Sounds of Limerick Harp Strings: Imagining the Past and Playing the Present
2024-05-26 11:00 - 12:30 (Europe/Dublin) | Lough Gur Visitor Centre, Lough Gur Visitor Centre, Bruff, Co. Limerick, Ireland
Visit the historic site of Lough Gur for free harp entertainment on Sunday 26th May from 11.00am-12.30pm.
Presented by harper Fiana Ní Chonaill in partnership with Comhaltas.

Lisa Canny & Band at The Sugar Club Harp Sessions
2024-05-30 20:30 - 22:00 | The Sugar Club, 8 Leeson Street Lower, Dublin, D02 ET97, Ireland
Lisa Canny & Band at The Sugar Club Harp Sessions
Thursday 30th May 2024
Doors at 8pm
Concert at 8.30pm
€25 / €18
The Sugar Club, Leeson Street, Dublin

Experience a new ‘take’ on Irish harping from some of our foremost young harpers. Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland’s Sugar Club Harp Sessions continue throughout 2024 and feature innovative, cutting-edge Irish harp performances from a variety of players, pushing the boundaries of the tradition in new and exciting ways.
Our third concert on Thursday 30th May 2024 features Mayo harper Lisa Canny and her band. Writing her own original material, Lisa is inspired as much by contemporary music genres like pop and electronica as she is by Irish traditional music. Her music is unique,exciting and pushes the Irish harp in new directions. In 2022 Lisa released her visual E.P. FOLK+ which received two nominations at Exeter Film Festival, and has recently performed at TedX, collaborated with Rolex, and made the cover of LIFE magazine.
“The most exciting act to come out of Ireland in years” Barry Devlin
“Canny doesn’t do twee and traditional. Instead she rocks the stage like a classically trained Janis Joplin” No More Workhorse
Tickets available here

Harp Workshops, Evening Recital & Talk with Janet Harbison
2024-06-01 10:00 - 21:00 | Portballintrae Village Hall, Portballintrae Village Hall, Beach Road, Portballintrae, Co. Antrim, BT57 8US, Ireland
Join Causeway Harp School for a day of harp music with world renowned harper, teacher, composer and academic, Professor Janet Harbison, in beautiful Portballintrae.
Janet will be teaching harp workshops for all ages throughout the day and, in the evening, giving a harp recital and lecture entitled, ‘The Belfast Harp Festival of 1792 and the Revival of Harp in Ulster’. This promises to be an entertaining, insightful and engaging evening, suitable for all ages. Come along and enjoy the music and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the harp in Ulster.
Janet will be teaching a workshop for kids and teens from 10am-12pm and a workshop for adult players from 2-4pm. These workshops are suitable for players of all abilities (except complete beginners).
The evening event begins at 7pm in Portballintrae Village Hall.
Tickets are available for either workshop only, evening event only or a bundle ticket including a workshop and the event event.
Tickets can be purchased here

By the Light of the Silvery Moon
2024-06-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Visual Theatre, Old Dublin Rd, Carlow, Co. Carlow, R93 A3K1, Ireland
By the Light of the Silvery Moon is a special evening of Irish stories for grown-ups – told through words and music by storyteller/Seanchaí Aindrias de Staic, with harpist Aisling Lyons and percussionist Brian Fleming.
Aindrias’ style is a fast paced, lively, new approach to the ancient Irish art form, yet his work is firmly rooted in the traditional storytelling styles of the west of Ireland.
Inspired by his work in folklore, nature, and the traditional arts, Aindrias brings us on a journey through tales of villages lost to the sea, misadventures of wandering musicians, folkloric myths, and of course his own, self-penned, outrageous tales of otherworldly events.
Strongly influenced by bards such as Raifteri an Fhíle, Brian Merriman and Aindrias MacCruitín – Aindrias and his rustic violin spin wild, outrageous, hilarious, and moving yarns from the roads of rural Ireland.
Tickets available here

Harps Alive | Ceol sa Chaifé le Ciara Taaffe
2024-06-14 12:00 - 14:00 | Caife Ceoil, Caife Ceoil, 287 Antrim Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT15 2GZ, Ireland
Caifé agus ceol cruite le Ciara Taaffe sa Caifé Ceoil in Áras Mhic Reachtain, Béal Feirste dé hAoine 14ú Meitheamh, 12.00-2.00.
Ticéid ar fáil anseo.

