The National Folk Theatre is the resident professional company based at Siamsa Tíre.
The aim of the National Folk Theatre is to protect, explore and develop traditional art. These aims are delivered through numerous activities: Folk Theatre stage productions from the Siamsa Tíre repertoire, the development of new work, as well as training and education.
At the heart of the National Folk Theatre lies a professional core group of full-time performers, led by Artistic Director, Jonathan Kelliher and supported by selected artists drawn from the local community but trained in the unique Siamsa Tíre style and idiom.
The formation of Siamsa Tíre came about in 1968, when a series of performances created by Father Pat Ahern lead to the creation of Siamsóirí na Ríochta. This was followed by the formation of Siamsa Tire Teoranta in 1974. Father Ahern was appointed Artistic Director, a position held until his retirement in 1998.
