Northern Ireland, United Kingdom - Children's Books

Northern Ireland (United Kingdom) is a wonderful place to visit for a family trip, however, always check in the local news for any current situations happening, especially in Belfast. Particularly for older children, a Black Cab Tour in Belfast could be a suitable activity.

Do you know of a kids book about Northern Ireland missing from this list? Please feel free to note it in a comment below!

Books about Northern Ireland for Younger Children

[Mama Traveler Recommended!] Our Wee Place: A children’s book, written and illustrated by two talented Northern Irish women, connects with the heart of the region and the beautiful natural surroundings which make it ‘Our Wee Place’. The picture book reflects positively and engages young children on the experience of growing up in Northern Ireland. In the book, Granda and Emily start off in Belfast where they walk through the city seeing murals and famous landmarks such as ‘Nuala with the Hoola’, they visit a waterfall in the Glens of Antrim, travel on to Dunluce Castle and the Giant’s Causeway before ending up in their back garden where they relive the adventures of the day. Read More.

[Mama Traveler Recommended!] What Do You Feed Your Donkey on? Rhymes from a Belfast Childhood: An illustrated collection of traditional rhymes, songs, and street chants from Belfast.

[Mama Traveler Recommended!] Owl Babies: A tender tale to remind the youngest of children that Mommy always comes back.  "I want my mommy!" Three baby owls, Sarah, Percy, and Bill, awake one night to find their mother gone, and they can’t help but wonder where she is. What is she doing? When will she be back? What scary things move all around them? Stunning illustrations from striking perspectives capture the anxious little owls as they worry. Not surprisingly, joyous flapping and dancing and bouncing greet the mother’s return, lending a celebratory tone to the ending of this comforting tale. Never has the plight of young ones who miss their mother been so simply told or so beautifully rendered. Mama Traveler Note: Written by Northern Irish author, Lara Williamson, perhaps we can consider that these adorable owls live in a forest somewhere in Northern Ireland.

The Tall Tale of the Giant's Causeway: Finn McCool, Benandonner and the road between Ireland and Scotland: A charming, playful picture book tale about how the rivalry between an Irish giant and a Scottish giant lead to the creation of the world-famous Giant's Causeway.  One day, Irish giant Finn McCool spots Scottish giant Benandonner across the sea and they immediately begin arguing about who is the best giant of all. Despite the wise advice of Finn's wife Oona, they decide the only way to settle their feud is to fight. But to meet, the boastful giants must first build a causeway across the water...  Inspired by Celtic folklore, best-selling Scottish children's author and storyteller Lari Don weaves a tall tale of rivalry and foolishness that recounts the origins of Northern Ireland's world-famous Giant's Causeway and its connection to Scotland's Isle of Staffa. Emilie Gill's light-hearted, characterful illustrations of the legendary giants will captivate young children.

Children of Northern Ireland (The World's Children): On Rathlin Island, Sean and Fergus race miniature yachts. Laura performs traditional Irish dancing in Dungiven. In Belfast, Adam plays rugby. Meet the children of Northern Ireland, a country in western Europe with a rich but troubled history. Catholics and Protestants here have experience conflict for centuries, but many people are working toward a better future. Through a friendly text and outstanding color photographs, Michael Elsohn Ross and Felix Rigau introduce this land of beauty and hope.

[Mama Traveler Recommended!] Walking to School: Walking to school can be hard if you live in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It's downright dangerous if you're a Catholic, like Allison, and the shortest route to your school goes through a Protestant neighborhood. But sometimes a ray of kindness cuts through the violence. That's what happens when a demonstrator rips a brass button off Allison's new school blazer, and a Protestant girl not only retrieves the button but returns it to Allison.

All About Northern Ireland (Discovering The United Kingdom): From the 500BC arrival of the Celts to The Troubles of the 1970s and 1980s, the lush green climate, the incredible coast wildlife, and traditional Irish dancing.

Northern Ireland (Checkerboard Geography Library Countries): An eye-catching cover featuring three smiling children will draw readers to this useful and kid-friendly book by Tamara L. Britton. She provides all of the essential information for a good report, including an overview of the country's history, geography, culture, economy, and government.

Northern Ireland (Read Me!: Country Guides, with Benjamin Blog and His Inquisitive Dog): Join intrepid explorer Benjamin Blog and his inquisitive dog Barko Polo as they travel to one of the world's most fascinating countries: Northern Ireland! The book includes chapters on Northern Irish history, geography, cities, people, and food, as well as visiting some of the most famous places of this unique country, such as Giant's Causeway and Carrickfergus Castle.

Northern Ireland Coloring Book For Kids: With Interesting Facts: This coloring book is designed for children who want to learn about the wonderful country that is Northern Ireland! This unique coloring book includes over 30 high-quality pages designed to entertain and engage, providing hours of coloring fun.  Each page contains an interesting fact about Northern Ireland which will help your child learn about the country, culture, food, language and people.

Books about Northern Ireland for Older Children

Northern Ireland (Flashpoints): Examines the causes of conflict in Northern Ireland throughout history, from the English conquest of 1171, plantations and Cromwellian colonisation through to the Troubles and the Good Friday Agreement. 

The Troubles in Northern Ireland (Witness to History): What was it like to be a Protestant living in Northern Ireland and at war with your Catholic neighbor? What was it like to be a British soldier sent in to sort it out? What was it like to be a witness to history? Step back to the latter part of the 20th century and see the history of Northern Ireland through the eyes of those who lived it. Discover what it was like to be a victim of the violence and terrorism resulting from the Troubles. Find out about Ireland’s past and the longstanding tensions between the different communities. Read how the civil rights movement changed the course of Irish history.

Diary of a Young Naturalist: Diary of a Young Naturalist chronicles the turning of 15-year-old Dara McAnulty's world. From spring and through a year in his home patch in Northern Ireland, Dara spent the seasons writing. These vivid, evocative and moving diary entries about his connection to wildlife and the way he sees the world are raw in their telling.

The Twelfth Day of July (Book 1 in the Kevin and Sadie series): The Kevin and Sadie series is a 1970s set of young adult novels by Scottish novelist Joan Lingard. The books, set in Northern Ireland and England against the backdrop of the Northern Ireland conflict, deal with a young couple; Sadie Jackson, who is from the Ulster Protestant community, and Kevin McCoy, who is from the Irish Catholic community. This couple finds love despite the various physical and psychological barriers in their society.