Colmcille is one of Ireland’s three patron saints, and the patron saint of Derry. In 2020- 2021 we commemorate the 1500th anniversary of the birth of Colmcille in Gartan, County Donegal in 520/521. The Colmcille Digital Schools’ Folklore project will raise awareness and interest in the commemorations of the 1500th anniversary of the birth of Colmcille among primary school children. It will also revitalise the Schools’ Folklore Collection by providing a 21st century version of the stories in a digitally animated form, which will be accessible to all members of the community. 

Donegal Library Service and Libraries NI will work with suitably qualified individuals or organisations to develop and deliver a re-imagined version of the Schools’ Folklore Collection associated with Colmcille. The facilitators will work with primary school children aged between 8 and 12 years old from 10 primary schools from Donegal and Derry, where there is a strong connection with the Saint, will examine the Schools’ Folklore Collection or local folklore collections in the case of Derry, for stories relating to Colmcille. They will then research and discuss these stories with older people and possibly gather new stories. This will be done in a way that adheres to Covid19 restrictions. Through this cross generation work children will be engaged in the process of researching their local history and in developing interview and listening skills.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.