Launch Event – "Stories from the Landscape"
Audiences hear professional storytellers from Ireland and abroad, combining folklore of the Glens with music and drama.
Glens Storytelling Festival
Ballygally, United Kingdom
Oct 20 - 24, 2026Expected
Each autumn, the village of Cushendall gathers storytellers for a festival of the oral tradition of the Glens of Antrim. Renowned Irish and international tellers spin tales at community story-swaps and on walks through forests and along the coast, in a celebration of the rich storytelling heritage of rural Ulster.
Media proof note
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About media standardsKey moments
Tales and Tae – Ulster-Scots Storytelling
Listeners enjoy traditional Ulster-Scots anecdotes and tunes, often accompanied by tea and warm hospitality.
Grand Finale Concert
A closing performance or communal reading, often over a cup of tea, marking the end of the festival on a note of communal warmth.
Where it happens
Ballygally Old Church Centre
Ballygally, United Kingdom
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Audiences encouraged to be attentive and supportive of storytellers; children welcome.
Respect local boundaries
Cultural tradition is inclusive; participants are encouraged to engage respectfully and sup...
Ask before close-up photos
Ask permission
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: moderate.
Tickets
Ticket required: £10 - £25
REGIONAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Glens Storytelling Festival
Ballygally, United Kingdom
Each autumn, the village of Cushendall gathers storytellers for a festival of the oral tradition of the Glens of Antrim. Renowned Irish and international tellers spin tales at community story-swaps and on walks through forests and along the coast, in a celebration of the rich storytelling heritage of rural Ulster.
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Oct 20 - 24, 2026Expected dates
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The story behind it
Storytelling has long been a vibrant part of rural Irish and Ulster-Scots culture. The festival was founded to sustain and modernize this oral heritage, connecting villagers, schools and tourists through legends, fairy tales and family histories. It especially emphasizes the distinct culture of the Antrim Glens, an area historically associated with Irish Gaelic and Ulster-Scots traditions.
Key moments to know
Launch Event – "Stories from the Landscape"
Audiences hear professional storytellers from Ireland and abroad, combining folklore of the Glens with music and drama.
Tales and Tae – Ulster-Scots Storytelling
Listeners enjoy traditional Ulster-Scots anecdotes and tunes, often accompanied by tea and warm hospitality.
Grand Finale Concert
A closing performance or communal reading, often over a cup of tea, marking the end of the festival on a note of communal warmth.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Audiences encouraged to be attentive and supportive of storytellers; children welcome.
Respect local boundaries
Cultural tradition is inclusive; participants are encouraged to engage respectfully and support local venues.
Ask before close-up photos
Ask permission
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Oct 20 - 24, 2026
Estimated
City / Area
Ballygally
Glens of Antrim (Irish and Ulster-Scots storytelling)
Cost
£10 - £25
Book ahead if required
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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