TSEAC Singing Sessions with Séamus Ó Flatharta
2024-09-19 19:00 - 21:00 (Europe/Dublin) | The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre, Main Street, Naul, Co. Dublin, K32 AY27, Ireland
Join The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre and our guest Séamus Ó Flatharta for a Singing Session at TSEAC where it’s all about the art of song.
Led by professional musicians, Dónal Kearney, Fergus Cahillane & Macdara Yeates, ‘TSEAC Singing Sessions’ is an informal session where all participants are encouraged to perform and share songs in a relaxed environment. Our guest hosts will do their best to accommodate all those who wish to sing within the time constraints, both on-site and on-line. Each month will also feature an invited special guest singer who will also take to the stage.
If singing isn’t for you and you prefer to just listen, why not come along, and enjoy some refreshments from The Cottage Café whilst you enjoy the music in our atmospheric, candlelit theatre, or join us online as we stream the session live on our social media channels for all to enjoy.
Tickets available here.

Harps Alive | Concert Harp Masterclass with Geraldine O'Doherty
2024-09-19 16:30 - 18:00 | TU DUBLIN, Grangegorman, Dublin 7, Dublin, D07 H6K8, Ireland
TU Dublin
Thursday 19th September, 4.30pm
Free Event | Registration Necessary
Level: Intermediate – Advanced
Join one of Ireland’s leading exponents of pedal harp practice and Principal Harpist with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra Geraldine O’Doherty, as she guides you through its repertoire. Geraldine has premiered and recorded many works by Irish composers including John Buckley, Philip Martin, Eric Sweeney, Gerard Victory, James Wilson, Linda Buckley, Garrett Sholdice, Kevin O’Connell, Anslem McDonnell and Caterina Schembri. She also recorded five albums of new arrangements and transcriptions of music for violin, cello and harp with violinist David O’Doherty and cellist Moya O’Grady. Why not perform a solo piece, and spend time with her working through the music?

Sold out.

Harps Alive | The Harpers Connellan A Lecture-Recital with Kathleen Loughnane (Harp) and Caitríona Finnegan (Cello)
2024-09-14 15:00 - 16:00 | National Library of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
Join renowned harper and researcher Kathleen Loughnane as she tells us more about the life and times of the Sligo harpers William and Thomas Connellan. Hear arrangements of their 17th century repertoire performed live for harp and cello, and learn about this period of great political and social upheaval in Ireland.
Irish music Meteor Award (2010) nominee Kathleen Loughnane is highly regarded for her work in arranging traditional Irish dance tunes and airs for the harp and also for researching the music of Irish harp composers of the 17th and 18th centuries. Kathleen has 4 CDs and accompanying books to her credit, Affairs of the Harp, Harping On, Harp to Heart and her most recent release The Harpers Connellan. She has taught in Ireland and at major festivals in the US, Japan and throughout Europe. Her arrangements have appeared in various publications and feature on the Harp Syllabus of The Royal Irish Academy of Music. Kathleen is currently researching the manuscripts of Patrick O Neill of Owning, Carrick- on- Suir and making a selection from the manuscript to arrange for Irish harp.
Caitríona Finnegan is a cellist from Dublin, Ireland. She completed a Bachelor of Music at the Royal Danish Academy of Music and graduated with a Masters from the Manhattan School of Music, USA. As well as being a chamber and orchestral musician, she enjoys playing a multitude of genres from classical to folk to traditional and pop music. She has recently worked with the Crash Ensemble, Irish National Opera, The Irish Chamber Orchestra and Music Network and at a range of concerts, festivals and recordings in collaboration with various Irish artists throughout the country.
This event will be held in the Joly Lecture Theatre at the National Library. Tickets to this event are free, though there is a set capacity. ISL Interpretation available. Please book on Eventbrite in advance. Tickets available here.

Harps Alive | Flúirse at Malahide Castle
2024-09-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Malahide Castle, Back Road, Malahide Demesne, Malahide, Co. Dublin, K36 YP65, Ireland
14th September
Free | 1pm
Malahide Castle
Hear sounds of the Irish harp echo throughout Malahide Castle with a pop-up performance from Flúirse. Placing second at Gael Linn’s Siansa Competition in 2024, this group of talented young musicians from Co. Laois will showcase traditional music at its finest.

Music Generation Clare Folk Festival
2024-09-14 12:00 - 16:00 | Music Generation Clare, Clon Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95W92H, Ireland
Music Generation Clare will host the MGCE Folk Festival in Ennis, Co. Clare on 14th of September offering a variety of performance music education opportunities to learners between the ages of 10 – 18 years old.
Learners will have the opportunity to improve on their musical skills by attending classes facilitated by high profile music tutors. Later that evening, both tutors and learners will perform together to an open audience in the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis.
Learners will work on composition, arrangement, improving technical music ability during their classes while the performances will benefit learners by developing their self-esteem and confidence.
Get tickets here.

