Give Me Your Hand: Music of the 1600s for a Gaelic Castle
2024-06-25 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-07-30 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/Dublin) | 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.

O'Carolan Harp Festival | Harp Recital in Kilronan Castle
2024-07-31 20:30 - 22:00 | Kilronan Castle, Castletenison Demesne, Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon, F52 R867, Ireland
Join O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School for a free harp recital at 8.30pm on Wednesday 31st July in Kilronan Castle featuring Fiachra Guihen, Mossie Martin, Emma Benson, Micheál Fitzgibbon, Clodagh and Sophie Daly performing a selection of O’Carolan’s pieces.
See here for more information.

Live at Rathfarnham Castle: Ruth O'Hara and Megan O'Neill
2024-08-11 15:00 - 16:30 | Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin, D14 K3T6
Join Ruth O’ Hara (harp) and Megan O’Neill (soprano) for an afternoon of music. Enjoy a diverse programme of opera, classical, folk songs and film music along with original music.

Tickets available here.

Harps for Heritage
2024-08-18 12:30 - 17:00 | Muckross House, The National Park, Dromyrourk, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Screenshot

Harps for Heritage
18th August 2024
Muckross House, Garden & Traditional Farms, Co. Kerry.

Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland is delighted to announce Harps for Heritage at Muckross House, Garden & Traditional Farms, Co. Kerry on Sunday 18th August 2024 as part of Heritage Week 2024. In this immersive interactive harping experience, our audience will have an opportunity to experience and engage with various facets of harping and other traditional music practices as well as hearing how musicians engage and interact with one another in the development of their performance repertoire. Harps for Heritage will feature a variety of harp events; a Hands on Harps taster session, a Taking the Tune facilitated discussion and Harps for Heritage concert featuring Tara Viscardi, Robert Harvey, Grace Foley, Ceoltóirí na Ríochta, Lauren Ní Néill and Eugene McKenna.
Join us for a great day of harping and heritage! Tickets available here.
Hands on Harps with Tara Viscardi & Lauren Ní Néill, Deirdre Ní Ghrainbhéil
12.30-1.30pm
In a fun and interactive harp workshop, our harpers will share the story of the harp; its history in ancient Ireland, what it’s made from and its importance as our national symbol. Suitable for all members of the family – you only need to bring yourself and you might even get to try out the harp!

Taking the Tune with Tara Viscardi, Robert Harvey, Ceoltóirí na Ríoga, Lauren Ní Néill and Eugene McKenna
2-3pm
Have you ever wondered how musicians take a familiar tune and make it their own? In this informative, interactive session, harpers, dancers and other traditional musicians will gather to describe their practice, how the tradition has passed from generation to generation, and how each person ‘takes the tune’ to shape and make it their own. This will be a facilitated session, where you’ll get to engage with the musicians and find out what makes them (and their tunes) tick!

Harps for Heritage Concert featuring Tara Viscardi, Robert Harvey, Grace Foley, Ceoltóirí na Ríochta, Lauren Ní Néill and Eugene McKenna
3.30-5.00pm
Join some of Ireland’s finest musical talent for a showcase of diverse styles of harping, singing, portaireacht, whistling, dancing, fiddle and concertina playing.
Against the backdrop of historic Muckross House, a focal point of Killarney National Park, you’ll hear traditional tunes given new life by musicians from across the island.
A multiple prize winner, harpist Tara Viscardi has performed and recorded at venues including Wigmore Hall, Abbey Road Studios, the National Concert Hall Dublin, St John’s Smith Square London, Áras an Uachtaráin, the Mansion House and the Embassy of Ireland UK. Seven times All-Ireland Champion, flautist Robert Harvey released his critically acclaimed solo flute album Feochán in 2020. He has toured internationally with Dónal Lunny’s band Cíorras, the Traditional Arts Collective, The Katerina Garcia Band and The National Folk Orchestra of Ireland. The pair’s recently released Beara pairs 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.
Lauren O’Neill is a sought-after traditional harper, teacher and researcher from Glenullin, Co. Derry. Along with TV and radio appearances such as Seth Lakeman’s 2020 Folk Map of the British Isles and the TG4/BBC Alba series Sruth (2021), Lauren has been invited as a performer and teacher to festivals throughout Ireland, Europe and North America, such as: IMBOLC, Music Generation’s annual Harp and Piping Tionól and Celtic Colours. Lauren has toured in Europe as a member of the Irish harp orchestra and in 2019 performed Seán Doherty’s commissioned works with Benyounes String Quartet, as well as Michael Rooney’s Famine Suite.
From Augher, Co. Tyrone, Eugene McKenna is a traditional fiddle player who has performed throughout the world in the likes of China, Canada, France, Germany and the UK. As both a soloist and fiddle player with the award-winning Blackwater Céilí Band, he has had numerous TV and radio performances on BBC NI, RTÉ 1 and TG4. Eugene has featured as a performing artist at events such as Celtic Colours (Cape Breton), IMBOLC International Festival and at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
Ceoltóirí na Ríochta are made up of Proinnsias Ó Cathasaigh, Alannah Kissane Casey, Máirtín Ó Cathasaigh and Tríona Ní Shúilleabháin. They are award winning musicians, singers and dancers who have travelled around Ireland and the world. They play a range of different instruments which range from fiddle, concertina, guitar, tin whistle, flute and harp to name just a few.

