A community arts project in Rossbeigh, exploring the ecologies and mythologies of the strand and surrounding coastline through various storytelling practices, will run from August 10th to September 7th with free public events by the beach every Saturday.
From informal gatherings to biodiversity walks, performances and art making workshops, the programme for The Mantle invites members of the local community and all those with enduring or new-formed connections to Rossbeigh to come together and pick up the storytelling mantle.
Rossbeigh strand is known for its mythical associations with Tír na nÓg and the event will gather stories told, written, sung, passed down, encountered or divined. they could even be objects, washed up here along the shoreline.
The first event on August 10th will be based on the Irish tradition of gathering and storytelling and participants will be invited to share stories about Rossbeigh – from folk tales to family histories or memories of particular events. People are invited to meet at the picnic area at Rossbeigh strand at 1.00pm and the event will run until 2.30pm.
The second event is on August 17th from 6-7pm and is focused on mythology, folklore and music. The session will be led by Gail and Thomas – known as Anamciar, Spirit of Kerry – who have worked together in the entertainment and tourism sectors for a number of years.
Moving between words and music, different forms of storytelling, this event will explore the role of languages in a sense of place, attending to names and their translations, as well as local lore. Thomas will share his 2019 publication, Kerry Dreamtime, which gathers stories from across the Reeks District, including Ros Beithe and the wider Loch na dTrí gCaol.
The third event will be a one-hour guided biodiversity walk on August 24th to explore the coastal ecosystems of the area and learn about the local biodiversity. Plant scientist and naturalist Jasmine McCarthy will share insights into the habitats, flora, fauna and the environment of Rossbeigh, highlighting the importance of preserving these natural habitats.
On Saturday, August 31st there will be a community beach clean at 1.00pm followed by an art and writing workshop led by local artist Emily Fitzell. Working with objects gathered from Rossbeigh strand, participants will be guided through a series of prompts exploring the ecopoetics of storytelling.
To conclude the summer programme at Rossbeigh, the final performance event on Saturday, September 7th at 1.00pm and it will feature Amano Miura, a singer, songwriter, poet and activist producing work in English and Irish.
Born in Kyūshū and raised in Kerry, her work is inspired by the earth, love, justice, cultural fluidity and the nuances of languages) spoken and unspoken.
Read all about the Mantle and follow for updates on Instagram @the.mantle.project.
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