Celebrating 30 Years of Stories: The Cape Clear International Storytelling Festival
As the Cape Clear International Storytelling Festival approaches, excitement is building for a weekend filled with captivating stories, cultural exchanges, and unforgettable experiences. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the festival will take place from August 30th to September 1st, 2024, on the stunning Cape Clear Island, a Gaeltacht island off the west coast of Ireland.
Founded in 1994 by Chuck and Nell Kruger, this festival was born out of a deep desire to keep the rich tradition of Irish storytelling alive. Today, it stands as a world-renowned event, attracting top-class storytellers from around the globe to the breathtakingly beautiful Cape Clear Island, a Gaeltacht island off the west coast of Ireland.
Cape Clear Island, with its rugged landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage, provides the perfect backdrop for a festival dedicated to the art of storytelling. Over three days, visitors are immersed in a unique atmosphere where the ancient tradition of oral storytelling is brought vividly to life. But the festival's origins are as captivating as the tales told during the event itself.
Chuck Kruger, co-founder of the festival, recounts the journey that led to the creation of this extraordinary celebration. In 1992, Chuck and Nell made the bold decision to leave their teaching positions in cosmopolitan Zurich and move full-time to Oileán Chléire. They were drawn to the island's natural beauty and rich cultural history, and they soon began to wonder how they could contribute to the community and the island’s heritage. The idea of an international storytelling festival gradually took shape.
Kruger describes the early days of planning, when he sought the wisdom of the island’s residents. He listened to stories from wisened fishermen and farmers about the long-lost tradition of storytelling on the island—how neighbors would gather in kitchens, sitting on hearths and stairs, sharing tales late into the night. These stories confirmed that Cape Clear had once been a vibrant hub for storytelling, though the tradition had waned over the years.
Encouraged by the community’s rich, though fading, storytelling heritage, Kruger began corresponding with storytellers from around the world. With invaluable assistance from storytellers Liz Weir and Pat Ryan, Chuck familiarised himself with the storytelling scenes in Ireland, the UK, and the USA. By the summer of 1993, plans were in place to launch the first Cape Clear International Storytelling Festival in the fall of 1994.
The inaugural festival in September 1994 was a resounding success, marking the beginning of an annual tradition that has continued ever since, with only a brief hiatus due to the foot and mouth disease outbreak. The festival’s mission has always been clear: to organize and develop an annual storytelling event that preserves and utilises the island's natural and cultural resources, inviting storytellers and audiences from around the world.
As the Cape Clear International Storytelling Festival celebrates 30 years, it remains a beacon of superb storytelling in spectacular surroundings. This milestone event will once again bring together a diverse group of storytellers and listeners, honoring the festival’s rich history and the enduring power of storytelling in Irish culture. For anyone passionate about stories and the traditions that keep them alive, here are just some of the highlights to look forward to:
The festival kicks off with the much-anticipated Storyswap a hAon on Friday, August 30th, from 4:00pm to 5:30pm. This opening event invites attendees to share their own tales or simply sit back and enjoy the magic of storytelling. It's a perfect way to start the weekend, bringing together visitors from around the world to celebrate culture, creativity, and connection. The Storyswap is a unique gathering that fosters a sense of community among festival-goers, setting the tone for a weekend of shared stories and experiences.
Earlier that day, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, the festival will introduce its renowned storytellers in the Hear All Tellers event. This session provides a tantalizing glimpse of the incredible stories to come, featuring celebrated tellers such as Tom Muir from the Orkney Islands, Clare Murphy from Ireland, John Spillane from Ireland, Hjörleifur Stefánsson from Iceland, and Zahra Asfa from Iran. Hosted by the esteemed storyteller Liz Weir, this event promises to be a rich tapestry of storytelling traditions from around the globe.
As the sun sets on Friday, the festival’s Friday Night Concert will transport attendees on a storytelling journey around the world. Held at Coláiste Phobail on the east side of the island, this event will run from 8:00 pm and includes a 15-minute interval. The concert is a 30-40 minute walk from the Ferry harbour, offering a chance to enjoy the island’s beauty before being immersed in tales spun by some of the world’s finest storytellers. The concert is suitable for audiences aged 12 and up, making it an ideal evening for families and storytelling enthusiasts alike.
On Saturday, August 31st, one of the festival’s most beloved traditions returns with the Storywalk – Stories from the Island. Led by the charismatic Séamus Ó Drisceoil, this walk combines the natural beauty of Cape Clear with stories deeply rooted in the island’s heritage. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the island while soaking in its rich history and folklore, making this a must-attend event for anyone looking to connect with the local culture.
Later that day, families are invited to a special storytelling session titled Yeki Bud Yeki Nabud from 3:00pm to 4:30pm. The title, which translates to “There was and there wasn’t,” is the traditional opening line of many Persian stories. This enchanting event will feature world-class storytellers Clare Murphy and Zahra Asfah, who will share captivating tales from both Ireland and Iran. It’s a family-friendly event, with free admission for children (though booking is required). The festival continues on Saturday morning with Tales from Viking Homelands, a unique opportunity to hear two master storytellers share their Viking heritage. Tom Muir, hailing from the Orkney Islands, and Hjörleifur Stefánsson from Iceland, will take the stage from 9:30am to 11:00am to deliver a powerful set of Viking tales. These two long-standing friends promise to bring the rich history and mythology of the Viking world to life in an unforgettable storytelling session.
The Cape Clear International Storytelling Festival is renowned for its ability to bring people together through the power of stories. Whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or simply someone who loves a good tale, this festival offers something for everyone. From the Storyswap and storytelling walks to the rich variety of cultural tales from around the world, each event is a celebration of creativity and connection in one of Ireland’s most beautiful settings.
For more information about the festival and its events, visit Cape Clear Storytelling and prepare to be enchanted by the magic of storytelling on Cape Clear Island.