The ancient oral tradition of storytelling within border communities features in a new archival film unveiled at its premiere screening at the Cavan County Museum as part of the finale event of Border Talk, a year-long creative collaboration between Storytellers of Ireland (SOI), the Armstrong Storytelling Trust and cross-border communities.

Land of Lore - Tales from Ireland's Border Counties was directed and produced in collaboration with the Creative Team at the Duncairn Arts Centre, Belfast. It features storytellers filmed on location sharing the history, folklore and traditions of their area through the oral tradition of storytelling. The archival film will be hosted by Cavan County Museum and available for viewing to the public.

It is one of four parts of the Border Talk project, funded by the International Fund for Ireland under its Communities in Partnership Programme (CiPP). Using the ancient oral tradition of storytelling, Border Talk worked with communities in Cavan, Monaghan, Tyrone, Fermanagh and Armagh with a series of education, training and community engagement initiatives rolled out.  

Over 45 people have been trained in oral storytelling for performance, as part of the year-long initiative with over 600 people attending over 12 public events hosted by participating community groups within the border counties.

Storytellers of Ireland (SOI) and the Armstrong Storytelling Trust (AST) have a long and proud tradition of working with communities and bringing people together with creativity and shared experiences central to building long-lasting positive relationships with communities on both sides of the border.  

Sadie Ward McDermott, IFI Board Member said,

“It is wonderful to gather and celebrate the fruits of what has been a truly collaborative project, rooted in connectivity, creativity and most of all founded on communication and specifically the ancient oral tradition of storytelling.

“Dialogue is at the heart of all peacebuilding and reconciliation, and I am confident that through Border Talk, new and positive relationships have been built and that from these other opportunities for positive engagement will arise.

“Funded under our Communities in Partnership Programme, Border Talk epitomises the value of placing community at the heart of all activities.

“It's been wonderful to work with the Storytellers of Ireland and the Armstrong Storytelling Trust, organisations who have a long and proud tradition and a deep commitment to cross-border community building work, and to see this brought to life, with such impact across the participating community groups. “

Aoife Demel, Chairperson Storytellers of Ireland

 “As an organisation committed to promoting oral storytelling throughout the island of Ireland, Storytellers of Ireland / Aos Scéal Éireann acknowledge the importance of this cross-border project which has breathed new life into the tradition. Storytelling connects people, and stories transcend borders. We have welcomed participants of all ages from diverse backgrounds during this comprehensive series of training courses and events. We are very grateful to the International Fund for Ireland for supporting this important project and to the Armstrong Storytelling Trust for partnering with us. We look forward to building on the relationships and connections forged during Border Talk into the future.”

Liz Weir, MBE, Armstrong Storytelling Trust

“Throughout this very successful project we have seen course participants from both sides of the border share their stories and forge genuine friendships. By taking time to listen to each other’s stories we show respect for traditions which may well differ from our own and hence real understanding can be promoted.”