Niall de Búrca is one of Ireland’s finest traditional storytellers. He was raised in Galway and displayed a talent for narrative from a young age. At home he has featured in theatre, radio and at many festivals including Féile Earraai, the CS Lewis Festival, and The National Children’s Book Festival. Abroad he has performed and held workshops in countries as diverse as Poland, Argentina, Italy and The Netherlands.
Niall also spent many years living in New Zealand. His experiences as an emigrant there have had a major influence on his work and performance style. Recognised for the diversity of his stories and with an ability to reach all ages; Niall is a familiar figure to many Irish children through his innovative school programmes. His “Storytelling As A Tool Of Education” workshops are highly recommended by educators. In May 2002 he received a Medal Of Excellence from the Heidleberg school district in Germany for his work with young authors.
Another important aspect of his work is the interpretation of museum and art gallery exhibitions. These include performances on the life and works of Max Ernst and kinetic sculptor Len Lye.
In October 2001 he produced the first storytelling series for the Museum of Country Life at Castlebar, County Mayo. At present he is creating a new collection of tales based on objects in the Museum’s collection.
In January 2004 he produced Blackwater Storystream, a peace and reconciliation initiative using storytelling to link together fifty schools in the border counties of Armagh, Monaghan and Tyrone. In November 2004 he directed Scalta Shamhna, Dublin’s annual celebration of the oral tradition.
In 2005 Niall produced Tale Tellers, a cd of Irish teenagers relating traditional stories and rhymes.
Nor bhris focal maith fiacal riamh… A good word never broke a tooth.