For thousands of years humans have kept their history alive by telling stories of events which had happened in previous generations, thus ensuring their heritage and folklore survived down the centuries. None more so than here in Ireland. With the advent and eventual availability of books, newspapers, radio and television this art of storytelling began to disappear. A tragic loss if left unchecked. We here in Ár Bhfréamhacha are dedicated to reviving and expanding this art of storytelling through music, song and dance and yes of course storytelling.
Our house, situated in the remote and beautiful countryside of Ballyduff, North Wexford, Ireland strives to capture and develop this art from older generations before it is lost forever.
We strive to replicate what would have happened in houses throughout our land for centuries – people gathering of an evening to sing, dance and tell stories and recite poems and recitations.
If you attend any of our evenings you are guaranteed a great night beside our hearth. You will be transported back in time through the unique atmosphere with the help of a cup of tea and some home baking. The house itself is over 200 years old and has been restored exactly to how it would have looked back in the 1800’s.
A brief history
A number of years ago I was attending a conference in Switzerland on personal development work. I had a dream that showed me a roadway. The area seemed familiar to me.
In my dream there were musical instruments scattered across the lands.
On pondering the significance of the land and instruments a voice said to me: “These instruments have been abandoned and left aside. They are to be used for healing the land. These instruments will bring healing and blessing through song, music and story’’. I could see the sun rising at dawn and everywhere was quiet and peaceful.
Over the coming days I reflected on my experience and decided that we needed a place not just to tell the stories of Ireland but also a place of reflection, spirituality and healing. Now you too can become part of this experience.
On returning home to Wexford I searched for a suitable location and after a year stumbled across this dilapidated old farmhouse in Raheen, Ballyduff. I knew from the moment I saw it that it was what I had been looking for. With the help of some friends I set about restoring and renovating the house to its original condition.
Over the years we have had many an enjoyable evening with music, song, dance and storytelling. We have hosted camping events for young people, held adventure treks through the mountains, teaching music and dance to all age groups and bring people together in a celebration of our Irishness. We are here on the first Tuesday of every Month and every Tuesday during August. So, come on, join us in person or online.
Ár bhfréamhacha
The House of Story,
Raheen, Camolin,
Enniscorthy,
Co. Wexford,
Ireland
52.666160, -6.454223