World Harp Congress - Submit Your Video
2025-12-19 08:00 - 2025-12-31 17:00 (Europe/Dublin)
Dear young harpers (up to 35)

The World Harp Congress warmly invites you to join them on a journey into the modern sound of the harp.

You can choose any piece you love that sparks your imagination or brings you peace, joy, or fun, written after 2000 — and they’ll be happy to share it and celebrate your playing, as well as the composers whose ideas inspire you.

Just record your piece (max 6 min) as beautifully as you can. Together, we’ll bring new ideas to light.

Aisling Lyons at Scoil Gheimhridh Ghaoth Dobhair
2025-12-28 08:00 - 2025-12-31 17:00
Beidh Aisling Lyons mar theagascóir cruite ag Scoil Gheimhridh Ghaoth Dobhair na bliana seo.
Aisling Lyons as this year’s harp tutor at Scoil Gheimhridh Ghaoth Dobhair.
Book your place here: https://scoilgheimhridh.com/harp/

Harps at Tradfest 2026
2026-01-23 08:00 - 2026-01-25 17:00
Catch wonderful harp performances throughout Tradfest 2026.
Concert: Aoibhe Kettle
Date: 23 January 2026
Time: 1pm
Venue: The Cobblestone, 77 King St N, Smithfield, Dublin, D07 TP22
Concert: Grainne Hambly
Date: 24 January 2026
Time: 1pm
Venue: Rathfarnham Castle, Rathfarnham Rd, Rathfarnham, Dublin, D14 K3T6
Concert: Celebrating the Harp with Stephen Rea, Brídín, and TU Dublin Harping Ensemble
Date: 24 January 2026
Time: 4pm
Venue: Áras Chrónáin, Watery Ln, Orchard Rd, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, D22 X856
Concert: IIMS Harp Ensemble
Date: 25 January 2026
Time: 4pm
Venue: Ardgillan Castle, Ardgillan Demesne, Co. Dublin, K34 C984
Tickets and Full Programme Here

Féile na Tána 2026 – Festival Launch Concert
2026-01-25 20:00 - 22:30 | Carlingford Heritage Centre, Church Road, Carlingford, Co. Louth, Ireland
Seoladh na Féile / Festival Launch Concert
Featuring Liam O Maonlaí, Vincent Woods and the Cruit Éireann|Harp Ireland All-Island Ensemble. The ensemble, led by harper Síofra Ní Dhubhghaill, presents Anáil Ársa na Seanmhaoine, a re-imagining of music of the ancient harpers from the Bunting & Neal Collections by the acclaimed harper-composer Michael Rooney.
Venue: Carlingford Heritage Centre
Date: Monday, 25th January, 6pm
Admission: €15 / U18s tickets €10
Ticket: Book Here

Féile na Tána Commission Concert
2026-01-30 20:00 | Carlingford Heritage Centre, Church Road, Carlingford, Co. Louth, Ireland
Ceolchoirm Coimisiúin Féile na Tána | Féile na Tána Commission Concert
Comh-léirithe ag Cruit Éireann agus Féile na Tána | Jointly-presented by Cruit Éireann|Harp Ireland & Féile na Tána
World premiere of a new work for four Irish harps by Bill Whelan.
Featuring harpers Aisling Lyons, Cormac de Barra, Gráinne Meyer & Séamus Ó Flatharta
Also featuring a duo performances by Caoimhe and Séamus Ó Flatharta and  Zoë Conway and John McIntyre.
Venue: Carlingford Heritage Centre
Date: Friday 30th January, 8pm
Admission: €15 / U18s ticket €10
Tickets: Book Here

Anne-Marie O'Farrell at St Brigid’s Festival – The Irish Composers Collective: ‘Sounds of Spring’
2026-02-01 13:00 - 14:00 | National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Botanic Road Glasnevin Dublin 9, Dublin, Ireland
The Irish Composers Collective presents ‘Songs of Spring’, a lunchtime concert of exciting new chamber music for harp, cello and soprano, taking place against the beautiful backdrop of the National Botanic Gardens.
Acclaimed musicians Yseult Cooper Stockdale (cello), Sylvia O’Brien (soprano) and Anne-Marie O’Farrell (harp) will perform a range of new works written by members of the Irish Composers Collective. These pieces, composed specially for the concert, will explore themes of Irish mythology, storytelling and nature. Come along for what promises to be a special celebration of Imbolc and the arrival of spring.
The Irish Composers Collective is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland.
Date: Sunday 1st February, 1pm
Venue: National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin
Tickets: Free event, registration required here

