Midlands Author's New Story-Based Walking Trail To Feature In Upcoming TV Show

Wednesday, 11 May 2022 08:54

The new trail is opening at Belvedere House and Gardens.

A midlands author and artist is to feature in an upcoming episode of RTÉ's Nationwide.

The crew visited Mullingar last month to meet Dolores Keaveney.

A pioneer of the Irish self-publishing scene, Dolores began writing and illustrating children’s books after turning 60 in 2009.

Nationwide will feature Dolores as part of their ‘Bealtaine’ series which focuses on new beginnings.

It coincides with the launch of Dolores’ 17th picture book, Huwie Meets the Red Fox, and a new story trail dedicated to her work at Belvedere
House and Gardens.

Dolores was filmed in Just Books, speaking to owner Stella Lynch. Stella was also interviewed, along with children’s book editor and reviewer, Ciara O’Hara. Dolores also read from her new book to Ciara’s children, Lara and Aphra Kelly.

After that, it was out to Belvedere where Dolores visited the story trail launched on her new book, Dee the Bee.

From there, the team went to Dolores’ home to film her painting in her studio;

“I couldn’t believe it when I got the call from Nationwide to say that they were coming again! They filmed a piece about me a few years back as well. I love watching Nationwide and I feel very fortunate to be appearing on it for the second time. As an author who only began writing in her 60s, the support I have received from the Irish media, especially the local media, has been absolutely amazing,” said Dolores.

Belvedere’s story trail is the sixth walk based on Dee the Bee to be created in Ireland. Dolores is the first Irish author to have a series of story trails based on her work located across the county.

Since 2020, Dee the Bee trails have been launched in Mountmellick, Tralee, Mullingar (Greenway), Ballinasloe and Newbridge, as well
as Belvedere. Yet another Dee the Bee walk is planned for Emo Court in Laois later this year. The story trail at Belvedere will be available to the public. It will also form the basis for new bee and nature-themed birthday party events offered by Belvedere.

The Nationwide programme featuring Dolores will air on RTÉ 1 this Friday,13th May at 7pm.