A Seanchaí is a traditional Irish storyteller/historian. The word Seanchaí (Plural: Seanchaithe) means a bearer of "old lore" (seanchas). In the ancient Celtic culture, the history and laws of the people were not written down but memorised in long lyric poems which were recited by bards. In that ancient society, bards held a position of esteem, second only to kings. Bards memorised vast amounts of poetry which they performed live, and their poems and songs were often the only historical record available. Some may consider them to be historians. Bards evolved into storytellers called Seanchaithe. Some of them were members of a settled community and might be termed "village storytellers" who told their stories and tales at ceremonies and community events. We love to think of ourselves as modern Seanchaithe, who use images and words to preserve and enhance the heritage of the rich cultural texture of Connemara.