Seanchaí brings ancient art of Irish storytelling to centre stage on November 27 to 29

Seanchaí premier takes centre stage on November 27 to 29. Set in a rural Irish village in the 1970s, Seanchaí tells the story of Rory, a young priest whose sermons fail to stir his parish, and Paddy, an aging storyteller whose tales carry more weight than scripture

A powerful new play by emerging playwright James Meehan, Seanchaí, gets a three‑night full production premier run at the People’s Museum of Limerick

The ancient art of Irish storytelling takes centre stage this November as Seanchaí, a powerful new play by emerging playwright James Meehan, receives its three‑night full production run at the People’s Museum of Limerick.

Directed by Mark P O’Connor, the production builds on the acclaimed staged reading earlier this year, promising audiences an immersive theatrical experience steeped in language, folklore, and rhythm.

Set in a rural Irish village in the 1970s, Seanchaí tells the story of Rory, a young priest whose sermons fail to stir his parish, and Paddy, an aging storyteller whose tales carry more weight than scripture.

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

In the local pub—the true spiritual heart of the community—stories ignite laughter, confront grief, and reveal long‑buried secrets.

This production is proudly rooted in local talent, with a cast drawn entirely from the Limerick and Clare region. The play stands as a nostalgic homage to the great Irish dramatists, most notably John B. Keane, whose works captured the humour, hardship, and humanity of village life.

It is theatre that remembers where it comes from — a tribute to the oral tradition that shaped our culture and continues to define us.

By staging Seanchaí in the Coach House of the People’s Museum of Limerick, the production becomes more than a play: it is a living cultural event. The venue’s pub‑like setting blurs the line between stage and audience, inviting spectators to step into the story as if they were part of the village itself.

With the addition of a real-life Seanchaí, the performance bridges past and present, honouring the storytellers who kept communities alive with words long before the internet or television.

This special three‑night run coincides with the URC top‑of‑the‑table clash of Munster vs Stormers, offering visitors to Limerick a chance to experience both sporting and cultural highlights in one weekend. Complimentary refreshments on the night.