Join us in Belfast for a feast of harping at Harps Alive 2025. Learn from some of our great harpers. Enrol in our workshops to experience the magic of harp playing.

Harper Sharon Carroll invites children to come along to be spellbound by enchanting harp sounds and intriguing stories. This is an hour out for all the family. You might even have a chance to try out a harp for yourself!

Venue: Shankill Road Library
Date: Friday 13th June 10am – 12pm
Adm Free. Donations welcome.
Register online at eventbrite.ie.

Lecture: Valentine Rennie – The Celebrated Professor of the Irish Harp.
Valentine Rennie, a remarkable musician, was one of the foremost entertainers of Georgian Ireland. Initially a student of the Irish Harp Society, Rennie became the last great master harper of that institution. A relative of the Scottish poet Robert Burns, he played for the King at the opening of Ireland’s first great concert hall. Valentine Rennie’s unique and fascinating life story will be shared by Belfast local historian Mark Doherty.

Venue: Rosemary Street Church Hall
Date: Friday 13th June, 1pm – 2pm
Adm Free. Donations welcome.
Register online at eventbrite.ie.

Join us for an enchanting evening of traditional and contemporary harp music at Harps North, featuring acclaimed pedal harpist Rosie Murphy alongside leading traditional harpers Éilis Lavelle, Colm McGonigle, and Lauren O’Neill.
This unique concert celebrates the vibrant legacy and future of Irish harp music, showcasing the distinct styles, repertoires, and collaborations of four exceptional artists. From the elegance of the concert harp to the rich textures of the Irish harp, experience the diversity and depth of this ancient yet ever-evolving tradition.
Whether you’re a seasoned harp enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Harps North promises a moving musical journey through Ireland’s harp heritage.

Venue: Rosemary Street First Presbyterian Church
Date: Friday 13th June 7.30pm
Tickets £15/€18 (cons. £10/€12) at eventbrite.ie

Sharon Carroll is an experienced harp teacher and the Director of the Carroll School of Harp and Sonas Harp Ensemble in Newry. She is also a harp tutor for Music Generation Meath. She works with many budding young harpers to help them develop and grow as musicians. Her method of teaching allows pupils to gain confidence to perfect the skills required to play the most complicated pieces with ease and the utmost enjoyment.

Venue: St Joseph’s Sailortown
Date: Saturday 14th June 10.30am – 12.30pm
Adm Free. Donations welcome.
Register online at eventbrite.ie.

Would you like to learn more about the early Irish harp, or try out on a copy of an ancient Irish harp and be taught a tune? Join Aoibheann Devlin‘s workshop to hear this rare instrument being played and – if you sign up early enough – try out the early Irish harp in a hands-on beginners’ workshop. Harps will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Venue: Cultúrlann MacAdam Ó Fiaich
Date: Saturday 14th June 11.30am
Adm Free. Donations welcome.
Register online at eventbrite.ie.

Michael Rooney is a highly acclaimed composer and harpist, recognized for his extraordinary contributions to Irish traditional music. Known for his deep understanding of the harp and as a composer of large-scale orchestral suites. Michael has composed several celebrated works and his mastery of the harp and his unique compositional style have earned him numerous awards, including the TG4 Composer of the Year award in 2017.
He is a dedicated educator, sharing his expertise and passion for the harp.

Venue: The Duncairn
Date: Saturday 14th June 11.30am
Adm Free. Donations welcome.
Register online at eventbrite.ie.

Save the Assembly Rooms

The Assembly Rooms is the oldest public building in Belfast, dating back to 1769. It lay at the centre of eighteenth century social life. It was here that the celebrated Assembly of Harpers took place in 1792. Join our ‘Manifestation’ to preserve the Assembly Rooms and to secure them for public use as a facility for arts and heritage purposes and for other community uses.
Venue: Assembly Rooms
Date: Saturday 14th June 3:30 – 4.00pm

Join us for a spellbinding evening of music and poetry in the atmospheric setting of St George’s Church. Connecting Harps brings together some of Ireland’s most celebrated harpers and musicians in a unique celebration of tradition, creativity and connection.

Experience the lyrical beauty of poetry and harp with Aisling Lyons and Moya Cannon, the masterful harping of Michael Rooney, and compelling performances from Gráinne Hambly, Aisling Lyons, Gráinne Meyer and Cormac de Barra. Rounding out the programme are the much-loved duo Zoë Conway and John McIntyre, known for their dynamic fusion of traditional fiddle, voice, and guitar.

Connecting Harps offers a rich tapestry of sound, tradition, and creative dialogue – celebrating the harp as a living symbol of creative connection.

Venue: St George’s Belfast
Date: Saturday 14th June 7:30pm
Tickets £15/€18 (cons. £10/€12) at eventbrite.ie