Harps Alive | Connecting Harps: Belfast and Beyond
2024-06-14 20:00 - 22:30 | St. George’s Church, 105 High St, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT1 2AG, Ireland
Join us for the opening concert of the Harps Alive | An Chruit Bheo | Harps Leevin festival. Exploring our deep-rooted harp connections with Scotland, this concert will showcase emerging young harper Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín, as well as our ancient, shared harp repertoire performed by acclaimed harpers Gráinne Hambly and William Jackson. Finally, Catriona McKay, a ‘fearless explorer of the Scottish harp’ will present a dynamic, fresh take on the harp, pushing the boundaries of tradition and melding with the vibrant sounds of Scottish fiddle maestro Chris Stout. Not to be missed!
This event will take place on Friday 14th June at St. George’s Church, Belfast at 8.00pm.
Tickets available here

Harps Alive | Lunchtime Harp Recital with Tanya Houghton
2024-06-15 13:00 - 13:30 | First Presbyterian Church 41 Rosemary Street Belfast BT1 1QB
On Saturday 15th June at 1.30pm, Reclaim the Enlightenment and Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland will host a lunchtime harp recital with Tanya Houghton in First Presbyterian Church, Belfast as part of the Harps Alive | An Chruit Bheo | Harps Leevin festival 2024.
Having studied in Cambridge, London and Paris, Tanya Houghton has performed internationally as a harp player for orchestras, choirs, chamber groups and as a soloist. She has appeared on many recordings and broadcasts, accompanying choirs including the BBC Singers, the Bach choir and Clare College Cambridge. Orchestral work includes the OAE, CBSO, RTE orchestras and the Ulster Orchestra where she is the regular guest principal harp.
Sit back, relax and have a listen – everyone is welcome!
Tickets available here.

Harps Alive | Citizens’ Manifestation
2024-06-15 14:30 - 15:30 | Assembly Rooms, Belfast, Waring Street, Belfast, BT1 2DX, Ireland
The Assembly Rooms at the junction of North Street and Waring Street is the oldest public building in Belfast, dating back to 1769. It lay at the centre of eighteenth century social life. It was here that the celebrated Assembly of Harpers took place in 1792. It was here that the Belfast Harbour Commissioners were established, and here that Belfast’s citizens rejected a proposal to set up a slave trading company. United Irish leader Henry Joy McCracken was court-martialled here, prior to his execution in 1798.
Join us from 2.30-3.30pm on Saturday 15th June in the Assembly Rooms.
Tuckets available here.

Beara Album Launch - Tara Viscardi
2024-06-19 19:00 - 20:00 | City Assembly House, 58 William St S, Dublin, Dublin, D02 X751, Ireland
Harpist Tara Viscardi and flautist Robert Harvey continue their Beara album launch UK and Irish tour. The project pairs contemporary, original compositions inspired by the Beara Peninsula in the South West of Ireland, with tunes collected and written on the peninsula since the 18th century. It also draws inspiration from Princess Beara, the Spanish Princess who it is said married Owen Mór, King of Ireland, around 120 AD and who gave the area its name.
The project has been showcased at the London Irish Centre 2024, Return to London Town Festival 2023, the 2023 Wales International Harp Festival and the 2022 World Harp Congress, Cardiff, generously supported by Culture Ireland. The album was recorded on location in Dawros Church, Co. Kerry by producer Laoise O’ Brien and engineer Ben Rawlins and is funded by Kerry County Council Arts, Small Investments Ltd. and the Wales International Harp Festival.
Wed, 19 Jun 2024 19:00 – 20:00
City Assembly House, William Street South Dublin