Fuddlefest | Jill Devlin
2024-08-24 12:00 - 2024-08-25 17:00 | Fuddlefest, Fuddletown, Co. Wexford, Ireland
Join harper Jill Devlin at Fuddlefest. FuddleFest is a unique and boutique music festival hosted on a bustling family farm in Fuddletown, County Wexford. FuddleFest takes place over the 24th and 25th of August 2024.
Times TBA
Tickets available here.

Smithfield Fleadh
2024-08-24 14:00 - 15:30 | Smithfield Square, Smithfield Dublin 7, Dublin, Ireland
Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland returns to Smithfield Fleadh on Saturday 24th August with an action packed programme of performances and workshops. We are delighted to have harpers from across the country join us, with harper Teresa O’Donnell, Derry harper Cian Maginn and Dublin group Sult showcasing Ireland’s national emblem.
Teresa O’Donnell is a harpist and musicologist. She has performed with the Irish Chamber Orchestra and was a musician in residence with Fingal County Council for many years. Teresa lectured at St. Patrick’s College, DCU and received a Foras Feasa fellowship (PhD). Her research has been published in a number of journals including, the Journal of the Society for Musicology in Ireland, the Journal of Music Research Online and the American Harp Journal. She co-authored with her sister, Mary Louise O’Donnell, Sisters of the Revolutionaries: The Story of Margaret and Mary Brigid Pearse and they released an album of music for the Irish harp by Brian Boydell, entitled, Heavenly Harps, Heavenly Cloths in 2020. In 2021, Teresa was awarded a PhD scholarship from the Irish Institute of Catholic Studies, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.

Cian Maginn is a member of Newcastle CCÉ in Co Down and a contributor to the Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland youth forum. A student of Colm McGonigle, he was awarded 1st place in Ulster and All Ireland Fleadh in under 15 Harp in 2023.

Sult are three sisters from Dublin’s Northside immersed in traditional Irish music and song from an early age. Their performances incorporate traditional airs, tunes and song interpreted and arranged in their unique and culturally sensitive style. They have received many awards and accolades for their performances as a group and individually, including 17 All-Ireland titles between them. They have performed at National Concert Hall, as part of the ‘Drawing from the Well’ series commemorating the great piper, Liam O’Flynn and on the Body and Soul stage as part of Electric Picnic 2020. The group is comprised of Emer on harp, Caoilfhionn on concertina and Sorcha on uileann pipes/voice.

Hands on Harps Session
In a fun and interactive harp workshop, our harpers will share the story of the harp; its history in ancient Ireland, what it’s made from and its importance as our national symbol. Suitable for all members of the family – you only need to bring yourself and you might even have a chance to try out the harp!

A Deep Ravine
2024-09-01 18:00 - 20:00 | National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Saint Kevin's, Dublin, D02 N527
Conducted & composed by Micheal Rooney

Performed by Music Generation Cavan Monaghan Youth Folk Orchestra
Directed by: Tommy Mc Ardle
Presented and narrated by – Sean Rocks
The innovative suite was commissioned by renowned musician, composer, and musical director Michael Rooney, with a script crafted by esteemed writer Tommy McArdle. “A Deep Ravine” tells the story of life on the border, delivering a profound creative response to the era of partition and offering deeper insights into the significant events of that time. Audiences are encouraged to reflect on the lives of individuals living 100 years ago on the newly established border as two separate states, North and South, came into existence.
The performance comes to life through the talents of the recently formed Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan Cross Border Youth Folk Orchestra. These young musicians, hailing from Cavan, Monaghan, Tyrone, Fermanagh, Scotland, and Ukraine, represent a diverse range of musical genres. They are joined by talented local actors from Monaghan and Cavan. Presented and narrated by RTÉ host and MC Sean Rocks.
Presented by Music Generation Cavan Monaghan
Sponsored by Monaghan County Council and Cavan County Council, through The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media, under The Community Strand of the 2023 Decade of Centenaries Programme and Creative Ireland Programme 2023.

