Harp Ireland

"The Singing Harps" with Claire Roche
2025-03-21 13:00 - 14:00 (Europe/Dublin) | National Concert Hall Dublin, Dublin, Co. Dublin, D02 N527, Ireland
“The Singing Harps”
The John Field Room National Concert Hall Dublin .
The programme will include favourite Irish songs with harp accompaniment, such as ‘Eileen Óg’, ‘The Galway Girl’, etc.
Included will be Claire’s original songs, sung with Irish ,Concert, and Electric harp.
Tickets 15 euro, concessions available.
Hear Claire on clairerochemusic.com.

New Music Dublin 2025 Lunchtime Concert: Berginald presents Bombast!
2025-04-03 13:30 | National Concert Hall Dublin, Dublin, Co. Dublin, D02 N527, Ireland
Chelsea Sharpe, violin
Giammaria Tesei, viola
TBC, cello
Fiona Gryson, harp
Berginald Rash, clarinet
Greg Crowley, bassoon
Hannah Miller, horn
Patrick Nolan, percussion
John Doyle, conductor
Ishmael Claxton, visual artist
Violist Clifton Harrison has had to pull out due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances. His replacement is Giammaria Tesei.
Oy Guidry Just because I have a dick doesn’t mean I’m a Man (Irish Premiere)
Carlos Simon Loop for string trio (Irish Premiere)
Nkeiru Okoye Breaking Bread for solo viola (Irish Premiere)
Ivan Enrique Rodríguez The Broken Contract for harp and recording (Irish Premiere)
Quinn Mason In Memory for solo horn (Irish Premiere)
Jessie Montgomery Peace for clarinet and harp (Irish Premiere)
Allison Loggins-Hull Stolen for solo cello (Irish Premiere)
Gabriela Ortiz Atlas-Pumas for violin and marimba (Irish Premiere)
Shawn Okpebholo There is Always Light for clarinet, bassoon and marimba (Irish Premiere)
Jeff Scott The Idle Mind for solo horn (Irish Premiere)
Joseph Hallman Concerto for B-flat/E-flat clarinet, violin, viola, cello, bassoon, horn, harp & percussion (World Premiere)
Bombast! showcases works both by Black composers—many of whom form the US-based composer collective Blacknificent 7—and Latiné composers. Bombast! features the world premiere of Joseph Hallman’s Clarinet Chamber Concerto; interpolation and extemporisation around an arresting Joy Guidry original; plus powerful and poignant works by such provocative composers as GRAMMY®-nominated Gabriela Ortiz, GRAMMY®-nominated Kennedy Center Composer-in-Residence Carlos Simon, and Imani Winds founding member Jeff Scott. Listeners will also encounter introspective works by the celebrated Nkeiru Okoye, internationally lauded Quinn Mason, GRAMMY®-winning composer and Chicago Symphony Orchestra Mead Composer-in-Residence Jessie Montgomery, and GRAMMY®-nominated Shawn Okpebholo.
Bombast! brings together some of today’s most celebrated musicians from around the world, including violinist Chelsea Sharpe of the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, and versatile viola player Clifton Harrison, formerly of the Kreutzer Quartet. They collaborate with some of Ireland’s finest musicians, including critically acclaimed clarinettist Berginald Rash; brilliant horn-player Hannah Miller of the Irish Chamber Orchestra; Bangers & Crash percussionist Paddy Nolan; internationally lauded cellist-composer Ailbhe McDonagh of the Ficino Ensemble; harpist Fiona Gryson; and the National Symphony Orchestra’s principal bassoon, Greg Crowley. In addition to bombastic aural experiences, Bombast! features visual art by New York-born visual media artist Ishmael Claxton, whose poignant and pertinent work is exhibited all over the world.
Grouped in couplets of solo and chamber pieces, reflecting the chasm between rugged individualism and the human ache for connection, Bombast! represents the audacity to live out loud, boldly and unapologetically; the assertion of one’s right to exist, and the unwavering expression of and commitment to one’s identity despite the risk of violence and retribution.
Presented by New Music Dublin
Sponsored by RTE/NCH/Arts Council Ireland

Harp Recital with Ruth O'Hara
2025-04-04 19:00 | Newpark Academy of Music, Newtown Park Ave, Blackrock, Dublin, Ireland
Hear well know pieces such as
Clair de Lune – Debussy, Red is the Rose – Trad Irish, Eleanor Plunkett – O’Carolan,
Espresso – Sabrina Carpenter &
City of Stars – La La Land – Justin Hurwitz
Tickets €20/ €15 Students

Harp and Flute Concert with Ruth O'Hara and Martina Rosaria O'Connell
2025-04-24 13:00 | Co. Antrim
Thursday, 24 April 2025, 1.20pm
St Ann’s Church Dawson Street

Programme
Gabriel Fauré
Sicilienne
Berceuse
Claude Debussy
Arabesque
La Fille Aux Cheveux de Lin
Clair de Lune
Syrinx
En Bateau
Saint Saëns
Romance

