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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Harp Ireland
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260727T080000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260803T170000
DTSTAMP:20260227T154834Z
CREATED:20260227T154816Z
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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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260731T210000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260731T223000
DTSTAMP:20260624T100342Z
CREATED:20260624T093445Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260624T100342Z
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.  \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 (Niamh O’Brien and Alannah Thornburgh)\, bassoon (John Leonard)\, viola da gamba (Malachy Robinson)\, and traditional percussion (Mel Mercier). \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\nDate: Friday 31 July 2026\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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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260801T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260801T160000
DTSTAMP:20260626T151556Z
CREATED:20260624T113749Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260626T151556Z
UID:22506-1785592800-1785600000@www.harpireland.ie
SUMMARY:Harps Alive: Walking Tour
DESCRIPTION:Join researcher and storyteller Mark Doherty for a fascinating walking talk exploring Belfast’s rich and often overlooked harping heritage through the lives of two pivotal figures: Valentine Rennie and Alexander Jackson. Central to the development of the Belfast Harp Society in the 19th century\, both men played a crucial role in preserving\, promoting and reviving the Irish harp tradition during a period of immense cultural change. \nDrawing on fresh research\, historical insight and engaging storytelling\, this special Belfast TradFest event traces the people\, places and ideas that helped shape Belfast’s unique place in the history of Irish harping. From the legacy of the Belfast Harp Festival to the city’s continuing role in the contemporary harp revival\, the tour offers audiences a deeper understanding of how Belfast became one of the most important centres of Irish musical heritage. A must for anyone interested in history\, music\, culture and the living tradition. \nDate: Saturday 1st August\nTime: 2pm\nVenue: Belfast City Hall\nTickets: Book here.
URL:https://www.harpireland.ie/showevent/harps-alive-walking-tour/
LOCATION:Belfast City Hall\, Donegall Square N\, Belfast\, BT1 5GS
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.harpireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/harps-alive-walking-tour.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260823T123000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260823T170000
DTSTAMP:20260720T145034Z
CREATED:20260714T135359Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260720T145034Z
UID:22558-1787488200-1787504400@www.harpireland.ie
SUMMARY:Harps for Heritage: Macalla na Mara
DESCRIPTION:Join Cruit Éireann|Harp Ireland in the beautiful surroundings of Muckross Schoolhouse for an afternoon of music\, conversation and craft as harpers\, harpmakers and friends explore the deep connections between our music\, our landscape and our shared heritage. Sit with our master harpers and try your hand at playing an Irish harp\, listen to harpmaker Tim O’Carroll as he shares the secrets and ancient craft of harp building and his efforts to safeguard it.  \nExperience the sounds\, stories and traditions that connect people\, places and generations. Inspired by Macalla na Mara |Sea Echoes\, acclaimed singer Lisa Lambe\, master harpers Cormac De Barra and Deirdre Granville\, flute player Aoife Granville\, and dancer Niamh O’Brien explore the enduring relationship between Ireland’s landscapes\, its coastal communities and its cultural traditions through harp music\, song\, dance and storytelling. Discover how local rivers\, lakes\, coastlines and the natural world around them have inspired them; shaping their music and sense of place\, the traditions they have inherited\, and why passing these skills on to future generations matters more than ever.  \nProgrammme \n12.30-1.30pm Hands on Harps – Try your Hand!\n1.45-2.30pm Crafting a Harp with Harp maker Tim O’Carroll\n2.45-3.30pm Turning the Tide: Safeguarding our Natural Heritage\n3.45pm-5pm Concert: Harps for Heritage 2026: Macalla na Mara|Sea Echoes \nDate: Sunday 23rd August\nTime: 12:30pm – 5:00pm\nVenue: Muckross Schoolhouse\, Killarney\, County Kerry \nThis project received funding through a joint initiative by the Department of Culture\, Communications and Sport and the National Monuments Service to support practices inscribed on Ireland’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
URL:https://www.harpireland.ie/showevent/harps-for-heritage-macalla-na-mara/
LOCATION:Muckross Schoolhouse\, Killarney\, Ireland
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.harpireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Temporary-Macalla-na-Mara-Pic.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260918T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260918T200000
DTSTAMP:20260722T113125Z
CREATED:20260722T092531Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T113125Z
UID:22595-1789754400-1789761600@www.harpireland.ie
SUMMARY:Caomhnú Lú - For the Birds
