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Episode 43:
What if you could do more than watch Irish dance in Ireland—what if you could step into it?
In this episode, I’m joined by Siobhán Manson of Riverdance fame, who now brings her world-class experience to the heart of Galway through the Irish Dance Experience. Together, we talk about her journey from performing as a lead on some of the world’s biggest stages to creating a welcoming, hands-on way for visitors to connect with Irish culture.
We also dive into the magic of Galway itself—why it’s such a special place to visit—and what makes this experience so unique, memorable, and completely unintimidating, even if you’ve never danced before.
If you’re planning a trip to Ireland (or dreaming about one), this is exactly the kind of experience you’ll want to add to your itinerary.
🎧 Listen in to discover how you can step into the rhythm of Ireland for yourself.
Irish Dance Experience:
If you're ready to plan your visit to Galway, here are a couple of helpful affiliate links to get you started:
Guided Tour from Galway to Kylemore Abbey
About Siobhán Manson:
Siobhán Manson began dancing at the age of four in her hometown of Galway with the world-
renowned Hession School. For the next ten years, Siobhan competed at local, national, and
international levels, winning numerous titles. She began her professional career touring with
Celtic Legends in France and French Polynesia. In 2004, Siobhán was offered a full-time
position with the Broadway phenomenon Riverdance and spent the next four years on the
road with the European, American, and Asian companies. After a year with Riverdance
Siobhán was asked to train for the lead role and had her debut as principal dancer in Dublin
at the Gaiety Theatre in 2005.
In 2007, Siobhán took a break from dancing and returned to college, completing a degree in
History and English, and a master's degree in history. Siobhan returned to the stage with
Women of Ireland touring the U.S. and Asia. In 2013, Siobhan was honoured to join Sky T.V’s
Got to Dance winners, Prodijig, on their debut tour throughout Ireland and the U.K ending on
the West End in Sadler’s Well’s Peacock Theatre.
Throughout her career, Siobhán has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious
venues: The Kremlin State Palace in Moscow, the Fox Theatre in Detroit, and the Pantages
Theatre in L.A, to name but a few. She has had the honour of performing for Empress Michiko
of Japan in Tokyo, the First Lady of America, Michelle Obama, and performing live for over a
billion TV viewers at the Chinese 2009 New Year festival broadcast in Beijing.
Siobhan is also a member of Breandán de Gallaí’s dance company Éiru (@eriudance), which
showcase throughout Ireland and abroad.
Siobhán is currently undertaking an Arts Practice PhD through The World Academy of Music
and Dance with The University of Limerick. Her Research council funded project is examining
The lived experience of Women in Irish Dance.
She is currently residing in Galway and running The Irish Dance Experience.
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