The Irish Consort
2026-02-15 18:30 - 20:00 | Pepper Canister Church, Mount St Crescent, Dublin 2, D02 HC65, Ireland
Join us in the beautiful Pepper Canister Church for a unique evening with The Irish Consort, directed by Siobhán Armstrong. This concert explores the role of the early Irish harp at the 17th century English royal court and features the Irish premiere of William Lawes’ harp consorts performed on a brass wire strung early Irish harp by Siobhán Armstrong, with Bojan Čičić (violin), Reiko Ichise (bass viol), Elizabeth Kenny (theorbo).
Venue: Pepper Canister, 7 Mount St Crescent, Dublin 2, D02 HC65
Date: Sunday 15th February 2026
Doors: 6:00pm, Concert: 6:30pm
Tickets: Book Here

Sugar Club Harp Sessions | Michael Rooney & Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh
2026-02-28 20:00 - 22:00 | The Sugar Club, 8 Leeson Street Lower, Dublin, D02 ET97, Ireland
Michael Rooney and Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh open our 2026 Sugar Club Harp Sessions. Both artists are leading figures in Irish traditional music and bring a distinctive blend of creativity, musicianship and deep cultural knowledge to the stage. Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh is a renowned sean nós singer from Corca Dhuibhne and a multi award winning artist celebrated for her expressive and powerful performances. Michael Rooney is an influential harper and composer whose innovative style and large scale ensemble works have become central to the modern harp repertoire.
Venue: Sugar Club, 8 Leeson Street Lower, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin, D02 ET97
Date: Saturday 28 February 2026
Doors: 7:30pm Concert: 8:00pm
Tickets: Book here

Belfast St. Patrick's Music Festival: Harp Workshop with Michael Rooney
2026-03-14 11:00 - 13:00 | The MAC, 10 Exchange Street West, Cathedral Quarter, Belfast, BT1 2NJ, Ireland
Suitable for intermediate & advanced musicians with two years instrument experience.
Michael Rooney is a prolific composer and is widely regarded as one of the foremost players of the traditional Irish harp. Michael was awarded the TG4 Composer of the Year in 2017. Originally from Scotstown, Co. Monaghan and now a long time resident of County Sligo, Michael has composed 17 suites of music in the past 20 years, including ‘The Ulster Suite’ (2022), ‘Clairseoireacht’ (2022), Constance (2020), The Famine Suite (2019), The Macalla Suite (2016), Boróimhe Suite (2014), The Second Coming (2014), De Cuellar Suite (2011) and Battle of the Books Suite (2007).
Date: 11am – 1pm, Saturday, March 14th
Venue: The MAC, 10 Exchange Street West, Cathedral Quarter, Belfast, BT1 2NJ
Price: £25 (+£2 fee)
Book Here
These events are fully accessible.
The MAC have lifts to all levels and the Front of House team is fully trained to provide additional assistance during your visit. There are accessible toilets on each of the 6 floors of the MAC. Please note that the toilets do not contain hoist systems.

Belfast St. Patrick's Festival: Dougie MacLean | Ursula Burns
2026-03-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Mandela Hall, Mandela Hall, 77 University Rd, Belfast, BT7 1NF, Ireland
Belfast TradFest is proud to present the internationally acclaimed Scottish singer-songwriter Dougie MacLean, the legendary voice behind the timeless anthem “Caledonia”, in a very special concert at Mandela Hall on Saturday 14 March 2026. Few songs capture the spirit of home, belonging and identity quite like Caledonia. Although written on a beach in Brittany, the song’s earliest performances took place here in NI — shared informally among friends in the maternal home of celebrated Belfast harper Ursula Burns. Now, decades later, MacLean returns to the city where the song’s journey truly began, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience his music in a place intimately connected to its history. Expect songs, stories and soulful moments that honour music, memory and the ties that bind us across seas and generations.
“…a Scottish phenomenon… with his exquisite guitar style, expressive voice and honest performance, his songs conjure up remarkably vivid imagery of our world.”
– The Performing Songwriter, USA
Ursula Burns
Celebrated harper Ursula Burns brings her critically acclaimed album, The Secret Melodies of Trees, to the stage. Having received rave reviews from around the world, Ursula’s mesmerising performance will transport you through hauntingly beautiful harp compositions, poetic storytelling, and ethereal melodies that echo the whispers of nature.
Date: Doors 1pm (starts 1.30pm), Saturday, March 14th
Venue: Mandela Hall, 77 University Rd, Belfast BT7 1NF
Price: £32.50 (+£2 fee)
Book Here
Venue & Event Information:
Age 12+, U16’s to be accompanied by an adult.
This venue is wheelchair accessible
Full bar available
Unreserved seating

