Schools to receive writing resource inspired by a Donegal writer
A Creative Writing Resource for Primary Schools has been developed by the Donegal County Library Service
A new creative writing resource inspired by the life and work of celebrated Donegal writer Frances Browne is set to make its way into primary schools across the county.
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 in Victorian Britain. Despite the considerable barriers she faced as a blind woman in the 19th century, she built a remarkable literary career, becoming known as the “Blind Poetess of Ulster.”
Primary school teachers throughout County Donegal are invited to call into their local library to collect a free copy of the resource, which is suitable for children aged 8 and over and provides practical and engaging activities to explore Browne’s remarkable story, her writing and Donegal’s rich literary heritage.
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.
Sinead Noonan, Executive Librarian with Donegal County Library Service, said: “Frances Browne was an extraordinary Donegal woman, but many children growing up here today may never have heard of her.
“Through the support of Creative Ireland, we've been able to create something that brings her stories back into the classroom and introduces children to a remarkable writer who grew up in their own county.”
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.
Primary school teachers across Donegal are encouraged to visit their local library to collect a copy of Reimagining Granny’s Wonderful Chair, bring a little of Frances Browne's storytelling magic into their classrooms, and even arrange a class visit to discover all that their local library has to offer.
To view an online version of the booklet or find the opening times of your nearest library branch, please visit the Donegal Library website. https://www.donegalculture.ie/en/services/libraries/