a free copy of a book from the author or illustrator they met.

Well done to author Shane Hegarty and Fingal Library for putting on such a super free Festival. The fun will continue with The Magic of Stories in some of Fingal’s s libraries with artist Kim Jenkinson.

Marita with Writers Shane Hegarty and Megan Wynne

SKIBBEREEN ARTS FESTIVAL

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Marita with writer Caragh Bell and Musician Aoibhe Daly. What a joy to be back in West Cork for the Skibbereen Arts Festival. The town is hopping with so many brilliant events that there is something for everyone: Art Exhibitions, film, theatre, and music.On top of that is all the excitement of having Skibbereen’s incredible rowers, from the local rowing club on the River Ilen, competing in the Paris Olympics. The atmosphere is electric…

I had a wonderful time meeting lots of younger readers in the Uilinn Arts Centre. It was great to have so many fans come along to talk about books and stories.  Later that evening there was a lovely event in the O Donovan Rossa GAA Hall with writer Caragh Bell and me chatting about my books and how Skibbereen’s own Dr Dan Donovan inspired my book The Hungry Road. Talented musician Aoibhe Daly provided the music singing Grace and then Skibbereen which sent shivers down my back as it was so moving.

The Skibbereen Arts Festival continues until Monday 5th August 2024.

At The Uilinnn Arts Centre in Skibbereen