Teacher Training course – Teach Traditional Music & Song
2026-04-19 15:00 - 2026-05-24 17:00
This is a short, practical professional development course designed specifically for traditional music and song teachers who are already out there doing the work—and are ready to refresh, refocus, and strengthen their teaching.
On the course, teachers will:

Bring structure and clarity to their teaching using a traditional music teaching & learning framework
Plan lessons that work
Strengthen their teaching toolkit with practical skills, strategies and tools
Clearly define their role as a traditional music educator
Understand where each learner is on their journey — and where they’re going
Build a habit of reflecting on and improving their teaching

Certified by RIAM
Date: Sundays, 3–5pm (replays available)
Venue: Online
Fee: €295
Registration: https://iteachtrad.com/product/become-a-certified-traditional-music-educator/

Historical Harp Society of Ireland - April Harpers' Gathering
2026-04-19 16:00 - 18:00 | Online
The Historical Harp Society of Ireland warmly invites you to their free online Harpers’ Gathering community social time, hosted by HHSI volunteer, Barbara Karlik. Come for harp chat, share what you’ve been working on, and try out tunes you want to play in front of a small, very supportive audience.
Register Here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/doJ6AMOxTEW2xVjfOtrBzQ#/registration

The Sugarloaf Sessions Festival
2026-04-24 - 2026-04-26 | Bray, Co. Wicklow, Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
The Sugarloaf Sessions is a one-of-a-kind, traditional Irish music festival for adult learners. This event is about more than just playing tunes–it’s about preparation, connection, and unlocking your full music potential.
Instruments: Fiddle, flute, tin whistle, banjo, concertina, button accordion, piano accordion, uilleann pipes, mandolin, and harp.
Festival Highlights
Pre-Festival Prep: Kick off your learning with the TuneClub app. You’ll get curated tune sets, handy practice tools, and even chat with tutors and other participants before the festival.
Hands-On Workshops: By day, join small-group workshops with expert tutors. Refine your technique, learn new tunes, and get personalised feedback in a supportive setting.
Friendly Sessions: Each evening, unwind at the group sessions paced so everyone can comfortably join in. Enjoy the thrill of playing an Irish session without stress.
Real Session Experience: Learn to accompany songs and gain practical know-how for playing confidently in a group.
Music Community: Be part of a warm, welcoming community and experience the camaraderie that makes Irish music so special.
Dates: 24 – 26 April 2026
Venue: Bray, Co. Wicklow
Book: https://tuneclub.com/experiences/the-sugarloaf-sessions/

Music at the Malthouse
2026-04-26 15:00 - 17:00 | The Malthouse, Main Street, Stradbally, R32 HP98, Ireland
Music at the Malthouse is an annual festival celebrating collaborations between Music Generation Laois ensembles and guest artists.
On Sunday 26th April, Music Generation Laois will host an afternoon of live music on Sunday 26 April, 2026 featuring Michael McGoldrick, Catriona McKay and Michael Rooney.
MG Laois Harp Ensembles have been working in collaboration with the Scottish Harper Catriona McKay and Monaghan’s Michael Rooney. Music from this very special collaboration will be performed at the Sunday afternoon concert in the Malthouse.
Michael McGoldrick (Flute | Whistles | Uilleann Pipes) has been working alonside the MG Laois Trad Orchestra, MG Laois Trad Group and their Directors Tommy Fitzharris, Denise Boyle and Siobhan Buckley. Ensembles will perform original compositions (new and old) by Michael McGoldrick and a number of traditional songs.
Music at the Malthouse is funded by the Arts Councl Festival Investment Scheme, Creative Ireland Laois and Laois County Council’s Tourism Grant 2026.
Date: Sunday 26th May
Time: 3pm
Venue: The Malthouse, Stradbally, Laois
Tickets: Book Here

