It’s an incredible tale from Cork’s quirky history.

And now the story of Kinsale’s real-life giant has been brought to life for a new generation of young readers in a beautiful illustrated children’s book.

Inspired by the true story of Patrick Cotter O’Brien, an eight-foot tall pituitary giant who was born near Kinsale in the late 1700s, proceeds from The Giant of Kinsale will be donated to provide more play opportunities for the children at Cork University Hospital.

“Apparently, he was the first person in history to grow taller than 2.5 metres and has a very interesting tale.” author Trish Kelleher told Yay Cork.

“I’m a primary school teacher and when our local historian and tour guide, Barry Moloney, came to visit my senior infant classroom in 2022, the story of the Kinsale Giant sparked such curiosity and wonder in the kids.

“This sense of awe lasted for quite a few weeks after Barry’s visit. I then tried to source a children’s book on Patrick, which I couldn’t locate.

“That’s how the idea of the book came about.”

Trish is a big advocate for the benefits of play and creativity for children’s learning and emotional wellbeing: “My son was born last summer in CUMH and being thankful for the care we received there, I thought the children’s services at CUH was a fitting cause. ”

“The book illustrations are also inclusive in nature, with diverse cultures represented in the drawings. There are also characters with wheelchairs and hearing aids, for example, to represent children of all diverse strengths and abilities.”

Image: Wellcome Library

Patrick Cotter died in Bristol at the age of 46 in 1806. A pair of his giant boots are on display in the 400-year-old Kinsale Museum, located in the centre of the town.

With stunning illustrations by artist Jeric Tan and a foreword written by Barry Moloney, the book is available now (€12.99) in the Bookstór bookshop as well as Boland’s shop in Kinsale and online at thegiantofkinsale.ie.