English Introduction to Andarta-Iglis
Andarta IGLIS is a non-profit organisation promoting Europe's Celtic Heritage and, in particular, Ireland's wealth of historical sites, traditions, folklore and outstanding natural beauty. Especially for our English speaking visitors, this page is a short presentation of our cultural and artistic society, including activities such as outings, travels, visits, workshops, lectures and live shows (music, singing, dances and storytelling).
From then to now...
Originally started in Ireland in 1996, IGLIS was at that time a group of passionate tour guides and lecturers sharing a common interest in Ireland's Heritage and traditions. Among them was David Gourdant, tour-guide, lecturer and stage performer, with a dual nationality Irish and French. David went on to establish an incoming operator agency in Ireland, in 1999, dedicated to French visitors looking for tailor made tours throughout the island. When David left this agency in 2006, to come and live in France, he realised how little was known about France's abundant Celtic heritage outside of Brittany.
Together with some equally passionate people he met in France, David set out to promote Celtic culture, and Gaelic traditions, through lectures, music and storytelling stage performances. Very soon, as members and supporters grew larger in numbers, IGLIS was re-established as a cultural and artistic circle in France. With a small group of volunteers taking over the running of the association, it was decided to give IGLIS an official recognition in 2011, as a "Loi 1901" legal associative structure.
Since then, IGLIS is enthusiastically driven by volunteers, active members, and professional partners. Bringing people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds together, sharing a keen interest and affinities with European countries or regions, linked by a common Celtic Heritage, past or present. These include less obvious countries such as Germany, Spain and Portugal, the Southern part of Poland, Switzerland, the northern part of Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, and even parts of Turkey!
Activities, in France and abroad
Most of our activities take place in the Rhône-Alpes region of France, where most of our members reside. Our most regular events are outings, visits, tours, workshops, musical evenings, and lectures. Some of these activities can bring us to other parts of France. However, a special interest is given to Ireland, the all-inspiring land of the Gaels, where IGLIS takes its roots, and where a strong Celtic culture has survived far longer than any other parts of Europe...
The beauty and diversity of Ireland's natural landscapes and ecosystems, as well as its modern-day living traditions and folklore, all add to our particular interests for the island. Customised tours and activities in Ireland are regularly organised for our members, professional partners and sympathisers. These tours are designed by our cultural director and former tourism manager, and handed down to our professional partners such as travel agencies or incoming operators. Other countries such as Scotland, Italy or Poland have also been experienced.
Volunteer Bureau Members
To help manage the association you will find three members of the bureau, and no president / director. We decided it was best to have shared responsibilities, and any one of the trio can step in to replace the other. They look after accounts and all the administrative work that is needed. Being a non-profit organisation, no one is employed and there are no pay roles.
Supervising all the cultural and artistic activities you will find another volunteer: David Gourdant. He is one of the main contributors to the success of the various events. He supervises our musical evenings, shows, outings, lectures and tours. David also performs on stage as a talented storyteller, drawing his knowledge from both of this Irish and French nationalities and cultures, David has an in-depth experience of Ireland, where he grew up as a child, and worked 30 years as a tour guide and tour organiser. After studying Celtic Cultures in University, he lectures in various schools, gives conferences, and is often called for workshops, including for the Irish Tourism Board.
Becoming a Member & Association Ethics
Membership is free and is open to all ages, genders, nationalities and religion. We are a cultural and artistic association; our objectives are purely intellectual and recreational. We are non-judgmental and non-political, and we strongly disapprove of any sectarian or politically-driven ideas and propaganda within any of our activities and gatherings. The association Andarta IGLIS reaches out a warm and friendly hand to welcome every person who shares our interests and our ethics.
To become a member, simply submit your name, address, number and email through our "contact us" page, together with a brief introduction as to the reasons you wish to join our association.