RUTH O’HARA is an award winning freelance pedal harpist, Irish harpist and teacher based in Ireland. Having studying as a scholarship student in The Royal Irish Academy of Music under Áine Ní Dhubhghaill, Ruth holds a Licentiate Diploma in Music Performance of the RIAM (LRIAM) and an Associate Diploma in Music Teaching and Performance of the RIAM (ARIAM). Ruth also holds a bachelor in Physiotherapy from Trinity College. Ruth often participates in international masterclasses & academies to further her artistic inspiration; the Ibacus harp course, MusicAlp, the Edinburgh International Harp Festival & Harpissima.
From an early age, Ruth’s passion & dedication to harp was evident receiving first place in both pedal harp & Irish harp competitions in Feis Ceoil. Some performances include; with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, RIAM Gala High Achiever Awards ceremonies and the 1916 Rising commemoration ceremony. Recent performances include; the ‘Changing Times’ podcast launch and The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival. These performances being held in renowned Irish venues; The National Concert Hall, Farmleigh House, Dublin Castle, The Mansion House and The Guinness Storehouse.
With an interest in chamber music as well as solo performance, Ruth has collaborated with traditional Irish musicians & classical musicians. Recent sold out harp and voice recitals with soprano Megan O’Neill have spanned traditional Irish music, classical, film & pop music. Alongside her performance career Ruth enjoys teaching in Newpark Academy of Music and in Comhaltas.Alongside her performance career Ruth enjoys teaching in Newpark Academy of Music and in Comhaltas.
MARTINA ROSARIA O’CONNELL is a highly accomplished Irish-Italian flautist and music educator. She recently completed her Master’s in Flute Performance with Distinction, graduating top of her class at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Martina also holds a First-Class Honours degree in Music Education from Trinity College Dublin. At just 12 years old, Martina was awarded a six-year music scholarship to Wesley College, Dublin. Her exceptional talent has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Trench Award, Liam Swords Award, Arts Council of Ireland’s Agility Award, and Music Network’s Music Capital Scheme.
In 2023, Martina made her concerto debut with the Trinity College Orchestra, performing Mozart’s *Concerto for Flute and Harp*. In February 2024, she was a finalist in the Maura Dowdall Concerto Competition. That same year, Martina premiered her flute transcription of Mel Bonis’s *Violin Sonata in F-Sharp Minor* in April at the Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris and subsequently gave its Irish premiere in June at the Fête de la Musique, attended by the French Ambassador to Ireland, HE Vincent Guérend. In May 2024, she performed her transcription as part of a live concert for Europe Day, which was broadcast on RTÉ Lyric FM.
In November 2024, Martina performed as part of Sir James Galway’s 85th Birthday Celebration at the KKL Luzern, marking another milestone in her flourishing career. She has been a scholarship student at the Galway Flute Academy under Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway since 2020 and has participated in prestigious international programs such as Camerata Ireland, the Saline Royale Academy, the Scottish International Flute Summer School, and the Grolloo Flute Sessions in the Netherlands.
Martina’s career spans solo, chamber, and orchestral performances. She has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, Irish Baroque Orchestra, Dublin Symphony Orchestra, RIAM Philharmonia, and Esker Festival Orchestra. In addition to her performance career, she teaches Musicianship in the Junior and Adult Divisions of the Royal Irish Academy of Music. She is also the Head of Education at the West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival, Assistant Orchestra Manager of the Irish Baroque Orchestra, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Dublin Youth Orchestra. Martina is deeply passionate about sharing her love of music through her performances and her work as an educator. Her dedication, artistry, and versatility reflect her commitment to inspiring others and establishing herself as a prominent voice among Ireland’s emerging musicians.

IBO YOUNG ARTIST RECITAL: TARA VISCARDI
2025-05-18 17:00 | Co. Antrim
IBO Associate Artist Tara Viscardi performs a programme of music from early Ireland and Europe, on the Baroque triple harp. Music includes pieces by Monteverdi, Carolan, Strozzi and Purcell, as well as arrangements of Bach’s Prelude in C Major BWV 846 and Handel’s Keyboard Suite in D minor HWV 437.
”…atmospheric, and exquisitely performed, was Viscardi’s Midnight Over Glanmore Lake, steeped in ancestral Celtic modality and written for herself to play on the Irish harp”, Richard Morrison, The Times, 7th May 2024.
The Irish Baroque Orchestra’s residency at Killruddery House celebrates a shared resonance with culture and heritage. The Baroque splendour of the house and gardens form the perfect setting for the Irish Baroque Orchestra’s performances of music from the period, performed by some of Ireland’s most celebrated artists. Join us during this special weekend for a unique and memorable audience experience!
Recital duration: Approx. 1 hour
ABOUT THE IBO:
https://www.irishbaroqueorchestra.com/

Harp Sessions at The Sugar Club | Gemma Doherty and Alannah Thornburg
2025-05-24 20:00 - 22:00 | The Sugar Club, 8 Leeson Street Lower, Dublin, D02 ET97, Ireland
The Sugar Club Harp Sessions features the most exciting, cool harpers – some with friends – who are pushing the boundaries of Irish harping.
Experience a new ‘take’ on Irish harping from some of our foremost young harpers. Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland’s Sugar Club Harp Sessions feature innovative, cutting-edge Irish harp performances from players who are pushing the boundaries of the tradition in new and exciting ways.
Our Sugar Club Harp Sessions concert on Saturday 24th May features Alannah Thornburgh and Gemma Doherty.
Alannah Thornburgh is an award-winning harper and composer. Her music explores her family’s musical heritage, reimagining ancient airs and tunes from the Irish harping and American folk & jazz traditions. This cross-genre interaction and juxtaposition of old melodies with contemporary harmonies and technique, carries through her original compositions, creating an innovative style described as ‘unforced, fluid & utterly at home in her own sound’ (The Irish Times). Alannah released her debut album ‘Shapeshifter’ in February.
Alannah is a founding member of the band Alfi, a trio who combine music & song sourced from the folk traditions of Ireland & America to produce a unique sound described as “beautiful, tear-jerking musicianship” (Bristol in Stereo).
Gemma Doherty is a composer, harper and singer from Derry City. Currently working on her first solo album, she combines contemporary with experimental Irish folk/traditional, centering around the harp with electronics and effects. As one half of electronic-folk duo Saint Sister, she has released two critically acclaimed albums – receiving Best Album in N.I. Music Prize and nominations for Album of the Year in Choice Music Prize and RTÉ Folk Awards. Recent screen work includes additional composition on Kneecap (Feature), Ogham, Fadó Fadó (Shorts), Camera Tripod Bicycle (TV Doc). She performed with Bono on his 23-date Stories of Surrender tour, and has worked with artists such as Lisa Hannigan, SOAK, Crash Ensemble, Villagers, Denise Chaila and Rachael Lavelle.