Harps Alive | Irish Harp Workshop with Deirdre Ní Bhuachalla
2024-09-14 12:00 - 14:00 | TU DUBLIN, Grangegorman, Dublin 7, Dublin, D07 H6K8, Ireland
TU Dublin
Saturday 14th September, 12-2pm
Free Event | Registration necessary
Level: Intermediate – Advanced
Internationally acclaimed harper Deirdre Ní Bhuachalla invites you to a harp workshop at TU Dublin. Hear and learn the best of harpers’ music from one of our most renowned harpers.

Admission free. Register here.

Harps Alive | Irish Harp Workshop
2024-09-14 12:00 - 14:00 | TU DUBLIN, Grangegorman, Dublin 7, Dublin, D07 H6K8, Ireland
Irish Harp Workshop with Deirdre Ní Bhuachalla
Saturday 14th September, 12-2pm
Free Event | Registration necessary
Level: Intermediate – Advanced
Internationally acclaimed harper Deirdre Ní Bhuachalla invites you to a harp workshop at TU Dublin. Hear and learn the best of harpers’ music from one of our most renowned harpers.
All Harps Alive workshop are free of charge. We welcome donations to help us cover our costs to support the next generation of harpers. Your help goes a long way as we work to develop and promote harping nationally and internationally. Thank you.

Tickets available here.

King of the Fairies and his Magic Harp
2024-09-14 10:00 - 14:30 | National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Saint Kevin's, Dublin, D02 N527
A Tale of myth and magic through music for families
​​​​​​​
Aisling Ennis, harp
Explore the sound of fairy harp music with harpist ​​​​​​Aisling Ennis.
Come help Aisling find her blue harp with the help of fairy doors in the John Field Room.
Join Aisling as she tells the tale of King of the Fairies Dagha and his magic harp. Introducing us to the three different types of traditional tunes which encapsulate the emotional spectrum – goltraí (sorrowful), geantraí (lively and cheerful), and ending the concert with suantraí (the lullabies).
This is a relaxed event, where everybody is welcome to move about the space as they want.
This concert is designed for toddlers to 8-year-olds and their families, all are welcome.
Adults must be accompanied by a child.

Tickets available here.

Harps Alive | Bygone Times: Harping in Drogheda
2024-09-13 20:00 - 22:00 | St. Peter’s Church of Ireland, Drogheda, Peter Street, Dorgheda, Co. Louth, A92AP95, Ireland
St Peter’s Church Drogheda
Friday 13th September, 8pm
€15 / €12
1844 – the year that the Irish Harp Society in Drogheda held their Grand Harp Concert featuring performances of Carolan’s airs as well as the music other eminent harper-composers. Revisit the story of the Drogheda Harp School and the music performed 280 years on in St Peter’s Church, Drogheda. Featuring Teresa O’Donnell Gráinne Hambly & William Jackson, Deirdre Ní Bhuachalla & renowned fiddle player, Gerry O’Connor, Cormac de Barra, Adam O’Neill, Eilís Lavelle and the Music Generation Louth Harp Ensemble.

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

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.

Eleanor Dunsdon & Gregor Black - Irish Tour
2024-09-04 - 2024-09-08 | Co. Kerry
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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Aisling Urwin, Niamh Ní Bhriain, Méabh McKenna at The Sugar Club Harp Sessions
2024-08-01 08:00 - 17:00 | Co. Kerry
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 fifth concert on Thursday 17th October 2024 features harping duo Aisling Urwin and Niamh O’Brien and solo artist Méabh McKenna. Niamh O’ Brien and Aisling Urwin are a duo of harpers from the Southwest of Ireland. Their music is rooted in the Irish tradition but has expanded throughout their careers to include world, contemporary, original, folk and electronic influences.
In 2021, after doing some performances together for Harp Ireland’s Lá na Cruite, they decided to embark upon a duo project.
Aisling and Niamh believe there is something unique and wonderful in the sound of two harps playing together. Harpers so often play solo, so it has been so exciting for them to play and arrange together. They combine their own individual styles of playing, the particular complexities of their harps which come from different makers, and their voices as they are both singers. They are deeply passionate about the harp, its community and its rich history.They are currently working on an EP of innovative arrangements of old harping tunes and new compositions.
Utilising the harp, voice, electronics and percussion, Méabh McKenna is a multi-instrumental sound artist based in Dublin city. Drawing on years of experimentation and collaboration, her live performances have evolved from traversing the eclectic worlds of traditional, classical, and early music, intuitively weaving them with contemporary and electronic elements. Méabh’s solo project forges a soundworld of mycelial improvisation and memory, connecting the ancient with the futuristic to make a music of resonance and reflection that’s entirely her own.
Don’t miss this incredible lineup – book your tickets now!
Doors at 8.00pm, show starts 8.30pm
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.