Historical Harp Society of Ireland Online Courses
2026-05-02 | Online
The Historical Harp Society of Ireland have online courses, starting May 2nd.
Cerdd dant: Music of the medieval Welsh harpers
Explore the historical harp repertoire of the Welsh bardic tradition of cerdd dant (string music) through a guided, hands-on introduction to gosteg Dafydd athro (‘the prelude of master David’), the opening piece preserved in the Robert ap Huw manuscript.
Tutor: Dr Karen Loomis
Going to the Source: A fresh look at iconic Irish-harp compositions
Take a fresh historical approach to playing two iconic Irish traditional melodies, Tabhair Dom do Lámh (‘Give me your hand’) and Carolan’s Concerto, drawn from their earliest surviving sources.
Tutors: Dr Tamzin Elliott, Dr Siobhán Armstrong
The Year 1691: Music for a Jacobite hero
Learn to sing and play two powerful and poignant historical laments for the defeat of the Jacobites in Ireland: Chum Pádraig Sáirséal (‘Farewell to Patrick Sarsfield’) and Briseadh na Bóinne (‘the defeat at the Boyne’).
Tutors: Eibhlís Ní Ríordáin, Dr Siobhán Armstrong
All courses meet online on six Saturdays
Early-bird offer: enroll for €99 / course and save 24% off the full price of €130. Offer ends 28 April, 2026
Enrollment: https://irishharp.org/acadamh

Harp Sessions at The Sugar Club | Cormac De Barra & Lisa Lambe
2026-05-21 20:00 - 22:00 | The Sugar Club, 8 Leeson Street Lower, Dublin, D02 ET97, Ireland
Two leading voices in Irish music, harper Cormac De Barra and singer Lisa Lambe, perform at Harp Sessions at The Sugar Club, the second in our 2026 series. Cruit Éireann is proud to premiere their collaborative work, Macalla na Mara | Sea Echoes; a new composition for harp and voice, inspired by our deep connection to the sea and a response to climate change and rising sea levels. Commissioned by Cruit Éireann, with support from dlr County Council, Macalla na Mara is a new work by two renowned artists and an artistic response to current challenges to the environment. Set in the intimate and iconic surroundings of The Sugar Club in the heart of the city, this concert also features music that reflects the rich harping tradition and explores contemporary Irish song and harp from two consummate performers.
Date: Thursday 21st May
Time: 8pm (doors 7.30pm)
Venue: The Sugar Club, 8 Leeson Street Lower, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin, D02 ET97
Tickets: Book here.
Cormac De Barra
Cormac is a third generation harper in a family of Irish-speaking singers and musicians raised in Dublin, but with roots in County Cork. A well-known TV presenter on TG4, he has recorded and toured with many of Ireland’s most celebrated artists including Hazel O’Connor, Julie Feeney, Brian Kennedy, Moya Brennan, Imelda May, Cathy Jordan, The Chieftains and Clannad. He and fellow harper, Anne-Marie O’Farrell, have performed together as an Irish harp duo for over 25 years. His most recent tours include the Music Network tour of Ireland with Altan’s Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and piper, Mark Redmond and a tour of Germany with Moya Brennan. The fourth album in the Voices & Harps collaboration with Moya Brennan – a tribute to Mary O’Hara – was released in May 2024.
Lisa Lambe
Hailed as “the finest singer and actor of her generation,” Lisa Lambe is an internationally acclaimed Irish singer, actor and folklorist. A leading presence at the Abbey and the Gate theatres, she has given international concerts at Radio City New York, Red Rocks, Celtic Connections, and Glastonbury. She has been central to the global success of Celtic Woman, with Grammy and Emmy nominations and six Billboard World Artist of the Year awards. She has performed regularly with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, and on RTÉ Radio, for TV and Film soundtracks and as national anthem singer for FAI and American Football. She is the creator of the acclaimed Nightvisiting song story and folklore project which tours in Ireland and abroad. Lisa’s sixth solo album is due for release in 2026.
Note: Macalla na Mara|Sea Echoes has been commissioned by Cruit Éireann|Harp Ireland with support from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

Macalla na Mara | Sea Echoes
2026-05-26 18:00 - 19:00 | dlr LexIcon, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Join two distinctive voices – harper Cormac De Barra and singer Lisa Lambe – for a performance of their powerful co-commission Macalla na Mara | Sea Echoes. Together, they explore the inspiration behind this evocative work: a creative response to the mystery of our surrounding waters, and a poignant meditation on climate change. Commissioned by Cruit Éireann|Harp Ireland with support from Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Arts Office. This event is funded with support from dlr Libraries.
Date: Tuesday 26 May 2026
Time: 6pm
Venue: dlr LexIcon, Haigh Terrace, Moran Park, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin A96 H283
Free Entry. Booking is not required.