Summer Harps Concert
2024-06-23 19:30 - 21:00 | St. Pius X Church, Ballynally, Moville, Co. Donegal, F93 HY98, Ireland
Sunday 23rd June, 7.30-9.00pm
St. Pius X Church, Moville, Co, Donegal.
Celebrate our harping heritage with a special concert featuring harp and flute duo Deirdre and Aoife Granville, as well as esteemed Irish traditional music trio, Dordán.
Co-founded by harper Kathleen Loughnane, whistle player Mary Bergin and fiddler Dearbhaill Standún in 1990, Dordán’s unique mix of Irish and Baroque music has received widespread acclaim. Dordán have toured extensively in Ireland as well as the United States, UK and European countries and in 1993, Dordán received the National Entertainment award for traditional music. They will perform a range of Irish traditional music, including ancient music of the Irish harpers.
Hailing from Dingle, Co. Kerry; a multi-instrumentalist and singer, Deirdre studied both traditional and classical music from a young age. She has toured and performed extensively worldwide and has featured on Radio, commercial recordings and TV performances both solo and with other celebrated musicians. She has won numerous solo and group performance medals, including the first ever All-Ireland Senior Harp Slow Airs title at Fleadh na hÉireann. She is co-ordinator and founder of Dingle Tradfest music festival.
Aoife is a flute/fiddle player and singer from Dingle who holds a PhD in Folklore/Ethnomusicology (Dingle Wren & European Carnival Cultures). She lectures in Folklore/Béaloideas at the Folklore Department, UCC. A regular contributor to radio and television, Aoife works and publishes in both Irish and English and was appointed to the Board of the Arts Council of Ireland by Minister Martin in February 2022.
Tickets are available here.

Give Me Your Hand: Music of the 1600s for a Gaelic Castle
2024-06-25 08:00 - 17:00 | The Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle, The Parade, Dukesmeadows, Kilkenny, R95 YRK1, Ireland
Described as ‘the single most important living source of Gaelic musical culture’, acclaimed Scottish piper, and singer, Allan MacDonald, makes a rare Kilkenny appearance this July. He will be joined by historical harpist, Tamzin Elliott – in their Irish debut – playing the ravishing, ancient Irish harp, with its rare brass-wire strings. Also performing at this one-off Kilkenny date is rising British star of the Renaissance lute, Toby Carr, and historical-music soprano, Róisín O’Grady, in a programme of intimate music from Scotland, Ireland, England and France in the evocative surroundings of the 1000-year-old Parade Tower at Kilkenny Castle.
Concerts take place live in Kilkenny. A video of the concert will also be available to ticket holders after the festival, until 29 December, 2024. N.B. Evening concerts will not be live-streamed online.
Location:
The Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle
Artists:
Tamzin Elliott, early Irish harp; Róisín O’Grady, voice; Toby Carr, Renaissance lute; Allan MacDonald, voice and Scottish smallpipes
Tickets:
Full price: €18
Student / Unwaged concert tickets: €12 — save €6 on a full-price concert ticket
Festival concert bundle: Enjoy both festival evening concerts for €28 — save €4 on each full-price concert ticket
N.B. Admission to festival concerts is included with All-Access tickets

Aisling Urwin with Ajeet and Aware at The Grian Store, Kilruddery House
2024-06-26 08:00 - 17:00 | The Grain Store, Southern Cross Rd,, Bray, Co. Wicklow, A98 W9F2, Ireland
Saturday 29TH June

Irish harper Aisling Urwin will join AWARË and special guest Ajeet for a stunning summer’s evening in The Kilruddery Grain Store, in partnership with The Trailblazery.
Tickets available here

Holly Geraghty - Musical Musings from Mayo Album Launch
2024-06-26 20:00 | Matt Molloy’s Pub, Bridge St, Cahernamart,, Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland
Harper Holly Geraghty releases her solo debut Harp album at Matt Molloy’s Pub in Westport on Wednesday, June 26, at 8pm.
Get a copy of Musical Musings from Mayo here

