Jun-Sept: An Ghaoth Aniar ‘Wind from the West’ – National Folk Theatre of Ireland

An Ghaoth Aniar (meaning the Wind from the West in Irish), was developed in 2018 as part of the celebrations of our 50^th anniversary. Through traditional Irish music, song and dance it brings you on a magical journey of how the west coast of Ireland has inspired our Irish cultural heritage.

Directed by Artistic Director, Jonathan Kelliher, it was a collaborative production with the National Folk Theatre Community cast. It reflects the essence of the Irish spirit and cultural traditions, the influence of our land and sea scapes and our Irish weather on our cultural heritage.

As suggested by the title, The Wind from the West, the inspiration for this production was the west coast of Ireland (now known as the Wild Atlantic Way), and all that it entails: the beautiful scenic land and seascapes; cultural traditions like the Sligo fiddlers and North Kerry dancers; aspects of the weather like a child playing in the rain and the wind; the beauty and the mystery of the boglands and all the working traditions of these fishing communities with boats like Naomhógs and Curraghs.

Combining the best of Siamsa Tíre’s unique Irish music, song and dance traditions with modern sets and staging this is magical spectacle combining old and new.  It gives a sense of the distinctive way of life and traditions, the cultural heritage of the west coast of Ireland. These grew out of the harsh yet beautiful landscape, a livelihood wrestled from poor land and rough seas, and a capacity to draw on human inventiveness and creativity to entertain themselves.

This limited-run show is exclusive to Siamsa Tíre and cannot be viewed in any other venue – a truly authentic experience not to be missed!

And that’s not all!

We also have the following Festival of Folk packages available:

• June: EXPLORE –  Every Tues @2:20pm and Thurs @10:30am throughout June, enjoy our Explore tour which includes a Guided Folk Homecoming Exhibition and backstage tour with an opportunity to take some great photos with props and costumes. Suitable for all ages.  Adult €16, Concession €12.80, Child €8, Family 2a2c €38.40.
• June: ENGAGE – Every Tues @2:20pm and Thurs @10:30am throughout June. Upgrade the Explore package to our Engage package which includes a Guided Folk Homecoming Exhibition and backstage tour with an opportunity to take some great photos with props and costumes plus Irish Dance Workshop. €56/€44.80/€28/Family of 4 €134.40
• May–Sept: CELEBRATE  The ultimate VIP Experience (Includes show tickets plus welcome reception, guided tours of art gallery & backstage, cast meet & greet, autographed show programme & gift pack.
• May/Jun 2023 ANAM (Soul) A show celebrating the Spirit of Irish Music, Dance & Song.