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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260718T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260718T210000
DTSTAMP:20260624T105239
CREATED:20260611T163543Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260623T111712Z
UID:22436-1784401200-1784408400@www.harpireland.ie
SUMMARY:Cruit: Macalla na Mara | Sea Echoes
DESCRIPTION:Closing the first ever Cruit festival\, Macalla na Mara | Sea Echoes commissioned by Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland\, with support from dlr County Council\, brings together a stellar lineup of artists for an evening of harp music\, song\, traditional music\, and spoken word. As part of the concert\, Cormac De Barra and Lisa Lambe will present this new work Macalla na Mara | Sea Echoes\, inspired by our relationship with the sea and the impact of climate change on our natural environment. Featuring performances from the Inishowen & Derry Harp Ensemble\, harper Lauren Ní Néill\, Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill\, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh\, Neil Martin\, and Stephen Rea\, the concert blends contemporary and traditional performance in a unique programme. \nDate: Saturday 18th July\nTime: 7pm (doors 6:30pm)\nVenue: St. Mary’s Parochial Hall\, Belcruit\, Kincasslagh\, Co. Donegal\nTickets: Book here.
URL:https://www.harpireland.ie/showevent/cruit-macalla-na-mara-sea-echoes/
LOCATION:St. Mary’s Church\, Belcruit\, Kincasslagh\, Ireland
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.harpireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Macalla-na-Mara.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260727T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260803T170000
DTSTAMP:20260624T105239
CREATED:20260227T154816Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T154834Z
UID:22021-1785139200-1785776400@www.harpireland.ie
SUMMARY:O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School 2026
DESCRIPTION: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. \nThe Summer School: A Week of Mastery \nThe 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: \n\nMorning Classes: Dedicated to Harp\, Tin Whistle\, Concertina\, Bodhrán\, and Set Dancing.\nAfternoon Classes: Specialized sessions in Banjo\, Flute\, Button Accordion\, Fiddle\, Traditional Singing\, and Sean-Nós Dancing.\nSpecial Sessions: The “Try the Harp” initiative returns\, offering beginners a unique opportunity to touch and play the instrument in a supportive environment.\n\nConcert Highlights: Harp Ireland & Téada \nThe 2026 festival boasts a stellar lineup of evening performances\, with two major highlights anchoring the schedule: \nThe 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. \nThe evening also features our local Harpers Aoife Guckian\,Sophie Daly\, Fiachra Guihen and Emma Benson who are legendary throughout the North West and beyond . \nSunday 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. \nA 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. \n“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.” \nTickets & 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.
URL:https://www.harpireland.ie/showevent/ocarolan-harp-festival-and-summer-school/
LOCATION:Keadue\, Roscommon\, Keadue\, Roscommon\, Ireland
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.harpireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Keadue-Festival-Image-e1772207016266.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260727T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260727T153000
DTSTAMP:20260624T105239
CREATED:20260623T114835Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260623T145337Z
UID:22452-1785162600-1785166200@www.harpireland.ie
SUMMARY:Harps Alive: Harping with Words: Reimagining Gaelic Bardic Poetry with Harp Accompaniments
DESCRIPTION:The recitation of Gaelic bardic poetry alongside accompanying harp music was a highly esteemed performance practice throughout Gaelic society which involved the famed trio of An File\, An Reacaire agus An Cruitire (the poet\, reciter and harper). Whilst the survival of many Gaelic bardic poems provides us with insights into the complex nature of the poetry\, a lack of recordings\, transcriptions and source material relating to the accompanying harp music obscures our knowledge and understanding of the harpers’ creative practice. \nFrequently mentioned throughout early Irish literature\, the harper undoubtedly played a vital role within this mode of practice which demanded a high level of skill in accompanying poetry governed primarily by syllables and strict metrical rules of composition. Have you ever wondered what these 16th century Irish bardic poems could sound like with harp accompaniment? Come along to get a glimpse into our Gaelic past\, and how we might reimagine it for musicians today. \nLauren Ní Néill \nCruitire traidisiúnta\, léachtóir agus taighdeoir mór le rá as Gleann an Iolar\, Co. Dhoire\, is ea an Dr Lauren Ní Néill. Tá sí tar éis seinm go fairsing ar fud na hÉireann agus na hEorpa\, agus tá sí ina stiúrthóir ceoil ar Chruitirí Dhoire agus ar Chruitirí Inis Eoghain chomh maith. Cuireadh spotsholas uirthi i léiriúcháin ar nós Sruth (TG4/BBC Alba)\, Folk Map of the British Isles agus Beart Bunting\, agus léiríonn a cuid oibre ceangal domhain le traidisiúin stairiúla agus chomhaimseartha na cruite. Ina taighde PhD le déanaí\, Bairdne\, déanann sí iniúchadh ar chur chuige nua maidir le tionlacan cruite do fhilíocht bhairdice Ghaelach. Ba í Lauren an chéad CEO ar Chruit Éireann | Harp Ireland agus tá sí ag léachtóireacht faoi láthair i gceol traidisiúnta na hÉireann in Ollscoil Uladh. \nDr Lauren Ní Néill is a highly regarded traditional harper\, teacher and researcher from Glenullin\, Co. Derry. She has performed and taught widely across Ireland and Europe and is musical director of both the Derry Harp Ensemble and the Inishowen Harp Ensemble. A featured performer on productions including Sruth (TG4/BBC Alba)\, Folk Map of the British Isles and Beart Bunting\, her work reflects a deep engagement with both historical and contemporary harp traditions. Her recent PhD research\, Bairdne\, explores new approaches to harp accompaniment of Gaelic bardic poetry. Lauren was the first CEO of Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland and currently lectures in Irish traditional music at Ulster University. \nDate: Monday 27th July\nTime: 2:30pm\nVenue: Ulster University\nTickets: Book here.