Triona Marshall at St. Ann's Church
2024-06-27 13:20 | St. Ann’s Church, Dawson St, 18 Dawson St, Dublin, Leinster, D02 YV57, Ireland
As part of St. Ann’s Lunchtime Recital Series, Tríona Marshall will perform a concert of harp music on 27th June at 13.20.
27th June 2024
13.20pm
Tickets €1o.00, available here

An Chúirt Chruitireachta 2024
2024-06-30 15:00 - 2024-07-05 11:30 | An Grianán, Termonfechin, Louth
Established in 1985, An Chúirt Chruitireachta ranks among the top international harp festivals for Irish harp. Cairde na Cruite warmly welcome harpers of every standard from all over the world to the 2024 festival.
This year’s festival will run from Sunday 30th June – Friday 5th July at An Grianán, Termonfeckin.
Full information on this year’s festival and booking can be found here.
This year’s Festival Tutors include top Irish harpers Máire Ní Chathasaigh, Anne-Marie O’Farrell, Cormac de Barra, Deirdre Granville, Kim Fleming, Deirdre Ní Bhuachalla and Úna Ní Fhlannagáin.

Sunday June 30th

3pm
Pop-Up Concert with Music Generation Louth Harp Ensemble and Harp-Makers Exhibition

8pm
Concert: Fáilte Isteach with Aisling Urwin and Niamh O’Brien and festival artist-in-residence, Gráinne Meyer

Monday July 1st

2:30pm
‘Rose & Catherine: Tunes performed by Rose Mooney and Catherine Martin’ workshop with Eilís Lavelle (open to the public, booking required)

3:30pm
‘Guth na nGael: Harping with words’ workshop with Lauren Ní Néíll and Blaithín Mhic Cana (open to the public, booking required)

4:30pm
Céilí with esteemed local set dancer, Pádraig McEneany (festival participants only)

8pm
Concert: Sounds of Oriel with Eilís Lavelle and Robert Harvey and Zoё Conway and John McIntyre

Tuesday July 2nd

2:30pm
‘The traditional wire-strung Irish harp’ presentation and demonstration with Simon Chadwick (open to the public, booking required)

3:30pm
Workshop with Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta (open to the public, booking required)

8pm
Concert: Roots and Resonance with Méabh McKenna, Gerry Cullen and the Drogheda Singers and Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta

Wednesday July 3rd

2:30pm
Ensemble Day Workshop with Gráinne Meyer (festival participants and invited ensembles only)

3:45pm
Ensemble Day Workshop with Gráinne Meyer (festival participants and invited ensembles only)

8pm
Concert: Emerging Voices: Ensemble Day Gala Concert with IIMS, Music Generation (MG) Meath, MG Laois, MG Clare, MG Cavan/Monaghan (Junior and Senior), MG Mayo, (Youth and Senior), Inishowen, Sonas, Bray CCÉ, Fingal and TU Dublin Harp Ensembles

Thursday July 4th

2:30pm
Voice and Harp Workshop with Cormac de Barra and Seosaimhín Ní Bheaglaíoch (open to the public, booking required)

3:30pm
Workshop with renowned kora player, Suntou Susso (open to the public, booking required)

8pm
Concert: Hup! Finale Concert with Cormac de Barra agus Seosaimhín Ní Bheaglaíoch and Suntou Susso

First Fridays: Sister Sounds: A Celebration of Tradition
2024-07-05 20:00 - 22:00 | Glór, Ennis, Co Clare, Ennis, Co Clare, Ireland
Join Glór Ennis for an unforgettable evening of traditional Irish music as three sets of sisters grace the stage with their exceptional talent and deep-rooted musical heritage. Liz and Yvonne Kane, hailing from Letterfrack, Co. Galway, are renowned for their mastery of the fiddle, captivating audiences with spirited performances steeped in tradition. Multi-instrumentalists, Michelle and Louise Mulcahy, from Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick, born into a family deeply rooted in Irish music tradition, have emerged as leading figures in the contemporary Irish music scene. Carmel and Teresa O’Dea, from Ballynacally, Co. Clare complete the line up for this celebration of sisterhood, on fiddle and concertina, showcasing their exceptional traditional musical talents.
Get your tickets here.

Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy - Harp Recital
2024-07-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Mill Marquee, GAA grounds, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, Ireland
The Willie Clancy Summer School, a major traditional Irish music, song and dance event is held annually in Miltown Malbay, County Clare, Ireland with instrument and dance classes, lectures, workshops, recitals and céilithe all through the week.
The 52nd Willie Clancy Summer School, will run from Saturday 6th July to Sunday 14th July, 2024, with a harp recital taking place on Monday 8th July at the Mill Marquee, GAA Grounds, from 5.00-7.00pm.
See here for tickets and more information.

Leinster Fleadh | Irish Harp Lecture & Recital with Rachel Duffy
2024-07-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Wicklow Library, The Mall, Corporation Lands, Wicklow, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Join the fantastic Wicklow harpist Rachel Duffy for an afternoon of music and Irish harp history in Wicklow Library on Wednesday 10th July as part of Leinster Fleadh’s Fleadh an Phobail!
Rachel Duffy is a harper from Bray, Co. Wicklow. She has a keen interest in the harp’s history and is currently completing a PhD at Technological University Dublin on the 20th century development of Irish harping. As a performer, she has appeared at festivals in China, Spain, Germany, Scotland and Wales and plays regularly with groups including Na Cauci, Triad Trio and the National Folk Orchestra. She enjoys teaching the harp in Wicklow and Dublin and working with harp ensembles at Bray CCÉ and TU Dublin. She is co-director of An Chúirt Chruitireachta, Cairde na Cruite’s International Harp Festival.

Ballina Salmon Festival | Léda
2024-07-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Bandstand, Bandstand, Ballina Salmon Festival, Ballina, Co. Mayo, Ireland
Celebrate National Heritage Day with LÉDA and Ballina Salmon Festival on 10th July at 2.00pm.
LÉDA hail from Balla, Co Mayo & the Shetland Isles respectively and are now based in Glasgow. The duo features both Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín, a multi-award winning harper and multi-instrumentalist who holds a staggering amount of world titles and Amy Laurenson, who was recently named BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2023.
Tickets and full festival information available here.

An Evening of Poetry and Music with Kiêu Conroy
2024-07-17 18:30 - 19:30 | Portlaoise Libary, 23 Main Street, MAryborough, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32 N7EP, Ireland
17th July @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm at Portlaoise Library
FREE. Refreshments provided.
Music Generation harpist Kiêu Conroy will play a recital, while the celebrated Laois poet Pat Boran will be delivering a series of poetry readings. All are welcome and refreshments will be provided on the night. Places are limited so booking early for this event is advised.

Forest Fest | Music Generation Laois Harpers
2024-07-20 | Emo, Emo, Co. Laois, Ireland
Join Music Generation Laois Harpers at the Forest Fleadh stage at Forest Fest 3 in Emo village on 20th July.

Full details and festival programme available here.

Moods - Aisling Ennis, Peter Power & Robyn Byrne
2024-07-21 16:00 - 17:00 | National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Saint Kevin's, Dublin, D02 N527
Aisling Ennis, harp
Peter Power, dance
Robyn Byrne, choreography
This very special Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland and MusicTown event is a collaboration between harpist Aisling Ennis, visual and sound artist Peter Power and dancer & choreographer Robyn Byrne. Join these three artists in a series of original composition, interpretations of existing material and improvisations centred around embodied performance.
Aisling Ennis is highly regarded as a harpist and creative thinker who enjoys a successful, self-directed portfolio career. A former student of the Royal Academy of Music and Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, Royal Irish Academy of Music and holds a first class Master’s degree in Arts Management and Cultural Policy from UCD as well as a PGCE in Primary Education. Aisling is known for her evocative playing across a broad spectrum of genres, her ongoing, multifaceted collaborations and innovative approaches to programming.
Presented by MusicTown and Harp Ireland
Sunday 21 July 2024, 4:00pm at Kevin Barry Recital Room, National Concert Hall, Dublin.
Tickets available here.

