Children's book about Cuilcagh Lakelands to launch tomorrow

Book launch to take place tomorrow in Dowra Courthouse.

A new animated children's book about the rich history and folklore of the magestic Cuilcagh Lakelands will be launched at an event in Dowra Courthouse tomorrow evening.

Written by Munterconnaught-based visual artist Margaret McKenna, 'The Speaking Horse of Cuilcagh' follows a young boy named Conor, who unearths the tales of the region as he travels through on a mythical horse.

The book was inspired by a visit Margaret made to the area a few years ago, following which she created a video animation of the story.

The animation was launched on Culture Night 2025, and since then, Margaret has been working to develop the story into book form.

With a "huge interest" in telling stories of the land, which often have deep connections to their place names in the Irish language (logainmneacha), Margaret realised that Cuilcagh was full of similar roots.

The Benaughlin Mountain, which is part of the Cuilcagh Mountain Range, is "really where it all started," Margaret tells the Celt, as it translates to the 'The Hill of the Speaking Horse.'

The launch of 'The Speaking Horse of Cuilcagh' will take place at 7.30pm in Dowra Courthouse tomorrow (Friday, September 11). Entrance is free.

A drawing workshop for children will be held beforehand from 6-7pm. Tickets are free and can be booked online here.

Anyone wishing to buy the book can do so at www.margaretmckenna.ie.

For the full story, see next week's print edition of The Anglo-Celt.