JUST weeks after the hugely successful Frances Browne Festival was celebrated in Donegal, children are now being inspired again.
The County Council has announced that a new Frances Browne creative writing resource will be made available to primary schools.
The move is to celebrate her “life and work” and follows years of efforts by Browne fans like Ballybofey language expert Dr Pauline Holland to promote the 19th century poet.
It was Pauline, a playwright and doctor of English, who decided in 2008 to launch the festival with her father Pat Holland, a well-known Finn Valley Voice journalist, and Celine McGlynn, who is now chairperson of the prestigious international event.
The 19th century Donegal poet Frances Browne.
A council spokesperson said: “Reimagining Granny’s Wonderful Chair: A Creative Writing Resource for Primary Schools has been developed by Donegal County Library Service with funding from Creative Ireland to introduce a new generation of children to Frances Browne and encourage them to become storytellers themselves.
“Born in Stranorlar in 1816, Frances Browne lost her sight as a young child but went on to become a successful poet, novelist and storyteller.
“Despite the considerable barriers that she faced as a blind woman in the 19th century, she built a remarkable literary career, becoming known as the Blind Poetess of Ulster.”
LIBRARIES
The spokesperson added: “Primary school teachers throughout Donegal are invited to call into their local library to collect a free copy of the resource.
“It is suitable for children aged eight and over and provides practical and engaging activities to explore Browne’s remarkable story, her writing and Donegal’s rich literary heritage.
“It is inspired by Browne’s best-known work Granny’s Wonderful Chair. The resource introduces children to the imaginative worlds, unusual characters and messages found within her fairy tales.
“It then guides pupils through creating a story of their own – from choosing a moral and developing characters to imagining a magical world, facing challenges and deciding how their story will end.
“An important part of the project was developed in collaboration with Raphoe Central National School, where pupils worked with writer Isla McGuckin to explore Frances Browne’s stories and create an original story of their own.
“Their story, The Magic of Feetville, is included in the finished resource, providing an example of what can happen when a new generation of Donegal children takes inspiration from Browne’s work.”
The resource was officially launched as part of the 2026 Frances Browne Literary Festival and is now available free of charge through Donegal County Library Service.
Donegal County Library Service executive librarian Sinead Noonan said: “Frances Browne was an extraordinary Donegal woman, but many children growing up here today may never have heard of her.”