Harps Alive 2025 | Belfast | Connecting Harps Concert
2025-06-14 19:30 - 21:30 | St. George’s Church, 105 High St, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT1 2AG, Ireland
Join us for a spellbinding evening of music and poetry in the atmospheric setting of St George’s Church. Connecting Harps brings together some of Ireland’s most celebrated harpers and musicians in a unique celebration of tradition, creativity and connection.
Experience the lyrical beauty of poetry and harp with Aisling Lyons and Moya Cannon, the masterful harping of Michael Rooney, and compelling performances from Gráinne Hambly, Aisling Lyons, Gráinne Meyer and Cormac de Barra. Rounding out the programme are the much-loved duo Zoë Conway and John McIntyre, known for their dynamic fusion of traditional fiddle, voice, and guitar.
Connecting Harps offers a rich tapestry of sound, tradition, and creative dialogue – celebrating the harp as a living symbol of creative connection.
Venue: St George’s Belfast
Date: Saturday 14th June 7:30pm
Tickets £15/€18 (cons. £10/€12) at eventbrite.ie

Cornelius Lyons Harp Summer School
2025-06-20 - 2025-06-22 | Teach Siamsa Finuge, Co. Kerry, V92WE22, Ireland
Join us at Teach Siamsa Finuge (V92 WE22) for a weekend of inspiring harp classes, talks, informal sessions and concerts. This weekend, led by renowned harpist Janet Harbison, is perfect for those looking to deepen their understanding of the Irish harp tradition, refine their technical and interpretative skills, and engage with the story of a North Kerry harper whose legacy is being brought home.
Limited places are available – book now!
For more info & bookings contact teachsiamsafinuge@gmail.com
Cornelius Lyons, a native of Rattoo, County Kerry, was a household harper to the Earl of Antrim at the turn of the 18th century. His most famous composition is Miss Hamilton.

Live at Rathfarnham Castle
2025-06-29 15:00 | Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin, D14 K3T6
Live at Rathfarnham Castle
Ruth O’Hara (harp) and Martina Rosaria O’Connell (flute)
29 June 2025
Enjoy an afternoon of exquisite French music including renowned works by Fauré, Debussy and Saint-Saëns.
Book on eventbrite, Free admission, booking essential.
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1399305232619

Programme:

Sicilienne Op. 78 – Fauré
Berceuse – ‘Dolly Suite’ – Fauré
Arabesque No. 1 – Debussy
La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin – Debussy
Clair de Lune, (solo harp) – ‘Suite Bergamasque’- Debussy
Syrinx, (solo flute) – Debussy
En Bateau – ‘Petite Suite’ – Debussy
Romance Op. 37 – Saint-Saëns

Music on the Farm Concerts - Harp Ensemble Extravaganza
2025-07-06 15:00 | Cornstown House Farm, Cornstown, Ashbourne, Meath, A84 N512
Harp Ensemble Extravaganza
Join us for a fun afternoon of harp ensemble music performing a variety of Irish traditional, folk and classical repertoire!
Our concert series features performances of classical, traditional and jazz music in a unique, old world setting. Each concert features talented musicians who bring their unique sounds and styles to our stage. From classical to trad and lots in between, the ‘Music on the Farm’ series offers a diverse line-up that showcases each musician’s individual style and skill. They have performed for presidents and kings and now perform for you!
Set against the background of a diverse farm in the country, these concerts are a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Our barn, now known as ‘The Long House’, once a bustling hub of farm activity, has been lovingly transformed into a quaint and inviting space that retains its original character and charm. Why not come and say hello to the menagerie of friendly alpacas and their friends after the concert and enjoy a stroll in nature around the farm?
Join us at “Music on the Farm” and let the music of internationally acclaimed musicians transport you to a world where you can relax and unwind and live in the moment. It’s an afternoon of music, community, and celebration that you won’t want to miss. We look forward to sharing this magical experience with you.

