Welcome!
My name is Cathy Jo Smith but I have also used the professional name "Caítlín na Sí, seanachai" (KAWCH-leen nuh SHEE, SHAN-uh-kee), which is Irish for "Katie of the Fairies, storyteller".
Besides stories, I have a display/performance about the Irish Wake for both Irish festivals and regular venues. The handouts from the Wake tent are now here as "Wake Decorum"and "Basics of the Wake". I would ask that anyone using them give me proper credit.
How it all started...
Back when my daughter was in first grade, her teacher had a program called "Mystery Reader". Each week, a different parent would come in and read a short book to the class--it was always kept secret and sometimes the parent would even come in costume.
Well, I picked right before Halloween and came in as a little Irish lady to tell them about the real origins of Halloween and read a story about overcoming fear.
The "Irish lady" was such a hit, she made a return visit in March with St Patrick's Day stories. Her visits extended to more classes and suddenly, without really trying, I had become a storyteller.
The "Irish lady" was such a hit, she made a return visit in March with St Patrick's Day stories. Her visits extended to more classes and suddenly, without really trying, I had become a storyteller.
Storytelling you can take home...my books
My first book, "Adventures of Seamus McSeamus, an Irish Rover" is available for sale--e-mail me at storyteller@dublin.com
I also have a booklet for sale--Wake Me When It's Over. I think you can guess what that one is about...
Latest Updates and where I'll be next
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Renaissance Park, Waynesville, OH
June 20, 2026
Third year for me; lots of music and fun!
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Celtic Fling
Mount Hope Estate, Manheim, PA
June 27,28 2026
Find us where the mermaids swim! (Mermaid Stage area)
Mount Hope Estate, Manheim, PA
June 27,28 2026
Find us where the mermaids swim! (Mermaid Stage area)
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Riverscape Metro Park, downtown Dayton, OH
July 24-26, 2026!
Lots of music and fun for free;
Cultural only open Saturday and Sunday!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Dublin Irish Festival
Coffman Park, Dublin, Ohio
July 31-Aug 2, 2026
One of the top Irish festivals in the country!
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Riverfront Park, Peoria, IL
August 28-30, 2026
Always a great time!
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Heritage Landing, Muskegon, MI
September 18-20, 2026!
The weather is seldom hot but the music is!
Come and join us for great sounds and terrific craic (that's fun in Irish)!