<P> Some seanchaithe, however were not part of a clan . Some were itinerants, traveling from one community to another offering their skills in exchange for food and temporary shelter . Others were members of a settled community and might be termed "village storytellers" who told their stories and tales at ceremonies and community events, similar to the servant Seanchaithe . </P> <P> The distinctive role and craft of the seanchaí is particularly associated with the Gaeltacht (the Irish - speaking areas of Ireland), although storytellers recognizable as seanchaithe were also to be found in rural areas throughout English - speaking Ireland . In their storytelling, some displayed archaic Hiberno - English idioms and vocabulary distinct from the style of ordinary conversation . </P> <P> Members of the Celtic Revival such as Padraic Colum took a great interest in the art of the seanchaí, and through them the stories that they told were written down, published, and distributed to a global audience . </P> <P> At events such as mummers' festival in New Inn, County Galway, and the All - Ireland Fleadh Ceoil storytellers who preserve the stories and oratory style of the seanchaithe continue to display their art and compete for awards . Eddie Lenihan is one notable modern - day seanchaí, based in County Clare . </P>

Who is known as ireland's most famous storyteller