Foinse are a collective of storytellers, musicians, artists, & actors who tell the mythological stories contained in the landscape of the Dingle Peninsula
The retelling of the stories involves a connection with the emotions and passions that the myths invoke. Their performances explode with sensory delights encompassing poetic narration, haunting music, projected artwork and soaring chorus’ that combine traditional storytelling with immersive art.
Is é an Foinse an geata chuig an domhan thíos. Tabharfaidh ‘Foinse’ an lucht féachana isteach i sean áit draíochta atá fós linn.
The myths are of the land and connection with the stories inspires connection with our deeper selves and the land itself.
Caillte - Cú Roi Mac Daire
Foinse Shows:
Cú Roí Mac Daire - The druid of many faces
Not many have faced the great Cú Chulainn and lived. But there was one mystic druid of Munster, Cú Roí Mac Daire who laid such humiliation upon Cú Chulainn that the hero of Ulster dared not show his face for a whole year. The great druid flew away with the beautiful Blathnat and took her to his enchanted fortress high up on Caherconree the mountain that still bears his name. Like the druid himself, the castle fortress had many faces and each night the magic of Cú Roi would spin a different side to confuse any assailants. But secret plans made on Oíche Samhain would come to haunt Cu Roí and bring the Ulster warriors to his door.
The interpretation of the myth of Cú Roí explores ego death, betrayal, and moral ambiguity while blurring the threshold between love and hate, between this world and the Otherworld.
Myth of Scàil – Through the Kirtan into the Shadow
This live performance show reimagines the mystic encounter of Scàil and Cúchulainn at Annascaul Lake, blending the raw emotional power of spoken word storytelling with the evocative soundscapes of Kirtan — a sacred Indian musical tradition that calls the soul home.
Kirtan, known as a spiritual retelling through song, invites the audience to slow down and reawaken their connection to the divine feminine. The music becomes a bridge — guiding listeners through inner landscapes of shadow and light, much like the ancient tale itself.
Be immersed in this captivating musical retelling as it sweeps you through an inner path between shadow and light.
Foinse artists:
We are deeply inspired by the landscape and ancient stories of Corca Dhuibhne where we are all based. The land holds the stories and we act as the vessels to carry them forward with traditional oral storytelling combined with artistic interpretation and original music scores inspired by the myths.

Jonathan O'Leary
Director / Storyteller
Jonathan O’Leary is a storyteller, specialising in Irish mythology and site-responsive theatre. His work blends modern narrative structure with poetic, landscape-rooted performance, creating immersive experiences that invite audiences into the mythic imagination. He leads mythological tours of the landscape of Corca Duibhne and provides storytelling workshops with an emphasis on shared stories.

Kevin Power
Soundscapes Design / Philosopher / Actor
Kevin Power has a PhD in philosophy from University College Cork, and lectures in UCC as well as Sacred Heart University in Dingle. His expertise is in the works of John Moriarty. His academic prowess, understanding of Irish Mythology and its connections with philosophy and meaning are an integral part of Foinse understanding and developing ancient stories for modern audiences.

Paul Kennedy
Stage Manager / Storyteller
Paul Kennedy has worked as a professional storyteller and actor for many years including at the Abbey stage and international venues. He has performed in 200+ plays across Ireland at festivals and theatres. He was the Master of Ceremonies for President Mary Mc Aleese for 5 years at Aras an Uachtarain. Paul is a published writer, scriptwriter and was Seanchai for Adare manor telling traditional and original stories.

Damien O'Neill
Percussion
Damien has a wide array of experience in performing rhythms from around the globe. Arranging samba beats and world music percussion in directing Dingle’s carnival band ‘Splanc’, creating rhythms for African dance workshops, playing for Indian Kirtan music at cultural events and producing mythical percussion arrangements for Foinse storytelling.

Niamh Devine
Actor / Singer
Niamh Devine is a TV presenter, poet, actor and singer who specialises in spiritual and mythological themes presented through the arts. She has featured in films, TV and adverts as an actor. She has hosted TV shows to global audiences that have had millions of viewers. She was a TedX speaker in 2025.

Kevin Lowney
Musical Director
Has been exploring music and meditation for over a decade. This experiential path includes researching the subtle effects of sanskrit recitation at Maharishi University (Iowa) and practicing bhakti yoga at Serve Love ashram (New York). He is dedicated to serving the collective evolution, volunteering his talents at conscious festivals around Europe and USA.
What the impact is:
We’re absolutely blown away, the setting, the performance, the raw energy, the emotion, outstanding, staggering. Come back, do it again! Magic!
I must say it was a class act, steeped in mythology and history and I’ve truly enjoyed it, well done to everyone who put it together.
The performance reminded us what myths still hold such power, – connecting generations through their universal themes of struggle, transformation, and wisdom. A truly unforgettable highlight of this years festival. – Listowel storytelling festival.
You actually tuned into why these stories have kept going for thousands and thousands of years, it was the most immersive and fantastic experience.
Amazing show, beautifully delivered with such power, tone , amazing storytellers. Absolutely captivating. ❤️
The show was highly original, with strong artistic merit, which had a noticeable impact on the audience – most of them stayed on after the performance to speak to the performers – Technical Director, Accidental Theatre Belfast