The Rambling House

The ‘rambling house’, once common in rural Ireland, refers more to an activity than a place – people dropping in and entertaining each other with stories; some old, some new, some made up and some told in song.

Long before our history books and hourly news bulletins, the stories of our past were passed on in the spoken word, no doubt accompanied by a healthy dose of gossip.

While seemingly lost for a time, the enjoyment and wider benefits of belonging to a community that gathers and spends time together, are again being realised and explored by groups such as Birr Men Together.

In this project we explore memories of the old ways and the practices of today with the members of Birr Men Together.  As few photographic records exist, most of this heritage survives through oral history. This project seeks to preserve those memories while creating a visually rich, accessible artwork that connects past and present.

Conceived and created by Hazel Greene

Film by Christor

with the support of Birr Men Together

and special thanks to the Egan family

Produce by Birr Theatre & Arts Centre

A Creative Ireland Project