Naturama, a wonderful new Summer dlr Scéal Trail

23 May 2022 / News
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Welcome to dlr Scéal Trail, an initiative of dlr Libraries.
Supported by the Creative Ireland Programme.

Can you find dlr Libraries newest Scéal Trail in Cabinteely Park? (*available from Monday 31 May!) You are invited to follow the story, page by page, from beginning to end, just like a book, as you walk with your family and friends. There are 13 boards for you to find and read on your walk in Cabinteely Park today!

Like us and tag us in any social media photos with the hashtag #dlrScéal Trail

Naturama by Michael Fewer, illustrated by Melissa Doran. This breathtakingly exciting new book introduces you to Ireland’s flora and fauna with every changing season. Discover the magic of nature right on your doorstep, from the back garden to the local park and the countryside. Even the smallest garden is a vast canvas of nature with its worms, insects, flowers and birds. With Naturama you will discover the magic of every Irish season.

Read the Summer section in our dlr Scéal Trail and find the complete book at your local library.

With thanks to Gill Books publishers for permission to use as a dlr Scéal Trail.

About the author and illustrator of Naturama

Michael Fewer enjoyed thirty years as an architect and academic, receiving awards in two Church Design competitions and in the International Architectural Competition for the Development of the Bay of Tangier in Morocco. He was a Fellow of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland when, in 2000, he took up writing full time. He has written twenty-five books since 1988, on history, travel, architecture, the natural world and countryside. He was a consultant contributor to the Encyclopaedia of Ireland and has written and presented packages on RTÉ television and on RTÉ Radio’s Sunday Miscellany.

Melissa (now Culhane, formerly Doran) is an Irish artist who ispassionate about nature. She illustrated the best-selling wildlife books Naturama and My Naturama Nature Journal. Melissa has degrees in animation, architecture and a masters in digital media technology. A Quack Too Far, her graduate short animation, has toured in festivals worldwide and can be watched online on her website. Her latest animation, Keep Going, Little Snail, is due for release in 2023.


Ireland is the first, and only, country in the world to have a national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18. Cruinniú na nÓg is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme’s Creative Youth Plan to enable the creative potential of children and young people. As part of Cruinniú na nÓg 2022 to complement and encourage use of our Scéal trails we also have a programme of events for local primary schools during May and June.

Nature Art sessions for Schools with Naturama illustrator Melissa Doran

Thurs 2 & Fri 3 June, 10.00am & 11.15am

Online and Live via Zoom

Junior infants to 6th class
Booking essential.

To celebrate one of our new dlr Summer Scéal Trails for 2022, we are delighted to be hosting some online events for dlr schools in June with the illustrator of Naturama Melissa Doran.

We will make a simple fold out book with four panels to draw a wildlife scene. Starting with a tree, everyone will develop their own individual drawing adding their favourite wild animals, birds and flowers. Then you can add some words or make a lovely picture-based nature scene.

Email librarybookings@dlrcoco.ie to book your class in for these workshops.

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