URL:https://www.harpireland.ie/showevent/harps-alive-harping-with-words-reimagining-gaelic-bardic-poetry-with-harp-accompaniments/
LOCATION:Ulster University Belfast\, Belfast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.harpireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lauren-Ni-Neill-Harping-with-Words.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260727T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260727T170000
DTSTAMP:20260624T105239
CREATED:20260623T150350Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260623T151739Z
UID:22468-1785168000-1785171600@www.harpireland.ie
SUMMARY:Harps Alive: From Tradition to Practice – Harp Accompaniment and Style with Colm McGonigle
DESCRIPTION:This workshop with Colm McGonigle explores the evolving role of the harp in Irish music\, from historical traditions to contemporary practice. Through examples and demonstration\, the workshop will examine accompaniment\, arranging and stylistic approaches across different tune types. \nColm McGonigle is an acclaimed traditional musician\, harper and concertina player from Belfast\, widely respected as both a performer and educator within the traditional music community. Initially introduced to music by his father Tom\, he began on concertina before expanding his practice to piano and later the Irish harp\, developing a broad and sensitive musical style rooted in the Ulster tradition. \nColm has performed extensively across Ireland\, the UK and internationally\, with appearances at major venues and festivals including the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall\, Cambridge Folk Festival\, Celtic Connections and Festival Interceltique de Lorient. While based in London\, he was a harp tutor with the London Irish Music School and Feith an Cheoil School of Music\, and has delivered workshops at leading traditional music festivals. \nNow based in Dublin following doctoral studies\, he remains active as a performer\, tutor and session musician\, contributing to the continued development and transmission of Irish traditional harp music. \nDate: Monday 27th July\nTime: 4pm\nVenue: Ulster University\nTickets: Book here.
URL:https://www.harpireland.ie/showevent/harps-alive-from-tradition-to-practice-harp-accompaniment-and-style-with-colm-mcgonigle/
LOCATION:Ulster University Belfast\, Belfast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.harpireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Workshop-with-Colm-McGonigle.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260728T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260728T160000
DTSTAMP:20260624T105239
CREATED:20260623T151416Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260623T152434Z
UID:22472-1785250800-1785254400@www.harpireland.ie
SUMMARY:Harps Alive: The Belfast Harp Festival as a Starting Point with Neil Martin
DESCRIPTION:In this engaging illustrated lecture\, Neil Martin uses the Belfast Harp Festival of 1792 as a starting point to explore the wider historical journey of Irish music. Moving back and forth through time\, the session examines the cultural\, social and musical contexts that have shaped the tradition\, from its early roots to its continued evolution. Through commentary\, imagery and musical examples\, Neil will illuminate key moments\, figures and influences along this path. Insightful and thought-provoking\, this lecture offers a deeper understanding of how history\, place and people have contributed to the rich tapestry of Irish traditional music. \nDate: Tuesday 28th July\nTime: 3pm\nVenue: Ulster University\nTickets: Book here.