Harps Together
2025-08-01 21:00 - 22:30 | St. Ronan’s Hall, Keadew West, County Roscommon, Keadue, Co. Roscommon, F52 N928, Ireland
Harps Together Concert at the O’Carolan Harp Festival, Keadue
Cormac de Barra & Anne-Marie O’Farrell, Laoise Kelly, and local Roscommon harpers.
Friday 1 August, 9pm
St Ronan’s Hall, Keadue
Tickets at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ocarolanharpfestival/1688825

Music on the Farm Concerts Scott Flanigan (piano) & Gráinne Meyer (harp)
2025-08-03 15:00 | Cornstown House Farm, Cornstown, Ashbourne, Meath, A84 N512
What happens when two different musical worlds collide? Jazz pianist Scott Flanigan and traditional harpist Gráinne Meyer come together to explore what happens when jazz meets trad!
Harpist and Pianist Gráinne Meyer has recently completed a postgraduate diploma in classical and Irish traditional music at the TU Dublin conservatoire of music, receiving tuition from Clíona Doris, Denise Kelly and Gráinne Hambly. She previously received an honours music degree from the University of York, where she was awarded the Thomas Beecham scholarship.
Scott Flanigan is one of the foremost keyboard players in Ireland. He performs regularly across the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and Germany, and has recently performed with Van Morrison, the Ulster Orchestra, Larry Coryell, Jean Toussaint, Jim Mullen and Linley Hamilton. As a leader, Scott successfully tours his own contemporary piano trio, as well as a hard-swinging organ quartet. He also runs the successful Scott’s Jazz Club in East Belfast, a weekly jazz club bringing the best in Irish jazz to local audiences.
Be prepared to be transported on a journey through time and culture, where Irish melodies meld with the spontaneity of jazz improvisation. Join us for an afternoon of unparalleled harmony as these two remarkable instruments intertwine, creating a unique and mesmerizing musical experience!
Our concert series features performances of classical, traditional and jazz music in a unique, old world setting. Each concert features talented musicians who bring their unique sounds and styles to our stage. From classical to trad and lots in between, the ‘Music on the Farm’ series offers a diverse line-up that showcases each musician’s individual style and skill. They have performed for presidents and kings and now perform for you!
Set against the background of a diverse farm in the country, these concerts are a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Our barn, now known as ‘The Long House’, once a bustling hub of farm activity, has been lovingly transformed into a quaint and inviting space that retains its original character and charm. Why not come and say hello to the menagerie of friendly alpacas and their friends after the concert and enjoy a stroll in nature around the farm?
Join us at “Music on the Farm” and let the music of internationally acclaimed musicians transport you to a world where you can relax and unwind and live in the moment. It’s an afternoon of music, community, and celebration that you won’t want to miss. We look forward to sharing this magical experience with you.

Dublin City Fleadh
2025-08-23 16:00 - 17:00 | Puball Éigse, Smithfield Square, Ireland
Catch our harp performance on 4-5pm August 23rd at Puball Éigse at Dublin City Fleadh with harpers Luke Webb, Rachael Dooley, Emer Ní Scolaí, and Cormac De Barra.

Harps for Heritage: Sharing the Tunes
2025-08-24 12:30 - 17:00 | Muckross Schoolhouse, Muckross Schoolhouse, The National Park, Dromyrourk, Killarney, Co. Kerry
Experience Irish music and dance live and take part in a fun and family-friendly afternoon with Irish harpers and their friends. Join Cruit Éireann|Harp Ireland in the beautiful surroundings of Muckross Schoolhouse. Try your hand at playing the harp – no experience needed and all are welcome! Hear tips of the trade from harpmaker Tim O’Carroll and listen to harpers, pipers and whistle players as they share stories about their earliest musical memories – how they learned, how tunes are passed down from generation to generation and how musicians make them their own. The afternoon finishes with a concert from Ireland’s finest harpers and musicians, including Irish harpers Kathleen Loughnane, Catríona Cannon and Deirdre Granville with Cormac Cannon (uilleann pipes), Aoife Granville (flute), Seán Ryan (whistle) and Caitríona Finnegan (cello).
Venue: Muckross Schoolhouse, Muckross House, Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry, V93 CK73
Date: Sunday 24th August, 12.30-5pm
Programmme
12.30-1.30pm Hands on Harps – Have a Go!
1.45-2.30pm Crafting a Harp with Tim O’Carroll.
2.45-3.30pm Delving Deeply: Musicians chat about how they pass tunes from generation to generation
3.45pm Concert Harps for Heritage 2025: Sharing the Tunes
Admission free, register here.

Electric Picnic
2025-08-29 19:00 - 2025-08-31 00:00 | Stradbally, Laois, Ireland
We are thrilled to be programming three nights of our foremost harpers at Electric Picnic – a first for Harp Ireland.
Be sure to join us at Croí, Friday 29th to Sunday 31st August, 7pm – 12am.

DAY
TIME
ARTIST

Friday 29th Aug
7pm – 7.40pm
Jennifer Leahy

8pm – 8.40pm
Luke Webb

9pm – 9.40pm
Niamh O’Brien

10pm – 10.40pm
Aisling Lyons

11pm – 12am
Alannah Thornburgh
Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta

Saturday Aug 30th
7pm – 7.40pm
Catriona Cannon and Kathleen Loughnane

8pm – 8.40pm
Donnchadh Hughes

9 – 9.40pm
Úna Ní Fhlannagáin

10 – 10.40pm
Michelle Mulcahy

11pm – 12am
Cormac De Barra
Anne-Marie O’Farrell

Sunday 31st Aug
7pm – 7.40pm
Eilis Lavelle

8pm – 8.40pm
Gráinne Hambly

9pm – 9.40pm
Colm McGonigle

10pm – 10.40pm
Deirdre Granville

11pm – 12am
Siobhán Buckley (MG Laois), Deirdre Ní Bhuachalla (MG Louth),
Gráinne Hambly (MG Mayo),
Jill Devlin (MG Waterford),
Rachel Duffy

Harps Alive | An Chruit Bheo
2025-09-06 - 2025-09-12 | Co. Antrim
Harps Alive| An Chruit Bheo takes place Sept 6-14th in Limerick, Tralee, Castlebar, Dublin and Wexford.
Sept 8th – 14th
Harp exchange between Coolcappa National School Limerick and St Johnʼs Parochial School Tralee with harper Niamh OʼBrien
Try your Hand on Harps; harper Fiana Ní Chonaill in partnership with Irish Chamber Orchestra Music Education project at St. Mary’s Limerick and Southhill
Hands on Harps with Luke Webb at Various schools in North Dublin Shools
Harping Fun: A Harp, Storytelling, Drama and Singing Workshop for children with Sharon Carroll at Loreto Primary School Wexford.
Saturday 6th Sept
Try your Hand on Early Irish Harp with Eibhlis Ní Riordáinat Pearse St Library and Greystones Library.

