An afternoon with Ireland greatest living Seanchaí (Storyteller)
Spend an enchanted afternoon at Ardgillan Castle with Eddie Lenihan, one of Ireland’s last practising seanchaithe. Expect live music, deep-rooted folklore, and an intimate storytelling experience that’s part performance and part cultural fieldwork.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; attendees should be able to sit quietly for the duration.
Wildlife
History
This session is part of the inaugural An Ghrian Arts Festival at Ardgillan Castle, highlighting living traditions of Irish storytelling.
Conservation
Respect the historic interior by avoiding litter and loud behavior; stick to marked paths on the grounds to protect fragile habitats.
Ardgillan Castle Ltd
An afternoon with Ireland greatest living Seanchaí (Storyteller)
Ardgillan Castle Ltd, based in County Dublin, manages Ardgillan Castle and its surrounding demesne as a public historic site and events venue. The company offers a range of visitor experiences that showcase the estate's 18th‑century architecture and local heritage.
Visitors can take the Ardgillan Castle Self Guided Tour to explore rooms associated with the Taylor family from 1738 to 1962, with a focused 30‑minute route and free tours for seniors on the first Wednesday of each month. Family-friendly workshops include Create Your Own Castle for children aged eight and up and a Weaving Workshop for Kids that combines storytelling with hands‑on weaving projects. Live cultural programming includes Trad Music in the Drawing Room, featuring performers Eoin, Molly, and Roisin on Uilleann pipes, tin whistle, Trad flute, and concertina. Garden experiences are led by head gardener Dominica McKevitt, who presents seasonal Garden Tours and Guided Garden Tours across the demesne. Ardgillan Castle Ltd emphasizes accurate interpretation and visitor safety, using trained guides and documented historical research. Facilities support accessibility, family visits, and school groups, and programming spans history, horticulture, craft, and music. As a steward of a recognised historic estate in County Dublin, Ardgillan Castle Ltd works with local partners to preserve the mansion, gardens, and community access. Clear schedules, published tour descriptions, and named event leaders provide transparency that visitors can rely on when planning a visit. Tickets and event details are published on official channels and seasonal schedules are regularly updated to reflect garden blooms and program changes frequently.
Tours Offered
6
Varied historic and garden experiences
Tour Length
30 minutes
Self guided castle tour duration
Family Workshops
Ages 8+
Hands-on kids activities
Live Music
Trad Sessions
Drawing Room performances
Book a self-guided tour, join a garden walk, or sign up for a kids workshop — check official schedules and event details before visiting.
Book early
Tickets are limited and booking is essential; reserve your €20 ticket in advance to guarantee a seat in the Drawing Room.
Arrive 15–20 minutes early
Doors open before the performance—early arrival helps you choose seating and settle into the acoustics of the room.
Bring a warm layer
Historic interiors can be cool even in summer; a light jacket ensures you stay comfortable during the two-hour event.
Respect the space
Keep phones on silent and avoid recording without permission so everyone can enjoy the live storytelling.
Warm layer
Historic rooms can be chilly; a sweater or light jacket keeps you comfortable indoors.
Printed or digital ticket
Proof of booking is required to gain admission and secure seating.
Notebook and pen
Handwritten notes capture names, place-names and references that you may want to research later.
Comfortable shoes
If you plan to explore the castle grounds or nearby coastal paths before or after the event.