Give Me Your Hand: Music of the 1600s for a Gaelic Castle
2024-07-30 20:00 - 22:00 | 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

O'Carolan Harp Festival | Harp Summer School
2024-07-29 09:00 - 2024-08-02 21:00 | St. Ronan’s Hall, Keadew West, County Roscommon, Keadue, Co. Roscommon, F52 N928, Ireland
The O’Carolan Harp Festival Summer School will run from 29th July – 2nd August 2024 in Keadue, Co. Roscommon. Classes will take place from 10.00am -2.00pm.
Tutors for this year’s Summer School are Aisling Lyons, Alannah Thornburgh and Eilís Lavelle.
Click here to book your place.

Tutor information:
Eilís Lavelle
Eilís Lavelle a harpist from Monaghan, began learning music at a young age and was fortunate the Armagh Pipers Club offered the opportunity of learning the harp. Eilís continued developing her musical skills with many tutors over the years.
Having completed her B.Mus degree at DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama, she was awarded the Leo Rowsome award for the highest achievement in traditional music 2013. At present, Eilís is undertaking a PhD in music, focusing on Edward Bunting’s collection of music.
In recent years she has gained extensive experience as a performer and teacher of the harp having travelled throughout USA, Canada and Europe. Eilís is also fortunate to have been supported by Music Network’s Music Capital Scheme, funded by The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Music Network is funded by The Arts Council.

Alannah Thornburgh
Alannah Thornburgh is an award-winning instrumentalist and composer from the wild west of Ireland with a focus on traditional Irish harp. Alannah’s music explores her family heritage, reimagining melodies from the Irish harping and American folk & jazz traditions. This cross-genre interaction and juxtaposition of old melodies with contemporary harmonies and technique is interwoven throughout her music, described as being ‘unforced, fluid and utterly at home in her own sound’ (The Irish Times). Alannah is currently working on her debut solo album, due for release in 2024. The album features a volume of compositions inspired by fairy folklore & mythology in Co. Mayo.

Aisling Lyons
Aisling Lyons is an 8 times All-Ireland Champion harpist & concertina player from County Clare. Aisling grew up in a musical home & went on to study music at The Irish World Academy of Music & Dance in Limerick where she graduated with First Class Honours.
Aisling is now studying for her Masters degree in Music Education at The Irish World Academy where she is the current harp tutor. Alongside teaching with Music Generation in Clare, she is much sought after as a teacher & performer in Ireland & abroad. Aisling has travelled to Australia, Norway, the U.K., U.S.A., Canada, China, France & Germany giving various workshops & performances.

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.

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 - 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.

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

Scoil na gCláirseach
2024-07-26 08:00 - 2024-08-01 17:00 | Coláiste Pobail Osraí, Ormonde Road, Kilkennt, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
Join participants from Ireland—and all around the world—to celebrate the 22nd Scoil na gCláirseach–Festival of Early Irish Harp. Historical Harp Society of Ireland invite you to rediscover the music and traditions of Gaeldom’s exquisite, ancient harp, guided by world experts in the field!
N.B. HHSI warmly welcome players of ALL kinds of harps to attend our festival

Your immersion in this festival is designed to give you the skills to bring your own performances of historical Gaelic harp music gloriously alive as you might never have imagined before. If you are interested in seeing authentic, historical sources, and learning how to use these to turn old paper and ink into living, breathing music, then this festival will interest you: we go an inch wide, and a mile deep. If you are curious of mind as well as curious of finger, then this might be for you!
Find the full festival programme and ticketing information here.

SUNDAY 28TH JULY, 8:00 pm
MASTERS OF IRISH MUSIC
Doimnic Mac Giolla Bhríde, voice
Siobhán Armstrong, early Irish harp
Martin Tourish, accordionA one-off gathering of three of Ireland’s leading performers of evocative, soulful Irish music. Doimnic Mac Giolla Bhríde, the prize-winning sean-nós [‘old style’] singer, will perform with Siobhán Armstrong, Ireland’s foremost performer on the ancient Irish, brass-wire-strung harp. Musician and composer, Martin Tourish, [Young Musician of the Year, 2008], makes a rare Kilkenny appearance also, in an evening of solo singing and harpers’ songs from the ancient Irish harping tradition, together with lively instrumental music. Presented in the 1000-year-old Parade Tower of Kilkenny
Castle.
Tickets avaialble here.