Janet Harbison's Adult only Harp Weeks
2026-05-31 - 2026-06-06 | Dungloe, Co. Donegal, Dungloe, Co. Donegal, Ireland
The Adult Only (Residential) week
This course is for players over the age of 18, at all levels and abilities. Held by celebrated veteran Janet Harbison, this course focused on personal development, social playing, fun and friendship located in the town of Dungloe on the magnificent Donegal coast – and at the heart of traditional Irish community. Janet will take your musicianship, confidence, creativity and traditional music understanding to a new level – enabling you to understand how music works and leading you to develop your own tunes and arranging skills. The style of teaching is oral with everyone challenged to a comfortable level. Learning is like language – instilling all the necessary skills, confidence and fluency of a native player – always focused on the core repertoire known to musicians and harpers world-wide. With a maximum of 8 participants, everyone is assured of personal attention with workshops, lectures, concerts and sessions in the evenings, and a great trip out on Wednesday afternoon. There is lots of interaction with local musicians – Join Janet and the community of Dungloe musicians for a week to remember!
Course dates
May 31 – 6 June (Spaces Available)
July 5 – 11 (Limited spaces)
What’s included
• 5 days of Summer School training from 9.30am to 3.30pm (with 9.30am – 12.45pm on Wednesday) with lunches provided (all diets catered to) and all evening concerts, lectures and sessions (with travel where necessary!)
• Accommodation for 6 nights (from Sunday to Saturday) in twin or double ensuite bedrooms in adjacent (and fully equipped) holiday cottages. All bookings are treated as for single occupation, but you are welcome to bring a friend/partner if you wish.
Kitchens are set up with starting breakfast supplies, and all-day teas and coffees.
• A mid-week trip out to Glenveigh National Park, Arranmore Island or Mount Errigal (cost not included).
• For participants booking consecutive weeks, the in-between night’s accommodation is free.
• Harps are available to all (at an extra charge) if you don’t wish to bring your own!
• Pick-ups and drop-offs are arranged free of charge for all travelling by air or bus.
What’s not included:
• Your evening meals. As we have self-catering facilities, you may choose to eat in or out.
On Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings, we book a table at McCafferty’s Pub which is very near us and an excellent pub and restaurant. On Thursday evening, we do a ‘pot luck’ at home where all who wish can contribute to a communal evening.
• The optional Wednesday afternoon trip out to Arranmore or to Glenveigh Castle in the Glenveigh National Park. Either trip costs €30 (including bus/ferry/entrance costs).
• The Wednesday evening concert in Dungloe’s community centre (featuring all local musicians, singers and dancers) where a ‘contribution’ to cover the interval refreshments is requested (€5 expected)
Course price (includes course, concerts etc, lunches and arrival night dinner): €900
Accommodation (6 nights) Twin or Double bedroom en suite and starting breakfast supplies: €490
Harp Hire (at the venue during classes and practice periods, and elsewhere by special arrangement): €80
‘Plus ones’ (friends/partners): €300

An Chúirt Chruitireachta 2026
2026-06-28 08:00 - 2026-07-03 17:00 | An Grianán, Termonfechin, Louth
Cairde na Cruite’s annual summer festival runs from Sunday 28th June to Friday 3rd July 2026. The full programme will be announced in early 2026. Register Here
Information
Residential Packages:
Student Participants (U18 or O18 with a valid student ID) : €600
Adult Participants (18+ Years) : €900
Listener: €700
The residential rate includes all workshops, concerts, meals and accommodation at An Grianán from Sunday 28th June until Friday 3rd July 2026.Non-residential Packages:
A. Morning Package:
(morning classes: 9.30am – 1pm)
€150

B. Half Day Package:
(includes morning classes, dinner and afternoon workshops: 9.30am – 5pm)
€300

C. Full Day Package:
(includes morning classes, dinner and afternoon workshops, evening meal and concerts: 9.30am – 10pm)
€495