URL:https://www.harpireland.ie/showevent/harps-alive-the-belfast-harp-festival-as-a-starting-point-with-neil-martin/
LOCATION:Ulster University Belfast\, Belfast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.harpireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/The-Belfast-Harp-Festival-as-a-Starting-Point-with-Neil-Martin.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260729T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260729T150000
DTSTAMP:20260624T105239
CREATED:20260623T153539Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260623T154917Z
UID:22476-1785335400-1785337200@www.harpireland.ie
SUMMARY:Harps Alive: Arranging for Large-Scale Traditional Ensembles with Michael Rooney
DESCRIPTION:In this insightful talk\, Michael Rooney explores the art of arranging traditional music for large-scale ensembles. Drawing on his extensive experience as a composer and musical director\, he will examine how to expand traditional tunes and songs beyond small group settings while retaining their character and integrity. The session will look at orchestration\, texture\, and balance\, as well as the challenges of writing for diverse instruments and varying skill levels. Through examples and discussion\, Michael will offer a behind-the-scenes insight into shaping large ensemble sound\, making this an engaging session for musicians\, composers and anyone interested in the evolving possibilities of traditional music. \nDate: Wednesday 28th July\nTime: 2:30pm\nVenue: Ulster University\nTickets: Book here.
URL:https://www.harpireland.ie/showevent/harps-alive-arranging-for-large-scale-traditional-ensembles-with-michael-rooney/
LOCATION:Ulster University Belfast\, Belfast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.harpireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Arranging-for-Large-Scale-Ensembles-with-Michael-Rooney-.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260729T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260729T213000
DTSTAMP:20260624T105239
CREATED:20260623T155449Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260623T165115Z
UID:22481-1785353400-1785360600@www.harpireland.ie
SUMMARY:Harps Alive | An Chruit Bheo | Harps Leevin’ Celebrating 230 Years of Bunting’s Legacy
DESCRIPTION:Marking the 230th anniversary of Edward Bunting’s A General Collection of the Ancient Irish Music (1796)\, Harps Alive | An Chruit Bheo | Harps Leevin’ is a landmark celebration of Irish harping\, documenting the ancient tradition and highlighting current practise. This flagship concert brings together leading performers\, tutors and composers for an evening of solo and ensemble performance\, alongside new compositions and arrangements that reimagine historical repertoire for today’s audiences. \nAt its heart is the CÉHI All-Island Harp Ensemble\, led by Síofra Ní Dhubhghaill\, offering a powerful coming together of young harpers from across the island. Blending heritage and innovation\, Harps Alive stands as a centrepiece of Belfast TradFest\, celebrating the harp’s enduring voice and its evolving place in contemporary traditional music. \n230 bliain ar aghaidh ó foilsíodh A General Collection of the Ancient Irish Music (1796) le hÉadbhard Bunting\, is ceiliúradh mór suntasach é Harps Alive ar chruitireacht na hÉireann mar sheantraidisiún agus mar ealaín bheo chomhaimseartha. Tugann an mhórcheolchoirm seo cuid de na healantóirí\, teagascóirí agus cumadóirí is iomráití le chéile d’oíche lán de cheol aonair agus comhcheoil\, a athshamhlaíonn stór stairiúil ceoil do lucht éisteachta an lae inniu. \nI gcroílár na hócáide\, tá Ceolfhoireann Cruite Uile-Éireann Chruit Éireann le cruitirí ó cheann ceann na tíre\, faoi stiúir Shíofra Ní Dhubhghaill\, agus ceol cruite den scoth acu. Ag sníomh oidhreacht agus nuálaíocht le chéile\, seasann An Chruit Bheo|Harps Alive|Harps Leevin’ mar cheann de phríomhimeachtaí na féile\, ag ceiliúradh oidhreacht bheo na cruite agus an tionchar leanúnach atá aici ar cheol comhaimseartha na hÉireann i láthair na huaire. \nDate: Wednesday 29th July\nTime: 7:30pm\nVenue: Ulster University\nTickets: Book here.
URL:https://www.harpireland.ie/showevent/harps-alive-an-chruit-bheo-harps-leevin-celebrating-230-years-of-buntings-legacy/
LOCATION:Redeemer Central\, 101 Donegall Street\, Belfast\, BT1 2FJ\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.harpireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Harps-Alive-for-Featured-Photo.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260730T153000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260730T163000
DTSTAMP:20260624T105239
CREATED:20260623T154234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260623T154925Z
UID:22478-1785425400-1785429000@www.harpireland.ie
SUMMARY:Harps Alive: Live Sound for Traditional Music with Úna Monaghan
DESCRIPTION:Úna Monaghan is a live sound engineer with specialisms in traditional acoustic\, experimental and multichannel music. She has 20 years of experience working internationally with leading musicians and composers\, from Pauline Scanlon\, Andy Irvine\, Dolores Keane\, Maighread and Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill\, to Mark Lettieri\, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh\, John Spillane\, Liz Carroll\, The Olllam\, Liam O’Flynn and Landless. She was Donal Lunny’s front of house engineer for two of his major projects at home and on tour – Usher’s Island and Atlantic Arc Orchestra\, and was touring engineer with At First Light\, Ensemble Ériu\, Notify and Réalta. She has mixed countless traditional musicians from Shetland to Shanghai and through her work in venues throughout Ireland\, including years in An Droichead\, The Black Box and the Duncairn Belfast\, often by artist request. In 2025 she was sound engineer and designer for Jennifer Walshe’s major new opera MARS\, in Galway Arts Festival and The Abbey\, Dublin. \nThis talk and Q&A will discuss considerations for the amplification of traditional musicians\, both from the point of view of the musician and the engineer. In addition to technical basics\, expect detail from Úna’s own approach and insights beyond the practical. It is a must for anyone with questions about any aspect of their live sound. \nDate: Thursday 30th July\nTime: 3:30pm\nVenue: Ulster University\nTickets: Book here.
