Trinity’s Bookmarks programme celebrates creativity and inclusion with Ballyfermot Traveller Action Project
Posted on: 24 November 2025
This partnership forms part of the PATH 5 initiative supporting Traveller and Roma communities, with outreach activities carried out in collaboration between Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin and Royal College of Surgeons Ireland.
The Bookmarks Programme, a collaboration between Trinity Access Programmes (TAP) and the Library of Trinity College Dublin, has partnered with the Ballyfermot Traveller Action Project (BTAP)—marking a new chapter on creativity and inclusion.
Librarian and College Archivist, Helen Shenton (pictured above) commented:
“Our new partnership with the Ballyfermot Traveller Action Project brings vibrant energy to the Bookmarks Programme. The children’s creations showcased in the Long Room will become part of the library’s story, reflecting their talent and imagination. It’s a joy to recognise and celebrate their work".
This partnership forms part of the PATH 5 initiative supporting Traveller and Roma communities, with outreach activities carried out in collaboration between Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin and Royal College of Surgeons Ireland.
Designed to inspire children to become the next generation of storytellers and artists, the longstanding Bookmarks initiative encourages participants to use their imagination to write and illustrate their own stories.
This new partnership is particularly significant as it celebrates the rich storytelling traditions of the Traveller community in Ireland. Oein DeBhairduin, Irish Traveller activist, educator and writer also spoke at the event.
Annie Wall, Education Worker at BTAP, said:
“The children really enjoyed making their own books and coming to Trinity for the launch on Tuesday. It was also a proud and emotional moment for their parents, many of whom were visiting Trinity College Dublin for the first time. I’m not going to lie—it was a proud mammy moment for me too, as my daughter took part. These kids can achieve anything!”.
This year’s edition saw the children working closely with author Síne Quinn and illustrator Karen Harte.
Wendy Crampton, Director of Trinity Access Programmes said:
"Our partnership with the Ballyfermot Traveller Action Project is a wonderful step in opening Trinity’s doors even wider. Bookmarks has always been about encouraging young people to see themselves as storytellers and creators, and this collaboration ensures that the voices and traditions of the Traveller community are part of that story. It’s a privilege to support these young writers as they share their experiences and imagine their futures”.