DESCRIPTION:Cruit Éireann|Harp Ireland’s Caomhnú Lú commission\, For the Birds\, by composer Donnchadh MacAodha in collaboration with Music Generation Louth Harp Ensemble\, is a three-part contemporary work focusing on Louth’s natural environment and unique harping legacy. This new contemporary commission for solo harp and ensemble is a musical response to the birdlife of County Louth\, drawing on the Louth Bird Report and its record of activity along the county’s coastline over twelve months. Dundalk Bay and the wider Louth coast are vital habitats for the many species that pass through and settle here\, and this piece meditates on the fragility of that world in the face of climate change. Bird calls and songs are evoked throughout\, tracking the arrival and departure of different species from spring to winter. \nYoung Ensemble harpers are led by renowned local harper and teacher\, Deirdre Ní Bhuachalla with performances on Culture Night on September 18th and on Cruit Éireann|Harp Ireland’s global celebration of the harp\, Lá na Cruite|Harp Day\, on October 17th. Green activist Mark Deary leads a special open forum and discussion capturing community responses and views at Highlanes Gallery on Culture Night. \nFor the Birds is accompanied by specially curated images by videographer\, Seán McMahon projected on the gallery walls of familiar places throughout the county – already suffering the consequences of climate change and severe flooding. During the performance the audience will experience an immersive sound and visual landscape resonating with the piece and the current evolving climate crisis. \nDate: Friday 18th September\, Culture Night\nTime: 6pm\nVenue: Highlanes Gallery\, 36 Saint Laurence Street\, Drogheda\, A92 F7PH
URL:https://www.harpireland.ie/showevent/caomhnu-lu-for-the-birds/
LOCATION:Highlanes Gallery\, 36 Saint Laurence Street\, Drogheda\, Leinster\, A92 F7PH\, Ireland
CATEGORIES:Concert
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.harpireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/MGHE_6_Donnchadha-Mac-Aodha_Photographer-Robin-Barnes.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260918T200000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260918T220000
DTSTAMP:20260722T165011Z
CREATED:20260722T102946Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T165011Z
UID:22599-1789761600-1789768800@www.harpireland.ie
SUMMARY:Culture Night: Ceol Ársa Cláirsí
DESCRIPTION:A Celebration of Irish Harp Music from the 17th & 18th Centuries \nStep into the rich and atmospheric world of early Irish harpers’ music with Ceol Ársa Cláirsí\, a musical experience that brings the unique sound of the 17th and 18th centuries vividly to life. This performance showcases the music of legendary harper-composers such as Turlough Carolan\, Thomas Connellan\, and Ruairí Dall Ó Catháin\, taken from original Irish and Scottish sources. \nFeaturing a remarkable ensemble of leading musicians – Cormac Breatnach\, Steve Cooney\, Aisling Ennis\, Malachy Robinson\, and Eamon Sweeney – the programme showcases the distinctive textures of gut-strung and wire-strung instruments alongside traditional instrumentation\, anchored by the unmistakable voice of the modern Irish harp. \nWith a sound described by audiences as “unique and mesmerising\,” Ceol Ársa Cláirsí offers a rare opportunity to experience Ireland’s harp tradition\, and how it has permeated the repertoire\, through a historically-informed and immersive performance. \nDate: Friday 18th September\, Culture Night\nTime: 8pm (doors 7:30pm)\nVenue: The Courthouse Arts Centre\, Dwyer Square\, Tinahely\, County Wicklow\, Y14 X099
URL:https://www.harpireland.ie/showevent/culture-night-features-ceol-arsa-clairsi/
LOCATION:The Courthouse Arts Centre\, Dwyer Square\, Tinahely\, Leinster\, Y14 X099\, Ireland
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.harpireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Culture-Night-Tinahely-Artists-collage-1920x1080-web-1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260924T200000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Dublin:20260924T220000
DTSTAMP:20260715T170016Z
CREATED:20260715T161006Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260715T170016Z
UID:22581-1790280000-1790287200@www.harpireland.ie
SUMMARY:Harp Sessions at The Sugar Club | Tríona Marshall\, Ályth McCormack & Graham Henderson
DESCRIPTION:Harp Sessions at the Sugar Club brings Irish harper Tríona Marshall and Scottish singer Ályth McCormack together in a performance that draws from the deep well of Gaelic song and the Irish harp tradition. Ályth\, raised on the Isle of Lewis in the Scottish Outer Hebrides\, is one of the foremost interpreters of Gaelic song and a long-standing featured singer with The Chieftains. Tríona\, also an established musician with the Chieftains\, is a celebrated figure in the Irish harp world today. \nThese two musicians share a deep and enduring artistic connection. The late Paddy Moloney of The Chieftains wrote of their work together: “From the heartland of Ireland to the shores of the Island of Lewis\, Tríona Marshall and Ályth McCormack have created a beautiful blend of harp music and song — showing how closely related our music and songs are.” Irish Music Magazine called their collaboration “a delicious musical adventure\,” and the Ireland Journal “a musical match made in Heaven.” \nJoining them is Graham Henderson – multi-instrumentalist\, composer and producer\, and a long-established presence on the Irish and international music scenes\, whose collaborators have included Sinéad O’Connor\, Eddi Reader and Iarla Ó Lionáird. \nThis meeting of three remarkable musicians\, forged in the crucible of their new album –Time to Leave the Darkness\, promises a rare and memorable evening\, rich in evocative soundscapes\, moving through Scotland’s deep vocal tradition to the finest output of songwriting today. All bound together by arrangements that honour their roots while humming with a quietly thrilling contemporary grace. \nDate: Thursday 24th September\nTime: 8pm (doors 7:30pm)\nVenue: The Sugar Club\, 8 Leeson Street Lower\, Dublin 2\, D02 ET97\nTickets: Book here.
URL:https://www.harpireland.ie/showevent/harp-sessions-at-the-sugar-club-triona-marshall-alyth-mccormack-graham-henderson/
LOCATION:The Sugar Club\, 8 Leeson Street Lower\, Dublin\, D02 ET97\, Ireland
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.harpireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Triona-Marshall-Alyth-McCormack.png
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