Tickets are available here.

Eleanor Dunsdon & Gregor Black - Irish Tour
2024-09-04 - 2024-09-08 | Co. Wicklow
Eleanor Dunsdon & Gregor Black are a Glasgow-based harp and percussion duo, both recent post-graduates of the Traditional Music course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. They blend traditional with contemporary, drawing on experiences in jazz, folk and classical genres to bring something fresh to the traditional music scene. In February this year they won the Danny Kyle award at Celtic Connections in Glasgow, and appeared as FATEA’s featured artists at Southport’s Love Folk Festival. Eleanor and Gregor played at the Edinburgh International Harp Festival in April and at Purbeck Valley Folk Festival in August. This year they were selected as UKHA Emerging Artists, and released our debut EP, ‘Let No Man’ in April 2024.

Tour Dates:
Weds 4th Sep – Bello Bar, DUBLIN 8:30pm
Fri 6th Sep – House of McDonnell, BALLYCASTLE 7:30pm
Sat 7th Sep – House concert, ANTRIM 7:30pm
Sun 8th Sep – Sunflower Public House, BELFAST 8:00pm

Tickets available at: www.eleanorgregorduo.com/gigs
Instagram: @eleanorgregorduo
Facebook: @eleanorgregorduo

The Sugar Club Harp Sessions | Catriona Cannon & Cian Finn
2024-09-12 20:00 - 22:00 | The Sugar Club, 8 Leeson Street Lower, Dublin, D02 ET97, Ireland
Experience a new ‘take’ on Irish harping from some of our foremost young harpers. Cruit Éireann|Harp Ireland’s Sugar Club Harp Sessions run 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 fourth concert on Thursday 12th September 2024 features Galway harper Catriona Cannon and Cian Finn. As founding members of Intinn, a four-piece Irish dub and dancehall collective, the pair have performed on the same stages as The Wailers, The Skatalites and UB40. In 2010 Intinn was declared “Best Upcoming Reggae Act in UK and Ireland” at the One Love Festival in London.
Catriona has since recorded and performed on harp with many musicians, over contemporary, experimental and traditional genres and featured on Cian’s debut album ‘This Applies’ in 2015. Performing together, Cian and Catriona will draw on their combined musical influences for an evening of harp, dub and song.
Book tickets now before they’re gone!
doors 8.00pm
concert starts 8.30pm

Tickets available here.

Thomas Connellan Harp Festival
2024-09-13 - 2024-09-15 | Lough Gur Visitor Centre, Lough Gur Visitor Centre, Bruff, Co. Limerick, Ireland
The Thomas Connellan Harp Festival in Lough Gur takes place the 13th – 15th of September. There is stellar line up of some of the best harp players in the country. The festival celebrates Lough Gur’s link with famous harper and composer Thomas Connellan. Connellan is said to have died at Bouchier’s Castle in 1698 and to be buried in Teampall Nua.

The festival features: Kathleen Loughnane and Cormac Cannon, Michelle Mulcahy, Alannah Thornburgh And Emma Benson

Events not to missed!

Friday 13th
Session Dave Clarke’s Bar Bruff
8pm

Saturday 14th
Harp Workshops
Honey-Fitz Theatre
2pm-5pm

Sunday 15th
Free Lecture/Recital with Kathleen Loughnane: The Harpers Connellan
Lough Gur Visitor Centre
2pm

Sunday 15th
Concert
Lough Gur Visitor Centre
8pm

For more info/ to book any events you can contact 0877676331

Workshop places can be booked on Eventbrite through the following link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/harp-workshops-lough-gur-national-school-the-honeyfitz-theatre-tickets-1003731757707

Concert tickets can be booked with the following link: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/concert-an-evening-of-irish-harp-at-lough-gur-celebrating-thomas-connellan-tickets-1003071663347?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