MOYA BRENNAN | ZOË CONWAY & JOHN MCINTYRE
2024-07-21 19:00 - 22:30 | Empire Music Hall, 42 Botanic Avenue, Belfast, Belfast, BT7 1JQ, Ireland
Celtic Goddess Moya Brennan has a voice that continues to provide a constant reminder of how the heart can be touched by the purity and thrill of music. Despite the enforced restrictions placed on her and all other artists in the past couple of years she has been active, especially, with the Farewell Tour of her family band, Clannad. Their sell out concert at Dublin’s 3 Arena in February 2023 was an emotional part of the final tour climax after 50 years together.
Her live solo shows, having all the musicality and power of Clannad – but with added, heart-warming intimacy – are always a rich and moving experience. Her unique, effortless vocals and timeless music pay homage not only to her vibrant traditional Irish heritage but also her grasp of contemporary forms. The evening will be a visual (as well as a sound) spectacle with rhythm, atmosphere and vibrant harmony. Her fantastic 5 piece band features her daughter, Aisling, and son, Paul, along with the remarkable traditional harper Cormac De Barra and traditional fiddler Clare Friel from Glasgow/Donegal.

With an exciting blend of eclectic fiddle and guitar music, Zoë Conway and John McIntyre bring to the stage sympathetic arrangements of traditional Irish music, compositions and songs, old and new. The husband-and-wife folk duo possess a rare facility to draw pieces into their repertoire from other genres such as classical, jazz and world music and express this material in way which not only displays the sheer range and knowledge of both instrumentalists but also exhibits the wonderful versatility of their instruments.
They have released two recordings to date. their debut duo album, entitled Go Mairir I Bhfad (Long Life To You), received a glorious 5 stars from The Irish Times; the newest release is a superb collection of live European performances, Live in Concert, released in spring 2017. The album showcases their mesmerising musical interaction on-stage and reveals some of their more virtuosic repertoire outside of the Irish traditional genre. Relaxed and atmospheric, the respect and understanding that they have of traditional Irish music and song also shines through.

Tickets available here

Joe Mooney Summer School - Fiachra Guihen and Mossie Martin
2024-07-24 15:00 - 16:00 | St. John’s Church, Drumshanbo, convent Avenue, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim, Ireland
Join Fiachra Guihen (Harp, Flute, Guitar) and Mossie Martin (Fiddle, Whistle) for a gentle introduction to the music and story of one of Ireland’s best and internationally renowned composers, Turlough Carolan (1670 – 1738).
Wednesday 24th July
3.00pm
St. John’s Church, Drumshanbo.

For ticketing information, see here.

BELFAST HARP FESTIVAL / FÉILE CRUITIRÍ BHÉAL FEIRSTE
2024-07-24 19:30 - 22:00 | Crescent Arts Centre, 2-4 University Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT7 1NH, Ireland
Featuring Eilís Lavelle, Aisling Lyons, Mary Bergin, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh (Bean an Tí), Gráinne Meyer, Mary McGuiggan & Pádraic Keane.
The Belfast Harp Festival, called by contemporary writers “The Belfast Harpers Assembly”, 11–14 July 1792, was a four-day event organised by merchant class Presbyterians Dr. James McDonnell, Robert Bradshaw and Henry Joy, (proprietor of the Belfast News-Letter and uncle to Henry Joy McCracken). Its purpose was to revive an interest in harp music and to collect the music of the harpers and note their style of playing for future generations. What was hoped to be a revival, proved to be a farewell to the old tradition. Eleven harpers attended. Seven were blind. The eldest, Denis Hempson (1695 -1807) from Derry, was 97. He was the only one to use the ancient way of playing with the fingernails.
By far the most important thing that happened at the festival was that a young man from Armagh named Edward Bunting (1773-1843), was employed to write down the music of the harpers, and to make notes on their instrumental techniques. He dedicated the rest of his life to collecting and preserving Irish music. He published three volumes of music, collectively known as the Ancient Music of Ireland.
We pay tribute to that event and the Bunting Collection.
Eilís Lavelle hails from County Monaghan. She has collaborated with a wide range of genres and featured on various broadcasts. Eilís is currently undertaking a PhD at Queen’s University, Belfast focusing on the Edward Bunting collection of music.
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh is a multi-award-winning traditional singer and musician and was the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk singer of the year 2022. Her upbringing in Corca Dhuibhne in West Kerry saw her immersed in a rich cultural environment influencing the foundation of her distinctive vocal and instrumental sound.
Gráinne Meyer is a County Antrim based composer, harpist and pianist. Gráinne most recent winner of the World Music Competition following performances at Wales International Harp Festival 2023. She will perform with a ensemble of her local students.
Aisling Lyons is a multi-award-winning musician and composer from county Clare. She is the holder of 8 All-Ireland titles, has performed internationally and collaborated with distinguished artists and musicians in various projects.
Mary Bergin is considered the worlds greatest tin whistle player and was born into a very musical family. She began playing at an early age winning many awards in Oireachtas and Fleadh Ceoil competitions, including the All-Ireland Championships at Junior and Senior level.
Pádraic Keane was awarded TG4 Young Musician of the Year (2011). He has collaborated with various artists including Ragús, The Irish Chamber Orchestra, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, RTE Concert and Symphony Orchestras and many more.
Mary McGuiggan hails from County Derry and has been dancing since she was four years old, learning her dance steps from May Allen. Mary has had success in competition at local, Ulster and All-Ireland levels.

