Past Voices, Future Stories
Listowel International Storytelling Festival returns from 17–20 September 2026, bringing storytellers, poets, musicians and audiences together for four days of stories, music, performance and cultural exchange under this year’s theme, “Past Voices, Future Stories.” Organised by Kerry Writers’ Museum, the festival celebrates storytelling as a living tradition – one that carries memories from one generation to the next while continuing to evolve through new voices, new experiences and new ways of telling.
Éamon Kelly
A special focus of this year’s festival will be a celebration of the life and legacy of Éamon Kelly, marking the 25th anniversary of his passing. Widely recognised as one of Ireland’s great seanchaí, Kelly captivated audiences for decades through his distinctive voice, character and extraordinary gift for bringing stories to life.
Listowel International Storytelling Festival opens on Thursday 17 September with “Éamon Kelly – An Absolute Artist”, an exhibition of photographs, posters and newspaper cuttings documenting his remarkable career, followed that evening by an Éamon Kelly Celebratory Concert, featuring storytellers Nuala Hayes, Frances Kennedy, Daisy Kearney, Danny Larkin, and Sliabh Luachra musicians Bryan O’Leary and Aidan Connolly, as well as other special guests.
International Voices
The programme continues with a rich mix of traditional and contemporary storytelling. International voices include storytellers from the USA, the UK, Morocco and Japan, alongside some of Ireland’s finest storytellers and performers. Among the visiting artists are Jim Brulé, Dawn Casey, Omar Belaarej and Yoshio Takahata, joined by Maria Gillen, Paddy O’Brien, Sonny Egan, Frances Kennedy and many others.
Culture Night on Friday 18 September will be a particular highlight, with “A Tapestry of Tales in Listowel” bringing together Irish and international storytellers, alongside artists from Germany, Belgium and the Czech Republic in a celebration of Ireland’s Presidency of the EU. The evening will also feature the Listowel Community Youth Choir.
The Listowel International Storytelling Festival will also explore the wider cultural heritage of storytelling through events including “Peig Unplugged”, celebrating the stories and legacy of Peig Sayers; “Memories of Éamon & Maura Kelly”, a panel discussion featuring their son Eoin Kelly, Nuala Hayes, Ronan Wilmot and Owen McMahon, exploring the careers and contribution of the celebrated couple; and “Theatre of the Hearthstone”, exploring Éamon Kelly’s theatrical legacy through readings, performance and storytelling.
Poetry, Music and Storytelling
Poetry, music and contemporary forms of storytelling are also woven throughout the programme. In her acclaimed show The Music of Nina Simone jazz & blues singer Karen Underwood celebrates the life of legendary Nina Simone in narration and song, from her struggle against racism and exile in her homeland to her flamboyant, troubled relationships and poignant later years. Karen will sing all the classic Nina songs, “Strange Fruit”, “Mississippi Goddamn'”, “Sinnerman”, “My Baby” and “I Need a Little Sugar In My Bowl” supported by a live band.
Listowel International Storytelling Festival places strong emphasis on participation and community. Local primary school children will experience storytelling from around the world, while events such as Story & Poetry Swap, Story Swap at John B. Keane’s, Poetry & Story in the Park and the closing “Slán Abhaile” gathering invite audiences to become part of the storytelling tradition themselves.
Families are also well catered for, with Dawn Casey presenting Magical Nature Tales for Children and The Wild Swans, combining traditional storytelling with creative and visual experiences.
Kerry Writers’ Museum
Speaking ahead of the festival, Cara Trant, Executive Director of Kerry Writers’ Museum, said:
“Storytelling is one of our oldest cultural traditions, but it is never simply about looking backwards. Every time a story is told, it is given new life. This year’s theme, Past Voices, Future Stories, reflects our belief that the stories we inherit belong not only to the past but to all of us who continue to tell them, reshape them and pass them on.
“We are particularly proud to honour Éamon Kelly during this year’s festival. His extraordinary contribution to Irish storytelling remains an inspiration, and we hope this programme will introduce his work to new audiences while giving those who remember him an opportunity to celebrate his remarkable legacy.
“We look forward to welcoming storytellers and audiences from near and far to Listowel for a weekend of stories, laughter, music and shared experience.”
With events taking place at Kerry Writers’ Museum, St. John’s Theatre & Arts Centre, Listowel Castle, local schools, cafés, pubs and other venues throughout the town, the festival promises to bring the art of storytelling into the heart of Listowel.
Listowel International Storytelling Festival Tickets & Programme
Many events are free or low-cost, making the festival accessible to all. A Weekend Festival Ticket of just €100 offers exceptional value for those who want to enjoy the full festival experience over four days.
The full festival programme is now available online at www.kerrywritersmuseum.com. Tickets can be booked online, by calling 068 22212, or in person at Kerry Writers’ Museum, The Square, Listowel.
Kerry Writers’ Museum
24 The Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry, V31 RD93
Tel: 068 22212 | Email: kerrywritersmuseum@gmail.com
See more News items on Writing.ie here.
