THE ART OF GOOD STORYTELLING
WELCOMED GUESTS HELP REVIVE THE TRADITION OF STORYTELLING AT ÁR MBRÉACHA HOMESTEAD
Many enjoyed a nice slice of homemade bread with a lovely cup of tea, as they listened to those who told stories, sang a song or played a tune at Ár mBréacha, the House of Storytelling, which is nestled in the hills of North Wexford in Raheen, Ballyduff, Camolin.
Ar mBréacha is an old Irish homestead and has maintained traditional storytelling in Wexford.
The welcome guests gathered around inside of the house, where some told a story they remembered from their youth, recited poems, sang a song and played music.
‘We invite and encourage people to tell their own stories, write their own poems and play some modern music as well,’ said host Phil Carton.
Phil said that many of the guests during the summer, when the house is open every Tuesday night, are visitors from abroad.
‘We’ve had French, Italian, Spanish, Swiss, American, and Austrian. They have all really enjoyed it, especially seeing how maybe their ancestors lived,’ said Phil.
Phil said she would especially like to thank Fr Jim Fegan for the use of the house, who bought it in the 90s and came up with the idea to help revive the tradition of storytelling.
Everyone who arrives on the first Tuesday of every month at 8 p.m. is a welcome guest. They are invited to bring something to go with the cup of tea. A dedicated team of volunteers prepare the refreshments, including Carmel Murphy who has been there for 25 years.