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Ancient Tongue – Modern Voice: Siobhán De Poar on Poetry, Language & Heritage

Meet Siobhán De Poar, an acclaimed Irish performance poet, spoken-word artist, dramaturg, file and passionate language revivalist behind Wild Irish Retreats.

With roots in West Kerry and Kilkenny, Siobhán has devoted much of her life to reviving the Irish language (Gaeilge) as a living force for reclaiming pre-colonial traditions, mythology and the ancient art of scéalaíocht (storytelling).

In this in-depth interview, we go far beyond the WildIrish.ie website to explore her unique creative process: immersive ritual theatre, the “Spontaneous Spirit of the Moment”, and poetry as powerful “story medicine” that voices unspoken herstories and challenges modern Ireland.

Discover the personal stories behind projects such as Teacht Aniar and Máthar ag an Doras, the profound influence of motherhood on her themes of resilience and inner journey, and how she weaves the Irish language into transformative retreats and events at sacred sites like the Hill of Tara.

Siobhán also opens up about the joys and challenges of the re-indigenation movement, her multi-disciplinary work as a contemporary bard and activist, her collaborations with partner Diarmuid Lyng, and her bold vision for the future — including retreats and new ways to keep Irish cultural heritage alive in the 21st century.

Whether you are learning Gaeilge, drawn to Celtic folklore, or seeking the healing power of spoken word, this conversation offers rich inspiration and a deeper reconnection with Ireland’s ancient soul.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 M𝗼𝗿𝗲 I𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 ℹ️

👉🏼 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://wildirish.ie

👉🏼 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸: https://www.facebook.com/gaelfiain/

👉🏼 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺: https://www.instagram.com/wildirish.ie/

👉🏼 𝗘𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹: wildirishretreat@gmail.com

Brehon Academy

The Brehon Academy's mission is to serve as a bridge between the ancient wisdom of Ireland and the modern world. Our goal is to preserve and propagate the myths, culture, and laws of early Ireland, connecting the knowledge of the old ways with the digital age. Whether you're a scholar or a casual enthusiast, you will find our articles, videos, and online courses offer a rare opportunity to discover lesser-known yet important aspects of Irish heritage.

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