Janet Harbison Harp Teacher Course
2026-07-11 - 2026-07-18 | Dungloe, Co. Donegal, Dungloe, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Janet Harbison’s Donegal Harp Summer School
Teacher’s Week: Residential and Non-Residential
This course starts on Sunday morning at 11 am July 12th. Arrive Saturday evening (July 11th) or before 11am on Sunday morning (July 12th). This course runs alongside the Dungloe Open Harp Week:
What’s included
• 14 hours of Teacher Training, 10 hours of Teaching Practise with inclusion in the regular summer-school classes
• Training materials and sample books
• All evening activities, concerts, lectures, sessions
• Lunches (for all dietary options) and supper on Sunday evening (July 13). All other evenings we eat out or cook in (this cost not included)
• An optional mid-week trip out to Glenveigh National Park, Arranmore Island or Mount Errigal. (Extra cost: €30)
• 7 days of accommodation (from Saturday to Saturday) in twin or double ensuite bedrooms in homely, fully equipped adjacent holiday cottages. Kitchens are set up with breakfast supplies, and all-day teas and coffees. (For participants taking 2 consecutive weeks, the in-between night is free)
Course Price (Per person): €1,100
Accommodation (6 nights) Twin or Double bedroom en suite and starting breakfast supplies: €490
Harp Hire (at the venue during classes and practice periods, and elsewhere by special arrangement): €80
Find out more: JanetHarbisonHarp.com

O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School 2026
2026-07-27 08:00 - 2026-08-03 17:00 | Keadue, Roscommon, Keadue, Roscommon, Ireland
KEADUE, CO. ROSCOMMON –The village of Keadue, the final resting place of the legendary blind harper Turlough O’Carolan, is proud to announce the return of the O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School. Running from Monday, July 27th to Monday, August 3rd, 2026, this week-long celebration marks one of Ireland’s most significant cultural gatherings, blending world-class performance with immersive musical education.
The Summer School: A Week of Mastery
The festival kicks off on Monday, July 27th, with the highly anticipated Summer School. Musicians of all ages and abilities will gather for intensive workshops led by master tutors. The curriculum is designed to be comprehensive, ensuring the preservation of traditional Irish arts:

Morning Classes: Dedicated to Harp, Tin Whistle, Concertina, Bodhrán, and Set Dancing.
Afternoon Classes: Specialized sessions in Banjo, Flute, Button Accordion, Fiddle, Traditional Singing, and Sean-Nós Dancing.
Special Sessions: The “Try the Harp” initiative returns, offering beginners a unique opportunity to touch and play the instrument in a supportive environment.

Concert Highlights: Harp Ireland & Téada
The 2026 festival boasts a stellar lineup of evening performances, with two major highlights anchoring the schedule:
The O’Carolan Harp Festival in conjunction with Harp Ireland are co -sponsoring on Friday 31st July in Keadue a fantastic concert of Mel Mercier’s newly Harp Ireland commissioned work, called Sonóir for 2 Irish harps, Bassoon, Viola Da Gamba and percussion which we premiered last Nov in the Royal Irish Academy of Music. The idea would be that they will perform individually as well as collectively – all renowned musicians in their own right – Niamh O’Brien (Harper, Composer and Fullbright Scholar, Alannah Thornburgh (Harper, Best Folk instrumentalist at the RTE Folk Awards 2025), Malachy Robinson (Irish Chamber Orchestra) Greg Crowley( National Symphony Orchestra) and Mel Mercier himself on percussion.
The evening also features our local Harpers Aoife Guckian,Sophie Daly, Fiachra Guihen and Emma Benson who are legendary throughout the North West and beyond .
Sunday Evening Main Event: Téada The festival’s centerpiece performance takes place on Sunday in Thr O’Carolan Centre at St. Ronan’s Hall, featuring the internationally acclaimed group Téada. Known for their raw energy and virtuosic precision, Téada is a leading voice in traditional Irish music. Their performance promises to be a high-octane celebration, bringing a global perspective back to the heart of North Roscommon. Formed in 2001, Téada has headlined major music festivals across the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Led by fiddle player Oisín Mac Diarmada, the group is celebrated for a sound that is both sophisticated and unpretentious, proving that traditional music remains a living, breathing, and wildly exciting art form.
A Legacy in String Beyond the stage and classroom, the festival will include the annual Harp Competition, attracting competitors from across the globe to vie for one of the most prestigious titles in the traditional circuit. The week concludes on the August Bank Holiday Monday with the legendary Door Dancing competition and a festive parade through the village.
“We are thrilled to welcome the world back to Keadue,” says the Festival Committee. “From the quiet focus of our morning workshops to the thunderous applause for Téada, this week is a testament to the enduring spirit of O’Carolan.”
Tickets & Enrolment: Online registration for the Summer School and ticket sales for all concerts will be open soon . Due to high demand, early booking is strongly advised.
