The Irish tradition of storytelling is rising in popularity and the word is spreading globally via these platforms and storytelling enthusiasts. Be inspired and connect to others by booking your tickets for these events soon – they are high in demand…
No matter how far away from Ireland you travel – you will always find an Irish connection who will listen or who you can listen to. These events celebrate the Irish tradition of storytelling by bringing people from all walks of life and backgrounds together through listening, understanding and engaging with each other in a safe storytelling space. It is something special to be a part of, so take a look at what’s on this summer:
Craicly Stories and June Blake’s Garden, Blessington, Wicklow
Craicly Stories and June Blake’s Garden are hosting a unique event which will encompass gardening, an art exhibition, supper and drinks, conversation and stories on July 20. June Blake’s Garden is a national treasure of rich, wonderful natural gardens nestled in the countryside in Blessington, Co Wicklow. Guests will be welcomed in to enjoy a garden opening and tour with June personally, with a leisurely drinks reception and light supper to follow. The garden holds a courtyard with stone cut walls and the Grinding House event space where during the evening, the event will lead into a relaxed fun, storytelling session. True stories will be told against the atmospheric backdrop of the stone walls, by prearranged storytellers. The theme for the stories is ‘Journeys and Reflection’ and the session will be complemented and enhanced by an exhibition of preparatory works for a recent (sold out) exhibition entitled “Flowers” by celebrated Waterford figurative artist Ciara Gormley and a rare family photographic memorial from June’s childhood. These works will be reflected by candlelight through historic gilded mirrors from the recently released private collection of Ireland’s longest serving Master Gilder, Susan Mulhall. @craiclystories
To know: The event takes place on July 20, and tickets were released on May 20 via Eventbrite. They are limited so pick them up fast. www.eventbrite.ie
Seanchoíche x All Together Now, Curraghmore House, Waterford
This fast-growing storytelling platform was founded in Dublin and has expanded to several countries. The evening events run across Dublin, London, Amsterdam, Sydney, Melbourne, Belfast, Limerick and more. The platform is all about ordinary people telling their extraordinary stories. People from everywhere are welcome to come to listen, engage and tell their own spoken stories from personal anecdotes, to fictional narratives to poetry pieces – wherever your creativity takes you. Seanchoíche have also just announced their new podcast ‘In Their Shoes’ to be presented on MUBI. They will host various guests so that their stories can be listened to for months to come. The group has events coming up at the end of May in Sydney, London, West Cork and Amsterdam covering a variety of different themes from ‘Childhood’ to ‘Roomates,’ to ‘Friendship.’ Find an evening event that suits you here; www.seanchoiche.com. @seanchoiche
To know: From August 2 to August 4 Seachoíche will be at All Together Now, where they will be hosting a weekend of stories. If you are heading that way, sign up for an evening of storytelling here; www.alltogethernow.ie.
Cape Clear Island International Storytelling Festival, Cape Clear Island, West Cork
On the beautiful island of Cape Clear situated off West Cork, this Gaeltacht island is home to The Cape Clear International Storytelling Festival. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the festival was founded in 1994 by Chuck and Nell Kruger, with the purpose of keeping the tradition of storytelling alive and they are now renowned for doing just so. The festival is held over three days on the island, where storytelling has always been a tradition. The inhabitants of the island remember kitchens, pubs and houses filling up with neighbours eager to hear the stories that were to be told.
To know: Stay tuned for the programme and tickets which go on sale in late May. The festival takes place from August 30 to September 1, so get researching your accomodation and travel journey now. www.capeclearstorytelling.com
Dublin Storytime: Storytelling Night In The City, The Tara Building, Dublin
Dublin Storytime is now in its fifth year running. Taking place at The Tara Building in Dublin 2, Dublin Storytime is a designated intimate storytelling night full of connection, laughter and good fun. You are encouraged to think of it as an open-mic night but without the music. Attendees are invited to put their name in a hat to speak on the night or apply to speak beforehand to be guarenteed a speaking slot. Of course, you are welcome to just observe also.
To know: There are events happening throughout summer to keep an eye out for, but tickets are on sale now for The Tara Building event on Friday June 28 at 7.30pm – 10pm. www.eventbrite.ie
Keep an eye out for…
Dublin Story Slam, various locations
Dublin Story Slam is an open mic storytelling night that has been sharing extraordinary stories from ordinary Dubliners and this May they celebrated their eighth year running. On May 21 at The Sugar Club, they hosted a storytelling evening all about Food stories, discussing cooking, hosting, favourite meals, food disasters and all the good stuff. On the topic of food, the group also host an event series called ‘Supper Stories’ which is a brand new storytelling/dining experience that brings together personal true stories for the soul and delicious food for the senses all hosted in the underground vaults of the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Stories shared on the night are also the inspiration behind a one off menu for the evening, conceived, created and delivered by Caryna Camerino and her team at Camerino Bakery.
To know: The Dublin Story Slam host competitive Grand Slams at different points throughout the year in various locations so stay tuned and keep an eye out for their next events, or listen to their podcast ‘The Dublin Story Slam Podcast’ on Spotify where they stream great stories from great people. www.thedublinstoryslam.com @dublinstoryslam