Stories Without Borders: Ireland & Morocco Connect Through Storytelling

The 7th Annual Listowel International Storytelling Festival celebrated not only the joy of story, but also the power of cultural exchange, friendship, and creativity across borders.

This year, we were honoured to welcome H.E. Dr. Lahcen Mahraoui, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Ireland, and his wife Leyla, to Listowel at the kind invitation of the festival organisers. Their presence underscored the importance of storytelling as a cultural bridge between Ireland and Morocco — two nations with rich oral traditions that continue to inspire new generations. The Ambassador was greeted by Cllr. Michael Foley, Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr. Michael Leane, Mayor of Listowel and Jimmy Deenihan, former Minister for Culture, Arts and the Gaeltacht. 

Pictured at Listowel Castle: Moroccan storyteller Omar Belaarej, Cllr. Michael Leane, Mayor of Listowel, H.E. Dr. Lahcen Mahraoui, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Ireland, Cllr. Michael Foley, Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, and Jimmy Deenihan, former Minister for Culture, Arts and the Gaeltacht. Photo Credit: Noel Sweeney, Festival Photographer.

A Shared Stage: Magic Carpets & More

One of the highlights of the festival was Magic Carpets, a storytelling session at St. John’s Theatre & Arts Centre, where Omar Belaarej (Morocco) and Maria Gillen (Ireland) wove together ancient tales of wisdom, humour, and humanity. They were joined by John Row (England), representing the World Storytelling Café, who reminded us that stories travel further than borders, connecting people across time and place.

This was Omar Belaarej’s first ever visit to Listowel and the festival — an experience that delighted audiences and which we hope will be the first of many.

One of the standout moments of this year’s festival was Magic Carpets, a storytelling session at St. John’s Theatre & Arts Centre, where Omar Belaarej (Morocco) and Maria Gillen (Ireland) shared timeless tales of wisdom, humour, and humanity. They were joined by John Row (England) of the World Storytelling Café, who reminded us that stories travel beyond borders, connecting us all through the power of words. Pictured (left to right): Moroccan storyteller Omar Belaarej, Irish storyteller Maria Gillen, Cllr. Michael Foley, Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr. Michael Leane, Mayor of Listowel, and Cara Trant, Executive Director of Kerry Writers’ Museum and Festival Director of the Listowel International Storytelling Festival. Photo Credit: Noel Sweeney, Festival Photographer.

Storytelling in Schools

A major milestone of this year’s programme was the launch of a new schools storytelling initiative, co-developed by Maria Gillen and Omar Belaarej. Designed to bring Irish and Moroccan traditions directly to classrooms, the project introduced North Kerry students to the magic of folklore, while showing how stories can inspire curiosity, empathy, and connection across cultures.

This initiative reflects our commitment to planting seeds for the next generation of storytellers and ensuring that storytelling remains a living, breathing tradition.

Honouring Partnerships & Support

We extend heartfelt thanks to:

• H.E. Dr. Lahcen Mahraoui and Leyla Mahraoui for their support and presence.
• Maria Gillen, former Storyteller in Residence at Kerry Writers’ Museum and Director of the Listowel International Storytelling Festival and and  current Storyteller in Residence in Sheehans Thatched Cottage Finuge, continues to inspire with her dedication to preserving and sharing Ireland’s storytelling traditions.
• Omar Belaarej, brought the richness of Moroccan oral traditions to Listowel, sharing stories that bridge cultures and generations.
• John Row, Director of The World Storytelling Café for their partnership in making Omar’s visit possible.
• Cllr Michael Foley (Mayor of Kerry County Council), Cllr Michael Leane (Leas-Chathaoirleach), and Jimmy Deenihan, former Minister for Culture, for joining us in celebration and for their strong support of cultural exchange.

Pictured on stage at St. John’s Theatre & Arts Centre, Listowel: Award-winning Irish storyteller Maria Gillen with H.E. Dr. Lahcen Mahraoui, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Ireland, and John Row, Director of the World Storytelling Café and Artistic Director of the International Storytelling Festival in Marrakech. Photo Credit: Noel Sweeney, Festival Photographer.

A Story Bridge for the Future

Morocco’s participation in this year’s festival highlighted the deepening cultural ties between Ireland and Morocco. It also marked an important step in building what we proudly call a Story Bridge — a lasting bond of creativity, friendship, and shared heritage.

At Kerry Writers’ Museum, we believe stories are more than entertainment. They are bridges across borders, carriers of culture, and sparks for connection. This year’s festival reaffirmed that belief in the most powerful way.

Here’s to the friendships, creativity, and cultural bonds that storytelling continues to build — in North Kerry and far beyond. 

We were honoured to welcome H.E. Dr. Lahcen Mahraoui, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Ireland, his wife Leyla Mahraoui, and Moroccan storyteller Omar Belaarej to this year’s festival. Pictured (left to right): Leyla Mahraoui, storyteller Omar Belaarej, and Ambassador Dr. Lahcen Mahraoui. Photo Credit: Noel Sweeney, Festival Photographer.