Free Teatime Concerts

FRIDAY 26th JULY, 6:45–7:15 pm
James Ruff, early Irish harp
SATURDAY 27th JULY, 6:45–7:15 pm
Eibhlís Ní Ríordáin, voice and early Irish harp
MONDAY 29th JULY, 6:45–7:15 pm
Paul Dooley, early Irish harp
Hear the ancient sound of the old Irish harp, played by master performers, in intimate
‘teatime’ concerts at Coláiste Pobail Osraí secondary school, 6-7 Ormonde Rd, Kilkenny.
FREE ADMISSION

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

Belfast Trad Fest | Composing Workshop with Aisling Lyons
2024-07-25 16:30 - 17:30 | Ulster University Belfast, Belfast
Thursday 25 July
4:30pm – 5:30pm
Ulster University, York Street

Join multi-award winning musician & composer Aisling Lyons, from County Clare in this composition workshop for all instruments.
Aisling has been described as ‘one of traditional music’s finest musicians’ by Hot Press Magazine & ‘the finest Irish harper at work today’ by Songlines Magazine after the release of her debut album ‘Aistear’. She is the holder of 8 All-Ireland titles & has performed all around the world, from Europe to The U.S, Australia & China. Aisling graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Irish Music from The University of Limerick in 2018 & with First Class Honours as a Professional Master of Education in 2021. She holds a Grade 8 award with Distinction from the London College of Music & currently tutors harp at The Irish World Academy, Limerick & at University College Cork. Aisling is currently involved in a collaborative music residency with glór & Creative Ireland (2022) while touring and recording with bands ‘3 on the Bund’ and ‘Harpanno’. She has been described as ‘one of the rising stars and budding composers of the Irish harp world – rooted in tradition and beautifully inventive’. In 2021, Aisling collaborated with artist Aideen Barry, on ‘Oblivion’ commissioned by Music Network and the Irish Traditional Music Archives & also performed with Tolu Makay on RTÉ’s ‘Ireland in Music’ & for Michael D. Higgins’ 80th Birthday Celebrations on TG4. Aisling’s debut album ‘Aistear’, supported by Clare County Council, was released in 2021 and has been described as ‘an exceptional CD’ (The Living Tradition), ‘a standout record, flawless’ (Hot Press) & ‘excellent’ (Folk Radio UK).

Tickets available here.

Belfast Trad Fest | Learn some tunes from the Bunting collection with Eilís Lavelle
2024-07-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Ulster University Belfast, Belfast
Thursday 25 July
2pm – 3pm
Ulster University, York Street

Eilís Lavelle will teach a couple of dance tunes from the Bunting Collection for all instruments.
Eilís Lavelle a harpist from Monaghan, began learning music at a young age and was fortunate the Armagh Pipers Club offered the opportunity of learning the harp. Eilís continued developing her musical skills with many tutors over the years. Having completed her B.Mus degree at DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama, she was awarded the Leo Rowsome award for the highest achievement in traditional music 2013. At present, Eilís is undertaking a PhD in music, focusing on Edward Bunting’s collection of music. In recent years she has gained extensive experience as a performer and teacher of the harp having travelled throughout USA, Canada and Europe. Eilís is also fortunate to have been supported by Music Network’s Music Capital Scheme, funded by The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Music Network is funded by The Arts Council.

The Bunting Collection, housed at Queen’s University Belfast, is a significant archive dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Irish traditional music. Named after Edward Bunting, a pioneering figure in the collection and transcription of Irish music, the collection is a testament to his life’s work in documenting the rich heritage of Irish folk tunes. Bunting, an organist and collector, began his efforts in the late 18th century, notably at the Belfast Harp Festival in 1792, where he transcribed numerous ancient harp melodies that were at risk of being forgotten.
The collection includes manuscripts, printed music, and various personal papers that provide invaluable insights into the musical landscape of Ireland during Bunting’s time. It also features correspondence and other documents that shed light on Bunting’s methodologies and the broader cultural context in which he worked. Researchers and music enthusiasts alike find the Bunting Collection an indispensable resource for understanding the evolution of Irish music and its preservation.
Queen’s University Belfast has taken great strides to digitize parts of the collection, ensuring wider accessibility and ongoing preservation. The Bunting Collection not only honors Edward Bunting’s legacy but also serves as a cultural treasure that continues to inspire and inform the study of Irish traditional music.

Tickets available 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