Saturday 13th Sept
Hugh Higgins: A Mayo Harper and his Music by harper Laoise Kelly at National Library of Ireland.

Sunday 14th Sept at Linen Hall Art Centre, Castlebar
Harps Alive|An Chruit Bheo: Music Generation Harp Collective together with renowned harpers, Michael Rooney, Gráinne Hambly, Gráinne Meyer, Cormac de Barra and Aisling Lyons
Saturday 20th Sept in the Sugar Club
Sugar Club Harp Sessions: Úna Monaghan, Éanna Monaghan and Paddy Glackin in concert.

Reverb by Luail, featuring Lisa Canny
2025-09-11 00:00 - 2025-10-05 00:00 | Multiple Locations
Movement and melody collide in an electrifying celebration of legacy, live music, and movement by choreographer Sarah Golding with music by multi-instrumentalist Lisa Canny. This high-energy performance combines powerful physicality with spellbinding vocals and composition, exploring the ways in which our actions ripple through time and leave their mark.
With Canny’s signature mix of traditional and modern sounds driving the dancers, every beat tells a powerful story, blending past and present in a raw, emotional experience. Get ready for a performance where rhythm lives, tradition breathes, and every moment and movement resonates.
Choreography: Sarah Golding
Cast: Luail Company Dancers
Composer: Lisa Canny
Musicians: Josh Sampson, Laura Doherty & Lisa Canny
Stage Design: Katie Davenport
Lighting Design: Ciaran Bagnall
Costume Design: Laura Fajardo Castro

TOUR DATES

11th September 2025 – Civic Theatre, Tallaght

12th September 2025 – Civic Theatre, Tallaght

17th September 2025 – The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh

19th September 2025 – An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk

22nd September 2025 – Backstage Theatre, Longford

24th September 2025 – Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge

30th September 2025 – Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo

02nd October 2025 – The Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar

10th October 2025 – Lime Tree Theatre, Limerick Presented by Bualadh Bos Children’s Festival

Hugh Higgins: A Mayo Harper and his Music with harper Laoise Kelly
2025-09-13 14:30 - 15:30 | National Library of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
Join acclaimed harper Laoise Kelly for an afternoon exploring the life and legacy of Hugh Higgins, the blind harper from County Mayo who was one of eleven harpers to perform at the landmark 1792 Belfast Harp Festival. In this lecture, Laoise Kelly sheds light on Higgins’ musical style, his place within the harping tradition, and the tunes attributed to him in the early collections of Edward Bunting, who transcribed many of the tunes performed at the festival. This is a rare opportunity to delve into the story of one of Ireland’s tradition-bearers, brought to life and performed by one of today’s most celebrated harpers.
Date: 13th September
Time: 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Venue: Joly Theatre, National Library of Ireland

Harps Alive | An Chruit Bheo at The Linenhall Castlebar
2025-09-14 17:00 - 19:00 | Linenhall Arts Centre, Linenall Street, Knockthomas, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 AN24, Ireland
Join us for an evening of music that brings together some of Ireland’s finest harpers in a celebration of tradition, creativity, and connection. Experience the artistry of Mayo’s own Gráinne Hambly alongside Aisling Lyons, Gráinne Meyer, Cormac de Barra, and Michael Rooney, joined by Castlebar favourites, the Music Generation Harp Collective. Together they will create a vibrant blend of sound, tradition, and creative exchange, highlighting the harp as a living symbol of connection.
Date: Sunday 14th September
Time: 5:00pm
Venue: The Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar

The Ploughing Championships
2025-09-17 | Screggan, Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Ireland
The Triad Harp Trio: Rachel Duffy, Fiona Gryson and Síofra Ní Dhubhghaill
All three harpers will be performing throughout the day and will be facilitating ‘Hands on Harps’ where attendees will have the opportunity to try out the harp. We will be set up in the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport Marquee on Wednesday September 17th.