Venue & Event Information:

This venue is fully wheelchair accessible (https://crescentarts.org/about/plan-visit/accessible-facilities)

Fully Seated

All ages (u16 accompanied by an adult)

Tickets available here

Earagail Arts Festival | The Inishowen Harp Ensemble and Michael & Alice Gallanagh
2024-07-25 20:00 | Christchurch Buncrana, Main Street, Buncrana, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Inishowen Traditional Music Presents a double bill of The Inishowen Harp Ensemble with Michael and Alice Gallanagh, in the beautiful setting of Christchurch, Buncrana.
The Inishowen Harp Ensemble was established in 2020. The all-female group of harpers will take you on a journey which celebrates Inishowen’s musical heritage.
Along with many beautiful melodies you can enjoy music from Honoria Galwey collected in the 1800s, and specially arranged for The Inishowen Harp Ensemble.
‘Songs from the Brass Rail’
From Buncrana, father and daughter Michael and Alice Gallanagh are immersed in the singing tradition of Inishowen. For this festival event they will perform ‘Songs from the Brass Rail’, songs collected and sung in Inishowen and more specifically in Buncrana down through the years.
Michael Gallanagh is one of the most innovative and dynamic guitarists in traditional music. In the company of Jimmy McFarland and Dinny McLaughlin his interest in collecting local songs began. His unique versions of old Irish songs have earned him the respect of music lovers far and wide.
Alice Gallanagh is a singer and fiddle player from Buncrana, Co. Donegal. Alice was introduced to the traditional music of Inishowen under the tuition of Roisín Mc Grory and is influenced by Dinny Mc Laughlin. Alice became interested in the singing tradition through her father Michael Gallanagh and later the Inishowen Traditional Singers’ Circle.

Thursday 25th July
8.00pm
Christchurch Buncrana, Main Street
Tickets available here

Earagail Arts Festival | The Henry Girls
2024-07-26 20:00 - 22:00 | Malin Hall, Malin Hall, Norrira, Malin, Co. Donegal, Ireland
In this special homecoming concert, Malin sisters The Henry Girls showcase work created during their ‘Home’ residency, and celebrate the Malin launch of their latest album, A Time To Grow.

The Henry Girls – sisters Karen, Lorna and Joleen – are a Donegal folk group, renowned for their captivating harmonies and innovative musical arrangements. With the harp as their signature instrument, they evoke the soul of celtic tradition while infusing it with a modern edge.
Their latest album, A Time To Grow, showcases their exceptional talent and has been earning widespread acclaim, with Hot Press Magazine describing it as simply ‘stunning’. Nominated for a coveted RTÉ Folk Award this year, their music resonates with audiences worldwide and with each performance, The Henry Girls enchant, entertain and inspire listeners.

