National Heritage Week: Storylines with Conni Dawson

As part of National Heritage Week 2026, join traditional Irish musician and storyteller Conni Dawson (The Street Harpist) for a morning of myth, music and storytelling at King John’s Castle.

Conni is a Fermanagh-born, Clare-raised seanchaí and self-taught harpist who has spent years travelling Ireland, sharing stories rooted in the landscapes where they first took shape. Through the Storylines series, she explores the connections between Ireland’s folklore, history and natural heritage.

Travel down the waters of the River Shannon as Conni tells the stories of two remarkable women from Irish mythology – Ceithleann of the Crooked Teeth, the legendary queen associated with Enniskillen, and Síonnan, the granddaughter of the sea god Manannán Mac Lir, from whom Ireland’s longest river takes its name.

Accompanied by the ancient sound of the Irish harp, this immersive performance brings Ireland’s rich storytelling tradition to life, inviting audiences to discover how myth, memory and landscape have shaped one another for centuries.

Highlighting this year’s “Heritage at Risk” theme, the performance offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of oral storytelling as a living tradition. The stories, songs, skills and knowledge passed from one generation to the next are an important part of Ireland’s cultural heritage, yet many traditional practices are increasingly at risk of being lost.

By keeping these traditions alive through performance, participation and the sharing of knowledge, storytellers like Conni help ensure that Ireland’s rich oral heritage continues to resonate with new generations.

Booking Information

This event is free. No booking required. Conni’s performance will take place in the Siege Café at King John’s Castle.