As the Beckett Enniskillen Chess Set was officially launched at Enniskillen Castle on Friday night, it was a double celebration for Arts Over Borders who also marked the installation of the final little golden swallow in a particularly poignant location in Enniskillen, completing The Flight of the Little Golden Swallow, the first phase of the Enniskillen Literary Tourism project.

150th golden swallow

The 150th golden swallow has now been installed at the South West Acute Hospital Children’s Ward.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter at the event which celebrated the two projects, Sean Doran, Director of Arts Over Borders commented that the installation of the 150th swallow at the hospital “is so special to the story” of The Flight of the Little Golden Swallow project, inspired by Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Happy Prince’, which encourages love, generosity and compassion.

Describing the Beckett Enniskillen Chess Set and The Flight of the Little Golden Swallow as “assets of literary tourism” for Enniskillen, Sean explained their importance.

He said: “Literary Tourism is an emerging niche sector within the wider cultural tourism sector, where places with literary heritage offer author and fiction-related literary tourism opportunities, along with opportunities arising from literary festivals, trails and book shops.

“Following the installation of the Swallows, Enniskillen BID (Business Improvement District) has commissioned a mural of Wilde’s the Happy Prince, the Council has agreed to gild Cole’s statue which it is believed inspired Wilde’s story and traders are considering incorporating Wilde into their offering.

“All of these things help to build the tourism offering in the area,” revealed Sean.

He went on to highlight the visitor maps with the ‘Wilde Island Town - Follow the Swallow’ and the ‘Isle of Enniskillen Beckett Chess Set’ trails that were also launched at the event.

Singing the praises of the artists who were involved in the projects; Simon Carman and Helen Sharp, along with apprentice Arthur Brooke designed and created the golden swallows, and sculptor Alan Milligan who created the Beckett chess pieces.

Sean said: “It might be one thing to have a concept as a producer, as an entrepreneur would have, but then the artist takes it to where none of us could have thought.”