URL:https://www.harpireland.ie/showevent/harps-alive-live-sound-for-traditional-music-with-una-monaghan/
LOCATION:Ulster University Belfast\, Belfast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.harpireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Live-Sound-for-Traditional-Music-with-Una-Monaghan.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260731T210000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260731T223000
DTSTAMP:20260624T105239
CREATED:20260624T093445Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260624T094055Z
UID:22487-1785531600-1785537000@www.harpireland.ie
SUMMARY:O'Carolan Harp Festival: Sonóir
DESCRIPTION:Cruit Éireann|Harp Ireland\, in conjunction with The O’Carolan Harp Festival\, is thrilled to announce a spectacular headline concert taking place on 31st July 2026\, in the St.Ronan’s Hall\, Keadue. The evening promises an unforgettable celebration of harping.\n\n\n\nAt the heart of the night is a performance of Sonóir\, a groundbreaking Harp Ireland commission by renowned percussionist and composer Mel Mercier. Originally premiered to critical acclaim at the Royal Irish Academy of Music last November\, the piece brings together a highly unusual and evocative blend of two Irish harps\, bassoon\, viola da gamba\, and traditional percussion.\n\n\n\nThe performance of Sonóir will feature the musicians both collectively and individually\, showcasing a masterclass of talent:\n\n\n\nNiamh O’Brien (Harp): A 2025-2026 Fulbright Scholar and doctor of sonic arts\, Niamh brings deep academic and experimental rigor\, bridging the gap between traditional melodies and modern soundscapes.\nAlannah Thornburgh (Harp): Fresh off her win as Best Folk Instrumentalist at the 2025 RTÉ Folk Awards\, Alannah is one of the most exciting voices in the harp world\, known for weaving folklore into complex\, multi-genre arrangements.\nMalachy Robinson (Viola da Gamba) a multi-talented musician and double bassist across many genres from early music to classical repertoire in his regular appearances as a member of the Irish Chamber Orchestra.\nJohn Leonard (Bassoon): who has just stepped down as principal bassoonist of the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and is a highly respected figure in the Irish classical music scene. Renowned for his encyclopedic knowledge of orchestral repertoire and his versatile musicality\, John has performed extensively across a wide range of genres on both the concert platform and in studio recordings.\nMel Mercier (Percussion/Composer): World-renowned percussionist composer explores the harp’s timbres and ensures the heartbeat of Sonóir remains authentic to his vision — a captivating blend of found sound\, traditional rhythm\, and contemporary pulse.\n\nSpeaking on the work\, Mel Mercier said: \n\n\n“The composition\, Sonóir (Sonar) brings together\, for the first time\, the rich sonorities of two harps\, bassoon\, viola da gamba\, and traditional percussion. I am delighted to have been commissioned by Harp Ireland to write this new piece of music for the Irish Harp\, contributing to 21st-century innovation in the repertoire.”\n\nThe concert will also feature The Keadue Harp Ensemble ensuring the legacy of Turlough O’Carolan is celebrated by the community that champions it best\, featuring Fiachra Guihen\, Emma Benson\, Sophie Daly\, and Aoife Guckian.\n\n\n\nDate: Friday 31 July 2026\n\nTime: 9pm\nVenue: St. Ronan’s Hall\, F52 N928\nTickets Here
URL:https://www.harpireland.ie/showevent/ocarolan-harp-festival-sonoir-2/
LOCATION:St. Ronan’s Hall\, Keadew West\, County Roscommon\, Keadue\, Co. Roscommon\, F52 N928\, Ireland
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.harpireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Sonogir-Keadue-Facebk-1200-x-630px-Mel-image-1.jpg
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