About this experience

SUNDAY, 5TH JULY

ADULT MEMBER: FREE   CHILD MEMBER: FREE 

ADULT NON-MEMBER: €10.50   12 - 18 YEAR OLDS/CONCESSION: €9.50 CHILD NON-MEMBER: €4.00

CHILD (UNDER 4): FREE 

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Originally founded in 2006, Killruddery’s Enchanted Garden continues its evolution this year, placing storytelling at its heart.

This Storytelling Day at Killruddery is a gentle, immersive series of encounters, rooted in nature, imagination, and the timeless tradition of sharing stories.

This is not a festival.

It is a quiet gathering.

A day shaped by slow moments, listening, and the simple magic of words spoken aloud beneath the trees.

Curated by Killruddery, and now kindly supported by the YARN Storytelling Festival, this year’s programme is designed for wandering rather than scheduling. It brings together a carefully chosen mix of artists and storytellers whose work is rooted in nature and place.

Audiences are guided by subtle signposts and the Story Maidens, who lead them between spaces, moving from one sheltered setting to another, as stories repeat throughout the morning and early afternoon.

Free for Killruddery Members. Included with garden entry for visitors.

We encourage young and old to come dressed as your favourite fairy tale character – whether a dragon, a knight, a woodland sprite or Cinderella – and prepare for a day of joyful memory-making and imaginative adventure.

This event is free for Killruddery Members. Yet to become a Killruddery Member? Sign up via our website HERE

Storytellers

We are delighted to bring together a group of stoytellers whose work spans folklore, myth, contemporary narrative, and a deep connection to nature and place.

Fiona Dowling

Fiona Dowling is a French-Irish storyteller based in the west of Ireland.

She tells traditional tales from around the world to spark wonder, ignite imaginations, and reawaken forgotten connections.

Fiona will play traditional Zimbabwean tunes on her mbira, weaving its mesmerising sound with the singing of birds, trees and bees, allowing the gardens gentle happenings to tell their own story alongside her tales.

Senem Donatan Mohan

Senem is an internationally renowned storyteller, storytelling coach, and author from Turkiye, now based in Dublin. Holding a PhD in natural sciences, she blends science with art to spark aliveness in people of all ages.

Over the past two decades, her shows, books, and courses have delighted thousands. She engages audiences expressively and playfully, emphasising interactivity and spontaneity. 

For children, Senem tells stories from around the world that cultivate curiosity about natural phenomena beyond definitive answers.

Carol Barrett

Carroll Barrett shares Irish myths and folktales rooted in the natural world, offering both stories and inspiration for families to deepen their relationship with nature through narrative.

Shane McGrath

Shane uses songs and sounds stories to shape his tales. Today he brings Woodland Hootenanny, a story themed around a great oak tree, with mice playing at its foot. A mischievous woodpecker visits and shakes the tree, causing chaos. A mole emerges and scares off the woodpecker.

The Enchanted Garden Storybook

Created in collaboration with artist David Fortune of Me and The Moon, long-time creative partners of Killruddery. 

As stories unfold beneath the trees, families are invited to become storytellers too. At drawing tables inspired by the plants, trees, creatures, characters, places and tales they encounter throughout the day. Those drawings will be gathered by David and incorported into a large  mural storybook, collaged together into a giant collaborative picture book that grows and evolves throughout the day.

No booking required. Drop in at any time.

WHO IS THIS EVENT FOR?

• Families and children of all ages
• Visitors who wish to explore the grounds of Killruddery through a day of imaginative, outdoor fun
• Anyone who loves storytelling, creativity and magical moments

FAQ:

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  All materials are provided
  
  


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  Please dress for the day's weather, costumes and storybook inspired outfits are welcomed!
  
  


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  WHERE TO EAT: The Tea Room and in the near by Killruddery Yard: Pizza Shed (from 12pm - 6pm) and the Grain Store (from 12pm bookings recommended) and Farm Shop Cafe. Picnics are also welcome!
  
  


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  Car parking is free - Park in our main customer car park and follow signs to Killruddery's Garden Entrance Shop
  
  


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  When purchasing a ticket, please review all of the ticket information to ensure you are selecting the correct ticket types