Twenty-two students from Limerick and Belfast are taking part in the final chapter of Living Legends, a cross-border cultural exchange designed to connect and engage young people across communities and traditions on the island of Ireland through stories, myth and landscape.
Led by Narrative 4 Ireland in partnership with Festival in a Van, NI Youth Forum and R-City, the programme invites participants to explore Ireland’s cultural and natural landscapes through storytelling, music, screenwriting, theatre and much more. The initiative aims to strengthen understanding between students from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Living Legends with artist facilitator Dafe Orugbo at Sheep Island View, Co. Antrim
“Living Legends has brought me out of my comfort zone a lot. I’ve talked to people who I would have never met and I’ve just loved making all the connections with everybody and making new friends.”
Stella, participant from Belfast
From Coast to Coast
Over three residential trips, students visited Doolin and Inis Mór, the Giant’s Causeway in Co. Antrim, and Carlingford Adventure Centre in Co. Louth. They worked with acclaimed storytellers and folklorists—including Rab Fulton, Órla McGovern, and Pat Ryan—before performing their own original stories from the Festival in a Van stage during the final residential.
For many participants, the friendships formed are as important as the artistic experiences. “I feel like I’ve made a lot of really good friends,” said Erin Ferguson, a student from Belfast. “We’ll probably be friends for ages now.”
Campfire sunset at Sheep Island, Co. Antrim
“Living Legends has changed how I look at people from Ireland.”
Ella, participant from Belfast
The impact of Living Legends is written on the faces of these young people—confidence, joy, and real connection. They’ve challenged stereotypes, discovered new landscapes, and told their own stories. That’s the kind of change that lasts.
Rachel Gleeson Executive Director N4 Ireland (Acting)
Putting teamwork to the test at Carlingford Adventure Centre, Co. Louth
“Everybody feels more free with each other now. Like when we first met, like, everybody was just, like, doing their own thing. But now, I see us like a team.”
Nife, participant from Limerick
What’s next?
Working with illustrator and artist Cian Laffey, Living Legends are now developing an anthology to showcase their creative work over the last few months, for launch in October!
Living Legends is in partnership with Festival in a Van, NI Youth Forum and R-City. The project is supported by Creative Ireland through the Shared Island Initiative.
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