After Dark: Creepy Characters with Oisín McGann

Award-winning writer and illustrator Oisín McGann will talk about how he first began writing and illustrating books, while demonstrating some basic drawing techniques and sharing a few tricks of the trade.

Children will then create their own creepy characters, with Oisín talking them through the process and showing them how simple ideas can be transformed on the page.

To finish, the children will give Oisín ideas as he draws a completely original monster from scratch. There will also be time to ask him questions about drawing, writing, books and the creatures living in his imagination.

WORKSHOP PROGRAMME

11.00am - Welcome and how Oisín became a writer and illustrator

11.15am - Drawing demonstration and tricks of the trade

11.35am - Create your own creepy characters

12.05pm - Help Oisín draw an original monster from scratch

12.20pm - Questions

12.30pm - Workshop ends

Times are approximate. Monsters are notoriously unreliable timekeepers!

WHO IS IT FOR?

This workshop is designed primarily for children under nine. The suggested age is a guide to the level of the workshop; families with children of mixed ages are very welcome and will be accommodated.

No drawing experience is needed and all materials are supplied.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Saturday 10th October 2026
11.00am–12.30pm
Chapters Bookstore, Parnell Street, Dublin 1

Admission is free, but advance booking through Eventbrite is advised as we supply tables and materials! Parents/Guardians need to stay in the building as the event is occurring … have a wander around or a coffee upstairs!

ABOUT OISÍN McGANN

Oisín McGann is an award-winning Irish writer and illustrator whose books range from the Mad Grandad stories and The Wolfling’s Bite, written as Annie Graves, to science fiction, fantasy, historical adventures and non-fiction for young readers.

In 2014, he received the European Science Fiction Society Award for Best Creator of Children’s Science Fiction and Fantasy Books.

This workshop forms part of the After Dark programme, presented in partnership with Dublin City Libraries and Dublin UNESCO City of Literature.