Slieve bloom storytelling festival is just around the corner
The 2014 Slieve Bloom Storytelling Festival is ready and raring to go.
The event happens over three days and four nights, beginning on October 8 and running until October 11.
This year’s festival will include a rambling house session at the Slieve Bloom Bar in Kinnitty; an evening of fine food and stories at Roundwood House in Mountrath; the much loved annual night of ceol, craic and caint at Leap Castle and a gala night of stories and song at the parish hall in Aghancon on the Offaly Tipperary border. In between the nocturnal events, storytellers will visit up to 20 schools in the Slieve Bloom region.
“We have a very exciting line-up,” Frank Bergin of the Slieve Bloom Rural Development Society explained. “The programme includes well known Kilkenny storyteller, entertainer and singer Jim Maher. Jim has taken his songs and stories all over the world and we are delighted to have him here for the Slieve Bloom festival.”
Also on the ticket this year is Cork tale-teller Pat Speight. Pat specialises in traditional folk tales, and according to Frank Bergin has stories that will entertain, delight and frighten the life out of any audience. Pat has spent time as a storyteller-in-residence with Cork County Council and has also played to audiences in the UK, continental Europe and the US.
As usual local singers, storytellers and musicians will also play an essential part in the festival. The four-night event opens at the Slieve Bloom Bar in Kinnitty with a rambling house session on October 8.
“This is an informal session,” festival organiser Michael Creagh explained. “It’s best described as a 'warmer upper’ to get everyone in good form for the festival.”
A special feature of this year’s programme is an evening of stories and song that includes a three-course meal in the gracious surrounds of Roundwood House in Mountrath. This happens at 7pm on October 9, with booking essential as places are limited.
On October 10 proceedings adjourn to Leap Castle. With a reputation as the most haunted castle in Ireland, the night is always special as the ancient keep resounds to the crackling of the great fire and peals of laughter.
The final night promises to be a fantastic gala conclusion to the festival as the parish hall in Aghancon, not far from Leap Castle, hosts the storytellers, musicians and singers for one last hurrah before the festival closes.
More information and booking is available by contacting Frank Bergin on 087 2857271, Hannah and Paddy Flynn of Roundwood House on 057 8732120 or www.slievebloom.ie.