The Sugar Club Harp Sessions | Úna Monaghan, Éanna Monaghan & Paddy Glackin
2025-09-20 20:00 - 22:00 | The Sugar Club, 8 Leeson Street Lower, Dublin, D02 ET97, Ireland
The Sugar Club Harp Sessions feature the most exciting harpers – some with friends – who are pushing the boundaries of Irish harping.
Our Sugar Club Harp Sessions concert on Saturday 20th September features Úna Monaghan, Éanna Monaghan and Paddy Glackin.
Renowned harper, composer and sound artist Úna Monaghan blends harp and electronics in a performance featuring a compelling range of works from two decades of exploration involving motion sensors, processed harp, synthesis, tape pieces, samples, improvisation, and Irish traditional music. Úna is joined by bassoonist Éanna Monaghan and fiddle player Paddy Glackin. Together, they showcase the sound world and character of these instruments, performing excerpts from Úna’s unique large-scale work on Hurling, and a new composition for harp, bassoon, fiddle, and electronics.
Belfast born Úna Monaghan is a harper, composer, researcher and sound artist working in Ireland and internationally. She collaborates, improvises and performs with poets, visual artists, computers, writers, musicians, and others. Úna also works as a sound engineer specialising in Irish traditional music, and experimental, live electronic and multichannel music worldwide. She has released two albums of her compositions, most recently Aonaracht, for solo traditional musicians and electronics. Úna received the inaugural Liam O’Flynn Award from the Arts Council of Ireland and the National Concert Hall Dublin and also held the Rosamund Harding Research Fellowship in Music at Newnham College, University of Cambridge from 2016-2019. She is a lecturer in Sound and Music at Queen’s University Belfast, where her research examines the intersections between Irish traditional music, experimental music practices, improvisation and interactive technologies.
Éanna Monaghan is a bassoonist from Belfast, currently based in London. He has studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music, the Royal Academy of Music in London, and with Valentino Zucchiatti in Milan. He enjoys an international performance career working with the BBC Concert Orchestra, English National Opera, the BBC Symphony, Royal Philharmonic, Royal Scottish National and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestras, English Touring Opera and the London Contemporary Orchestra. Additionally, he works regularly in Ireland, performing with the Ulster Orchestra, Camerata Ireland, Irish National Opera, Irish Chamber Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. As a chamber musician, he is a member of The Belfast Ensemble. He has received awards from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Music Network.
Fiddle player Paddy Glackin is from Dublin. His father, Tom, was from County Donegal and was a noted fiddler who had a significant influence on Paddy’s style. Paddy has also been inspired by John Doherty, the Donegal travelling fiddle player and by others such as John Kelly, Tommy Potts and Pádraig O’Keeffe. Paddy was senior all-Ireland champion fiddle player at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann at age nineteen. He was a member of the traditional music group ‘Seachtar’ and then of ‘The Bothy Band’ in the 1970s. He was also a member of ‘Ceoltóirí Laighean’ recording two albums with them. Having spent some time as Traditional Music Officer with the Arts Council, he moved to broadcasting with RTÉ. Although his preference is for solo playing, he has joined forces with numerous musicians such as Paddy Keenan, Dónal Lunny, Robbie Hannan and Mícheál Ó Domhnaill and has also recorded with John Cage and Jolyon Jackson. His first solo album ‘Glackin: Ceol ar an bhFidil’ was released in 1977 and he was the recipient of the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Musician of the Year award in 2022. Paddy was awarded an honorary Doctorate from UCD in 2022.
Tickets available at www.eventbrite.ie/

Harps in Castles - Kathleen Loughnane, Catriona Cannon, Cormac Cannon and Máirín Ní Dhonnchadha
2025-09-25 19:30 - 21:30 | Claregalway Castle, Claregalway, Galway, H91 E9T3, Ireland
Rooted in the living traditions of Irish music and poetry, this special evening brings together some of Ireland’s most respected voices and musicians.
Kathleen Loughnane is celebrated for her evocative arrangements of traditional Irish music and her pioneering research into historic Irish harper composers. A founding member of Dordán, she has toured internationally and released six acclaimed albums.
Catriona Cannon, harper and archivist, blends her classical training with a wide range of influences, having toured Europe with reggae band Intinn and collaborated across genres.
Cormac Cannon, uilleann piper and whistle player, carries forward the piping traditions of the West with soulful ornamentation, rhythmic lift, and a deep reverence for the old style.
Adding a powerful voice of scholarship and poetry, Máirín Ní Dhonnchadha, Poet and Professor of Old and Middle Irish and Celtic Philology at NUI Galway, will recite on the night.
Together, they weave music, words, and history into an evening that honours Ireland’s cultural roots. This promises to be a night not to be missed.

Celebrating the Early Harp with Maria Cleary and Tara Viscardi
2025-09-27 19:30 - 21:30 | Saint Mary’s Cathedral Limerick
Join us for an unforgettable evening of harp music in the historic surroundings of St. Mary’s Cathedral, featuring two exceptional harp players, Maria Christina Cleary and Tara Viscardi, in a celebration of early harp music from the European and Irish traditions.
Dublin born Maria Christina Cleary is a world-renowned pioneer of period harp performance, praised for her virtuosity, improvisation, and basso continuo artistry. With a career spanning international solo appearances and collaborations with leading early music ensembles, Maria brings centuries-old harp traditions vividly to life.
Tara Viscardi, hailing from the Beara Peninsula, is an award-winning harper whose performances combine Irish traditional, classical, and baroque influences. A 2024 UK Harp Association Emerging Artist, she has played on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, from Wigmore Hall to the World Harp Congress.
Across the evening, Maria and Tara will each perform a selection from the repertoire of the early harp, offering audiences a rare chance to experience the early harp’s expressive range in the soaring acoustics of the stunning St. Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick.
Date: Saturday 27th September
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: St. Mary’s Cathedral, Bridge Street, Limerick, Ireland, V94 E068

