PRE-READING
When I opened A Children's Atlas of Ireland, I expected something similar to Gill's Irelandopedia. I'm delighted to say I was wrong!
This is a gorgeous-looking hardback A4 book, and it immediately feels like the sort of thing you'd buy as a present for a curious child. But what makes it stand out is the way it explores Ireland: rather than travelling county by county, each spread focuses on a different aspect of the country, from wetlands and wildlife to famous ghosts and historical battles.
POST-READING
There is so much to discover here. Each spread contains around ten to twelve pieces of information, supported by illustrations that are slightly cartoony while still being recognisable and quite realistic. The result is a book that feels lively and inviting without sacrificing the detail.
The subjects are wonderfully varied. You can discover different classes of animals, explore ways of generating power, investigate sites of historical battles, or venture into the more frightening corners of Irish folklore. There are several different collections of scary things, too, so anyone who enjoys a little shiver will be well catered for!
And it's not all history and wildlife. The book explores inventions, transport, castles, caves and tunnels, as well as some of the stranger things Ireland has to offer. Have you heard of the Hag who turns people to stone? Do you know about the phantom island of Hy-Brasil? And where exactly would you go looking for an enormous fin whale?
One of the nicest things about this format is that children can find their own home on each map and see what's happening in their part of the country. They can discover something new, check a fact they thought they knew, or challenge a family member with an unexpected question. And there's even a Where's Wally-style checklist at the back!
This is a book for dipping into rather than reading straight through. You can pick it up to investigate one particular spread, flick through a few pages while waiting for dinner, or spend an afternoon following one interesting discovery after another. It's educational without feeling like homework, and there are enough different topics to keep a range of curious minds occupied.
RECOMMENDATIONS
If you have a child in your life who loves maps, animals, history, folklore or simply asking questions that you can't immediately answer, this would make a wonderful gift. It's also a lovely way for children to explore the country they live in and discover how much there is to know about it.
For another richly illustrated exploration of Ireland, try Gill's Irelandopedia — although the two books take rather different approaches to their subject.
TV pairing: Dúiche — for another way to explore Ireland's landscapes, wildlife and local stories.
MUSIC PAIRING
“Beautiful Day” — U2. Because there's a whole island of fascinating things to discover, and sometimes it's good to look at the place you call home with fresh eyes.
VIBE CHECK
Colour palette: Bright greens, Atlantic blues, earthy bog browns and flashes of cheerful colour.
Soundtrack: Seabirds calling over the coast, wind sweeping across the mountains and excited children announcing that they've found something on the map.
Season: A crisp autumn day, perfect for exploring somewhere new.
Mood: Curious, adventurous and full of discovery.
Scent: Fresh paper, damp earth and salty sea air.
Texture: Smooth, glossy pages, rough stone walls and soft moss underfoot.
A Children's Atlas of Ireland publishes on 12 October 2026. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.
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