Northern Ireland

Young storytellers encouraged to tell their tales of Ireland's greatest lighthouses

Blackhead Lighthouse in Co Antrim
Blackhead Lighthouse in Co Antrim Blackhead Lighthouse in Co Antrim

YOUNG storytellers are being encouraged to tell their tales of Ireland's greatest lighthouses.

Budding writers aged seven to 12 are invited to create an original story to celebrate lighthouses across the island.

The work can take any form - from a short story or poem to a play or song, comic or illustration.

The only requirement is that the story must involve a lighthouse, a buoy or even a helper vessel like the ILV Granuaile.

'Become A Young Storykeeper' has been developed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights, Great Lighthouses of Ireland and creative writing organisation Fighting Words.

Some of the stories will be included in a digital magazine to be launched as part of Cruinniú na nÓg on June 13 and featured on the websites of Great Lighthouses of Ireland and Fighting Words.

Emily DeDakis from Fighting Words Belfast said: "For hundreds of years lighthouses have ensured the safety of seafarers by helping them find their way.

"Lighthouses are places of wonder that can provide safety and guidance on a journey through danger.

"The symbolism of the lighthouse, pushing us away to keep us safe, is very apt right now as we wrestle with the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Creating stories is another way that people help and guide each other, beaming out hope and new ideas."

Yvonne Shields O’Connor from Irish Lights added: "We are delighted to now invite our younger storytellers to bring their imagination to the fore and to capture the tale of a lighthouse in a way that is meaningful to them, and to allow them to become the next generation of young storykeepers."

See www.fightingwordsbelfast.co.uk for entry details. The deadline for submissions is May 19.