Music on the Farm Concerts - Les Masques: Jacqueline Cordova-Arrington (flute), Arnaud Ghillebaert (viola), Rosanna Moore (harp)
2025-10-05 15:00 | Cornstown House Farm, Cornstown, Ashbourne, Meath, A84 N512
Les Masques: Jacqueline Cordova-Arrington (flute), Arnaud Ghillebaert (viola), Rosanna Moore (harp)
Internationally-renowned trio, Les Masques have prepared an exciting and uplifting programme of classical music for flute, viola and harp. Not to be missed.
Our concert series features performances of classical, traditional and jazz music in a unique, old world setting. Each concert features talented musicians who bring their unique sounds and styles to our stage. From classical to trad and lots in between, the ‘Music on the Farm’ series offers a diverse line-up that showcases each musician’s individual style and skill. They have performed for presidents and kings and now perform for you!
Set against the background of a diverse farm in the country, these concerts are a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Our barn, now known as ‘The Long House’, once a bustling hub of farm activity, has been lovingly transformed into a quaint and inviting space that retains its original character and charm. Why not come and say hello to the menagerie of friendly alpacas and their friends after the concert and enjoy a stroll in nature around the farm?
Join us at “Music on the Farm” and let the music of internationally acclaimed musicians transport you to a world where you can relax and unwind and live in the moment. It’s an afternoon of music, community, and celebration that you won’t want to miss. We look forward to sharing this magical experience with you.

Lá na Cruite|Harp Day: Amhráin, Cláirseach agus Dánta
2025-10-11 15:30 - 17:00 | Greystones Library, Mill Road, Greystones, Co. Wicklow, A63 KN52, Ireland
Join local Greystones musician and multi-award winning sean-nós singer and harpist Eibhlís Ní Ríordáin for a wonderful free afternoon concert of harpers’ songs, traditional Irish songs, music and poetry in Greystones Library on Saturday 11th October from 3.30-4.30pm. Following on from her very well-received concerts at Greystones library on Culture Night in 2023 and Harp Day in 2024, Eibhlís has been invited back again to the library to give a concert as part of Ireland’s National Harp Day celebrations (Harp Day itself takes place on 18th October).
Eibhlís, whose performance has been described as “the purest of the pure drop”, will accompany her singing of some of the songs, including songs by Turlough O’Carolan and other harper – composers of the 17th and 18th centuries, on the cláirseach (early Irish brass-wire strung harp). She will also sing, unaccompanied, some of the beautiful, traditional Irish ‘sean-nós’ songs from Munster, from where she originally hails. The audience will be encouraged to sing along in many of the songs (song lyrics and translations will be provided in the programme notes). The songs will also be interspersed with some atmospheric poetry by Irish poets (English and Irish language).
About Eibhlís:
Eibhlís researches and sings the Déise (east Munster) sean-nós song repertory. Uniquely, she also researches, reconstructs and performs the much-neglected, and seminal, 17th- and 18th-century harpers’ song repertory to her own early Irish harp accompaniment, on her replica old Irish harp. Her harp, made for her this year by harp maker Kevin Harrington, is a beautiful copy of the early 18th century County Wicklow harp, the ‘Hollybrook Harp’, which is now held at the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks, Dublin.
Recent concerts by Eibhlís include: Scoil na gCláirseach solo concert ‘Tobar an Dúchais’ in July ’24; Scoil na gCláirseach Gala Concert ‘Masters of Irish Music’ at Kilkenny Castle in July ‘23; Harp Ireland’s National Harp Day Concert, Liberty Hall, Dublin in October 2022. She has also performed for the President at Áras on Uachtaráin on a number of occasions. Earlier this year Eibhlís sang in a performance of the renowned composer Benjamin Dwyer’s ‘SacrumProfanum’ in the London Irish Centre. She also features on the RTE documentary ‘Trinity’s Treasures’, airing later this year. Also a highly experienced music educator, Eibhlís (MA (Hons 1), B.Mus, LTCL), regularly tutors in harp and voice for the Historical Harp Society of Ireland, at Scoil na gCláirseach (Festival of Early Irish Harp) and Acadamh na gCláirseach (Academy of Early Irish Harp Online). She facilitates (early Irish) harp workshops and gives talks about the early Irish harp nationally, for the Historical Harp Society of Ireland and for Harp Ireland / Cruit Éireann. She also teaches classical piano at her home in Greystones, Co. Wicklow.
Her sean-nós song and harp-song CD, ‘An Buachaillín Bán’, has been described as “one of the top trad albums of the last year”

Lá na Cruite|Harp Day: Michael Rooney & June McCormack, Music Generation Louth Harp Ensemble, Rachael Dooley
2025-10-18 20:00 - 22:00 | Oriel Centre, Oriel Centre Dundalk Gaol, Carrickmacross Rd, Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland A91 HD70, Dundalk, Ireland
Cruit Éireann|Harp Ireland and Music Generation Louth present an evening of harping to celebrate Lá na Cruite, Harp Day 2025 on Saturday October 18th.
Returning to The Oriel Centre Dundalk Gaol are Monaghan composer Michael Rooney and flute player June McCormack. They will be joined by the Music Generation Louth Harp Ensemble and solo harper Rachael Dooley.
This event is supported by the Louth County arts office at Louth County Council.[/caption]
Date: 18th October 2025
Time: 8pm
Venue: Oriel Centre Dundalk Gaol, Carrickmacross Rd, Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland A91 HD70
Ticket Link: Oriel Centre Website

