Storytelling in Wexford is thriving because of strong community support expressed through the Storytelling Houses and because of the active and energetic commitment of Wexford Public Library Service to taking storytelling into storyhouses, schools and all parts of Wexford. Telling Wexford’s stories is an important ingredient of promoting the Wexford story to a wider public of visitors nationally and internationally.

“What is happening in Wexford is distinctive and special, in national and international terms, because of this combination.” Dr. Donald Smith C.E.O, Scottish Storytelling Centre.

By early 1999 there were three regular storytelling venues in County Wexford, at Ar mBreacha - Ballyduff, at the Fr. Murphy Centre - Boolavogue, and at Sinnott’s pub - Duncormick.  Now in 2009, there are five more houses added to the list.  Storytelling is established as a regular part of public library promotional programmes - until recently focusing on children and the promotion of reading. Storytelling had become an increasingly popular activity and for the first time in 1999, Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann included storytelling in its celebrations held that year in Enniscorthy.

Storytellng session in Ar mBreacha House of Stories, Ballyduff, Co. Wexford

Kyle Forge Storytelling House, Crossabeg, Co. Wexford

There are eight houses in the storytelling network, from Clonegal in the north of Wexford County to Kyle Forge, Crossabeg in the south of the county. All the houses possess a unique quality and an individualism that has to be explored and experienced to fully appreciate all that they offer.

Kitty Mahon & Andy Doyle, Storytelling House, Bunclody, Co. Wexford

The characters within the houses reflect the openness and the welcoming atmosphere within, where songs, recitations and dancing culminate to guarantee a lively session. The Fear a Tí or Bean a Tí will always have a welcome tale for all those young and old not to mention a cup of tea & perhaps even a bite to eat!

Within the County Wexford Storytelling Network, the partnership of community storytelling houses and the County Council’s Public Library Service is unique.

Locally action has grown from a solid base. From modest beginnings storytelling now occurs regularly in schools, clubs, day-care centres and playgroups as well as in libraries and in storytelling houses.

The Bygone Days Storytelling House in Oulart