Date: Friday 26th July
Time: 8pm
Location: Malin
Venue: Malin Hall
Admission/Cost: €25
Tickets available here

Meitheal Finale Concert 2024 - Ennis
2024-07-26 20:00 - 22:00 | Glór, Ennis, Co Clare, Ennis, Co Clare, Ireland
Meitheal finale Concert 2024 – Ennis
Friday 26th July , 8pm
Glór, Ennis

The curtain will come down on Meitheal 2024 with the annual Meitheal Showcase concert in glór.
Featuring the Meitheal students and several stars of the trad music world including Alannah Thornburgh (harp), Dessie Kelliher (banjo), Eimear Arkins (fiddle), Lisa Canny, (harp), Marie Walsh (accordion), Stephen Doherty (accordion), Tom Doorley (flute), and many more.
The finalé will feature the Meitheal Trad Orchestra whose membership is drawn from the four corners of Ireland and beyond performing a new trad suite by composer Lisa Canny. Some of the awards won during the week will be announced on the night.
Tickets available here.

BIIRD | PÓLCA 4
2024-07-27 19:30 - 23:00 | Mandela Hall, Mandela Hall, 77 University Rd, Belfast, BT7 1NF, Ireland
Making their debut Irish performance at Belfast Tradfest, BIIRD are a brand new 11-piece, all female, superstar collective made up of some of Ireland’s best traditional musicians and singers. Brought together through a shared love of the music that raised them, the collective is breaking the mould by teaming up with Ireland’s most disruptive and creative designers & stylists. BIIRD aim to update the image and narrative of trad music across the globe.
Their members have won multiple All-Ireland titles, toured the world performing on shows such as Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, The Young Irelanders, The Late Late Show and Electric Picnic, to name a few.
The line-up includes Mayo’s Lisa Canny (harp/banjo/vocals), Ciara Murphy (fiddle/vocals), Aoife Kelly (fiddle/vocals), Aisling Egan Sage (pipes/fiddle), Sal Heneghan (harp/fiddle), Zoran Donoghue (concertina), Castlewellan native MÚLÚ (flute/shruti/vocals), Niamh Hinchy (vocals/whistle/synth), Hannah Heimstra (drums/vocals) and Laura Doherty (guitar/vocals) and Belfast’s very own Claire Loughran (fiddle/synth)
Having just performed their debut show at Trafalgar Square to 8,000 people, it is clear that something magical happens when BIIRD take to the stage, “something hard to describe but easily, deeply felt.” – Annie Mac Manus.
Pólca 4 are guaranteed to get the foot tapping and blood flowing with their high energy shows and vigorous arrangements, mixing local polkas and slides with jigs, reels and songs. The band’s arrangements breathe new life into these time-honored melodies, infusing them with their unique interpretations while preserving the essence of the traditional tunes.
Pólca 4’s performances are characterised by lively interplay between Daire Bracken (fiddle), Pádraig Ó Sé (vocals & accordion), Gary O’Brien (guitar) and Robbie Harris (bodhrán & percussion), creating a musical tapestry that transports listeners to the heart of West Kerry.
This will be their biggest Belfast show to date and you will be dancing, we promise!
Tickets available here

Meitheal Finale Concert 2024 - Limerick
2024-07-27 20:00 - 22:00 | Millenium Theatre, TUS Moylish Campus, Limerick, Co. Limerick, Ireland
Meitheal Finale Limerick 2024
Saturday 27th July, 8pm
Millenium Theatre, Limerick
Join Meitheal for the ultimate gathering at the Millennium Theatre! The Meitheal Finale Limerick 2024 is where the magic happens. Innovative new music, groups and soloists and an exciting new piece for orchestra by Stephen Doherty. Featuring the Meitheal 2024 Orchestra and Alannah Thornburgh, Laura Callaghan, Sarah O’Gorman, Mark Redmond, Caroline Keane, Joseph McNulty, Richie Delahunty, Aogán Lynch, Stephen Doherty and Caoimhín Ó Fearghail.
Tickets available here.