Lá na Cruite|Harp Day: Ed Reavy Traditional Music Festival 2025 Concert
2025-10-18 20:00 - 22:30 | Townhall Arts Centre, Townhall Arts Centre, Townhall, Cavan, H12 WV82, Cavan, H12 WV82, Ireland
Harpers Lauren Ní Néill, Colm McGonigle and Sabina McCague and the Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan Harp Ensemble play support at the Ed Reavy Traditional Music Festival Saturday night concert featuring Ryan Sheridan (Button Accordion, Bodhrán, Sean Nós dancer), Andrew Caden (Fiddle), Conor McDonagh (Flute) and Conor Connolly (Piano, Button Accordion and Singing).
Date: 18th October 2025
Time: 8pm
Venue: Townhall Arts Centre, Townhall, Cavan, H12 WV82
Tickets: Available on Townhall Arts Centre Website Here

Lá na Cruite|Harp Day: Síle Denvir & Barry Kerr
2025-10-18 20:30 - 22:30 | Glór, Ennis, Co Clare, Ennis, Co Clare, Ireland
glór are delighted to welcome Síle Denvir & Barry Kerr. TG4 Gradam Ceoil Amhránaí na Bliana (Singer of the Year) 2023, Síle Denvir is a sean-nós singer and harper from Connemara who has performed with The Chieftains and the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra. Barry Kerr, from County Armagh and now based in Connemara, is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and composer whose work has been performed worldwide. Together, they combine voice, harp, pipes, flute and original compositions rooted in Irish tradition.
Date: 18th October 2025
Time: 8:30pm
Venue: glór, Causeway Link, Clonroad Beg, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 VHP0
Tickets: Available on glór website here

Music on the Farm Concerts - Alannah Thornburgh (harp)
2025-11-02 15:00 | Cornstown House Farm, Cornstown, Ashbourne, Meath, A84 N512
Alannah Thornburgh (harp)
Alannah Thornburgh is an award-winning instrumentalist and composer from the wild west of Ireland with a focus on traditional Irish harp. Alannah’s music explores her family heritage, reimagining melodies from the Irish harping and American folk & jazz traditions. This cross-genre interaction and juxtaposition of old melodies with contemporary harmonies and technique is interwoven throughout her music, described as being ‘unforced, fluid and utterly at home in her own sound’ (The Irish Times). In February 2025, Alannah released her debut album ‘Shapeshifter’ – a collection of compositions inspired by fairy folklore & mythology in rural Ireland, specifically her native Co. Mayo (“Sublime debut from Mayo composer” 9/10 – Hot Press).
Alannah is nominated for two awards in the 2025 RTÉ Folk Awards – ‘Best Folk Instrumentalist’ and ‘Best Original Folk Track’ for her composition on the shapeshifting quality of the hare – ‘Chasing the Hare’. She featured on an RTÉ 1 Documentary ‘A Note for Nature’ in collaboration with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, performing her interpretation of a Conor Walsh composition ‘One Swallow’. Her compositions have featured on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta podcast series ‘Scéalta’. Alannah is also a recipient of the Arts Council’s Next Generation Award 21/22.
Alannah is a founding member of Alfi, a trio who combine traditional Irish and Appalachian music and song, winners of the 2020 US Embassy Creative Minds Award. Alfi released their debut album ‘Say Old Man’ in July 2023 to great critical acclaim – ‘the album captures the organic, full-bodied spirit of their live shows, as well as the distinctive personalities of the players – and marks Alfi as a vital force in Ireland’s ever-diversifying folk scene’ (Hot Press). Alannah has performed, recorded & collaborated with many artists in the folk & traditional music scene including Anna Mieke, Brían Mac Gloinn (Ye Vagabonds), Lemoncello, Loah, Niamh Bury, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Brigid Mae Power, Jiggy, David Keenan, Tristan Scroggins, Paddy McKeown, Conor Caldwell, Gareth Quinn Redmond and Varo.
Our concert series features performances of classical, traditional and jazz music in a unique, old world setting. Each concert features talented musicians who bring their unique sounds and styles to our stage. From classical to trad and lots in between, the ‘Music on the Farm’ series offers a diverse line-up that showcases each musician’s individual style and skill. They have performed for presidents and kings and now perform for you!
Set against the background of a diverse farm in the country, these concerts are a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Our barn, now known as ‘The Long House’, once a bustling hub of farm activity, has been lovingly transformed into a quaint and inviting space that retains its original character and charm. Why not come and say hello to the menagerie of friendly alpacas and their friends after the concert and enjoy a stroll in nature around the farm?
Join us at “Music on the Farm” and let the music of internationally acclaimed musicians transport you to a world where you can relax and unwind and live in the moment. It’s an afternoon of music, community, and celebration that you won’t want to miss. We look forward to sharing this magical experience with you.

The Sugar Club Harp Sessions | Catriona McKay and Chris Stout
2025-11-15 20:00 - 22:00 | The Sugar Club, 8 Leeson Street Lower, Dublin, D02 ET97, Ireland
Our Sugar Club Harp Sessions concert on Saturday 15th November features Catriona McKay and Chris Stout.

Join us on Saturday, 15th November at The Sugar Club for an unforgettable night of bold, boundary-breaking music with Catriona McKay (Scottish harp) and Chris Stout (fiddle).
Rooted in Scottish tradition and driven by fearless creativity, this world-class duo crafts a sound that’s emotional, dynamic, and wholly their own. A stunning blend of tradition and innovation.
This is a rare chance to experience two master musicians in an intimate setting, as part of our series celebrating the most exciting voices in harping today.
Venue: The Sugar Club, 8 Leeson Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 ET97
Date: Saturday 15 November
Doors 7:30pm, Concert 8pm
Tickets at www.eventbrite.ie/
