LISTOWEL INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL CELEBRATES ÉAMON KELLY AND THE STORIES OF TOMORROW
International storytellers, music, poetry and Culture Night come to Listowel from 17–20 September
Listowel International Storytelling Festival 2026 returns from 17–20 September, bringing four days of storytelling, music, poetry and cultural celebration to Listowel. This year’s theme, “Past Voices, Future Stories,” honours the storytellers who have shaped Ireland’s cultural heritage while celebrating the new voices carrying the tradition forward.
A central focus of the festival will be a special tribute to Éamon Kelly, one of Ireland’s most celebrated seanchaí, marking the 25th anniversary of his passing. Renowned for his distinctive Kerry voice, warmth and ability to bring stories vividly to life, Kelly’s legacy will be celebrated through exhibitions, performances and discussion.
Éamon Kelly events include:
• “Éamon Kelly – An Absolute Artist”: An exhibition of photographs, posters and newspaper cuttings documenting Kelly’s remarkable
career.
• Éamon Kelly Celebratory Concert: Storytellers Nuala Hayes, Frances Kennedy, Daisy Kearney, Danny Larkin, together with Sliabh Luachra musicians Bryan O’Leary & Aidan Connolly will perform in honour of Kelly.
• “Memories of Éamon & Maura Kelly”: A panel discussion featuring their son Eoin Kelly, Nuala Hayes, Ronan Wilmot and Owen McMahon, chaired by theatre historian Dr Fiona Brennan.
• “Theatre of the Hearthstone”: An evening exploring Éamon Kelly’s theatrical legacy through readings, performance and storytelling.
The wider festival programme features international storytellers, poets and musicians from the USA, the UK, Morocco, Japan, the Czech Republic, Germany & Belgium alongside leading Irish performers.
Other highlights include:
• “A Tapestry of Tales in Listowel” on Culture Night, featuring storytellers from Ireland and overseas, the Listowel Community Youth Choir and guest artists.
• School visits introducing children to stories and traditions from different cultures.
• Workshops & Family events including Legacy Storytelling, Blown to the Wind poetry workshop, Magical Nature Tales for Children and
The Wild Swans.
• Community events such as Story & Poetry Swap, Poetry & Story in the Park and the closing “Slán Abhaile” gathering.
• “Peig Unplugged”, a retelling of the stories of Peig Sayers by Nuala Hayes.
• The Music of Nina Simone, jazz & blues Diva Karen Underwood’s celebration of the legendary singer and civil rights activist.
Cara Trant, Executive Director of Kerry Writers’ Museum, said:
“We are particularly proud to celebrate Éamon Kelly during this year’s festival. His remarkable legacy reminds us of the power of a voice, a story and an audience gathered together. Through this programme, we honour the storytellers who came before us while creating space for new voices to be heard.”
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.
Tickets & Programme:
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.
