There are few towns in Kerry that celebrate Halloween like Kenmare and such is its fame for the festivities that it has now inspired a children’s book.

‘Howl at Halloween – Áine Goes to Kenmare’ and its Irish-language edition, ‘Scairt na Samhna – Áine sa Neidín’ was officially launched in front of a large crowd at a buzzing Lansdowne Hotel, Kenmare.

Written by retired primary school teacher Hazel Mulqueen, who is originally from Limerick, illustrated by Kenmare artist Catherine Woods and translated into Irish by Ciara Begley, the book follows young Áine and her family as they travel from Dublin to spend the Halloween break with her granny in Kenmare.

Against the backdrop of the town’s annual Halloween Howl festival, Áine plays traditional games and discovers Halloween customs old and new, before the whole community turns out for the parade.

The launch was attended by Councillor Norma Moriarty, Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Kenmare Municipal District, and Jerry O’Sullivan of Kenmare Marketing and Events Group (KMEG), both of whom spoke about the book and the festival that inspired it.

Kenmare town has become famous for its Halloween festivities that include an annual parade where young and old take to the streets in their wonderful costumes as well as a host of other events marking the autumn celebration.

“At first glance it is a simple picture book about Halloween,” Hazel Mulqueen told guests at the launch.

“But I wanted to emphasise the importance of multigenerational communication and the passing on of customs and traditions.

“I hope adults will use it as a vehicle for discussion with young children about Irish culture, about the links between town and country, about sense of place and community, and about the games, food and dressing up we all associate with Halloween.”

Discussion prompts included in the book encourage exactly those conversations, and the author’s long career in the classroom is evident on every page as she brings Halloween to life for all the family.

While the story is first and foremost a piece of fun, it quietly draws in elements from across the primary school curriculum, including language, STEM, wellbeing, social and environmental education and the arts.

The book has already attracted national attention, ‘Scairt na Samhna – Áine sa Neidín’ has been shortlisted for Gradam de Bhaldraithe 2026 at the Oireachtas Publishing Awards, which recognises outstanding works translated into Irish.

The winners will be announced at An Taibhdhearc in Galway on Wednesday, September 30.

JM Agency, Publishing and Design, a publisher and book development studio based in Listowel and founded by Jeremy Murphy, worked closely with the author in developing the project and managed the publication of both editions.

“There is a view that a book with this strong a sense of place will only travel so far. Hazel’s two wonderful books are the opposite,” said Jeremy Murphy.

“They are both a loving tribute to Kenmare and its festival, and a reflection of the universal themes of family and community.”  

‘Howl at Halloween – Áine Goes to Kenmare’ and ‘Scairt na Samhna – Áine sa Neidín’ are 40-page full-colour hardbacks, priced at €14.99, and are available in independent bookshops in Kenmare and right across the country as well as online through Buy the Book.