The Towers and Tales Children’s Book Festival returns to Lismore Castle, Co. Waterford, on Saturday, 2 May, marking its 12th year with an ambitious programme of literary and creative events for young audiences and families.
Set within the grounds of one of Ireland’s most distinguished historic estates, the festival will once again bring together leading authors and illustrators from Ireland and abroad. Admission to Lismore Castle & Gardens and a wide range of festival events and activities will be free, continuing the festival’s commitment to accessibility and public engagement.
AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATORS
The 2026 programme features a broad and engaging lineup of headline artists, including author and comedian Ben Davis, presenting an event inspired from his recent book, ‘Postman Planet’. Also present, will be author and illustrator Petr Horácek, who will share stories from his internationally acclaimed picture books, including ‘Blue Monster’ and ‘A Best Friend for Bear’.
Author and illustrator, Sophy Henn will take us on an adventure through her graphic novel series ‘Happy Hills’. Laureate na nÓg 2023-2026, Patricia Forde, will share her top-tips on monster correspondence and preview her newest picture book, ‘Island of Bees’.
Design your own superhero with author and illustrator, Alan Nolan or play along with his eco-friendly gameshow Alive, Extinct or Just Plain Stinky!
Join Richie Conroy, author of the Dialann Emily Porter trilogy, for an energetic and nostalgic journey back to the 1990s.
Author of ‘Wider than the Sea’, Serena Molloy talks about where her ideas come from and her path to becoming an author, celebrating neurodiversity and empathy. And journey along with illustrator, Lauren O’Hara, as she takes us through her sketchbooks and does an interactive read-along of ‘Once Upon a… fairytale!’
A ‘Towers and Tales Tall Tales Extravaganza’ will also feature, drawing on the tradition of myth-making and local folklore, including tales of a legendary monster said to inhabit the castle grounds. This will be presented by Patricia Forde and Alan Nolan.
FESTIVAL HUB
The Festival Hub will host a wide-ranging schedule of performances and interactive experiences throughout the day. These include storytelling sessions, visual arts activities, dance and participatory theatre, designed to engage children of all ages.
Returning highlights include Knock for a Story, this year featuring esteemed storyteller and author Sadhbh Devlin, Sketch and Stroll with illustrators Olivia Golden and Jennifer Farley, the popular Monster Doodle and Monsterpiece Gallery, and in the darkest depths of the castle, the Dungeon Doodle.
Newly featured events include the Fanzini Brothers festival premiere of Risky Business, a stupefying spectacle with big stunts and tiny bicycles, Selma Daniel’s Moving Words participatory storytelling through contemporary dance and SEA School’s Tidal Tales.
School Outreach Programme
The festival continues to expand its reach through a schools and libraries programme delivered in partnership with Waterford City and County Library Services. In 2026, we anticipate more than 1,900 children will participate in our School Outreach Programme through extended programming and author visits.
The full programme is now available, with tickets for special events released on Saturday, 28th March via: www.towersandtalesfestival.ie
Towers and Tales Children’s Book Festival is supported by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon, Waterford City and County Council and Lismore Castle.
