Cairde na Cruite Christmas Concert
2024-12-08 15:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Dublin) | Cornstown House Farm, Cornstown, Ashbourne, Meath, A84 N512
Join Cairde na Cruite for their annual Christmas Concert at 3pm on Sunday 8th December in Cornstown House, Ashbourne Co.Meath.
Seasonal refreshments will be served at this unique venue.
Student harpers are welcome to contact us if they would like to perform some of their Seasonal favourites.

Harp & Song: A Christmas Concert
2024-12-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Russborough House, Blessington, Co. Wicklow, W91 W284, Ireland
Experience the magic of Christmas in Russborough’s magnificent Entrance Hall with an enchanting evening of music performed by two of Ireland’s finest musicians – harpist Ruth O’Hara and soprano Megan O’Neill.
Let their masterful blend of Christmas classics, traditional Irish melodies, and beloved film scores fill this historic space with festive warmth. From timeless carols to Celtic favorites, this promises to be an unforgettable evening of musical celebration.
Date:
Saturday 14th December – 6pm
Featured Artists:
Ruth O’Hara – Harp
Megan O’Neill – Soprano
Make it Special:
Enhance your evening with a pre-concert charcuterie board at our café. Book Here.
Book your tickets now for an evening of musical enchantment in one of Ireland’s most beautiful historic settings.

Tradfest 2025: Harping Now with Lauren Ní Néill & The Martin Family
2025-01-22 12:30 - 14:00 | Castle Hall at Dublin Castle, Dame Street, Dublin 2, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Tradfest 2025: Harping Now with Lauren Ní Néill & The Martin Family

Irish harping has undergone a dramatic transformation in the past 50 years. Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland’s CEO, harper Lauren Ní Néill, chats about its 1000 year old heritage, the efforts to safeguard it, its UNESCO recognition and how harping has integrated with mainstream Irish traditional music. Lauren will be joined by some of our finest young harpers – Jaymee, Ryan and Kayla Martin – who will share their favourite harp tunes and more.
Book here.

Harpissima 2025 at RIAM Dublin | 22-23 February
2025-02-22 - 2025-02-23
Harpissima 2025
22-23 February 2025
RIAM – Royal Irish Academy of Music
Westland Row, Dublin
The event is open to all harpists and students from across Ireland.
All activities and harp exhibition are FREE OF CHARGE by application online.
Saturday 22 February
1.00pm – Harp Marathon
2.00pm – Workshop with Aisling Ennis (An introduction to arranging and improvising for LEVER HARP
Sunday 23 February
10.00am – Masterclass with Joel Von Lerber
Harp Marathon
4.00pm – Harp Recital, Joel Von Lerber
Including pieces by Renié, Smetana, Connesson, Chertok, and Tchaikovsky.
Harp Exhibition open all weekend
Register at https://www.salvimusic.com/harpissima-europe/
Promoted by Salvi Harps and Lyon & Healy

The Sugar Club Harp Sessions | Harpanno
2025-02-22 20:30 - 22:30 | 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 continue throughout 2025 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 opening concert on Saturday 22nd February features Harpanno, with Irish harper Aisling Lyons joined by Dale McKay and Conor Broderick in a new-age genre of music combining traditional Irish harp and piano with the meditative sound of the handpan. Harpanno’s music is calming, tranquil but yet energetic, and takes you on a journey through newly composed handpan melodies, layered percussion sections, blissful harp riffs and vibrant piano passages.
Harpanno’s début album “Finding Calm” was released in March 2024 and they have since performed at Doolin Folk Fest, The Dunamaise Arts Centre and Cornstown House. Book now for their performance at The Sugar Club, Dublin on Saturday 22nd February 2025.
Support Act: Lily O’Connor
Lily O’Connor is a multi instrumentalist from Ballygriffey Co.Clare. She comes from a rich musical family steeped in tradition and plays regularly with her mother Frances Custy, founder of Custy’s music shop, and sisters Eve and Maisie. She learned to play the concertina from Mary McNamara and Liam O’Brien, and the harp from Fionnuala Rooney. Lily was drawn to the music of east Clare where she was encouraged greatly by the likes of Seamus Bugler and Pat Mullins.
Tickets available here.

Folk on the Moor with Chris Newman and Máire Ní Chathasaigh
2025-02-23 19:30 - 22:00 | Moorland Hotel, Wotter, Wotter, Plymouth, PL7 5HP, United Kingdom
Both musical supremos, Chris Newman and Máire Ní Chathasaigh, combine effortlessly and will wow you with their dexterity and sublime musicianship. Chris’s playing on guitar has variously been described as “utterly breathtaking” (Folk Wales) and “life affirming” (RnR magazine) and Maire as “the doyenne of Irish harp players” (Scotland on Sunday) and “an absolute legend” (The Irish Echo – USA)
“Folk on the Moor” is based at the Moorland Hotel at Wotter, United Kingdom. Event starts at 7.45pm. Find out more.

Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman. The University of St. Thomas, Texas
2025-03-06 19:00 | Cullen Hall, Texas, 4001 Mt. Vernon St. Houston, TX, TX 77006, United States
Concert sponsored by the University of St. Thomas William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies
Free admission and open to the public. Attendance is on a first come, first served basis.
For parties of six or more, or guests with mobility issues, please email to make arrangements

Celebrating Traditions of Music: ICTMD Ireland 20th Anniversary Concert
2025-03-07 18:00 - 19:30 | DCU, DCU St Patrick's Campus, Dublin, Dublin, D09 YT18, Ireland
ICTMD Ireland 20th Anniversary Concert: Celebrating Traditions of Music
Join us for a special concert celebrating intersections of music traditions from Ireland, Ghana, Peru and India with performances from DCU Faculty, the Irish Institute of Music and Song (IIMS) Ensemble, the Rodrigo Almonte Andean Jazz Ensemble, and Indian Classical musician Sruthi Ravali.
Performers include Francis Ward (piano), Síle Denvir (vocals/harp), Marie-Louise Bowe (violin/viola), Robert Harvey (flute), Róisín Nic Athlaoich (viola), Mary Barnecutt (cello), Martin O’Connell (button accordion), Ruadhan Redmond (uilleann pipes); John Nutekpor (percussion), Nial Preston (bodhrán), Ciara Dunbar (violin); and Rodrigo Almonte (guitar), Matthew Jacobson (drums), and Aidan Gray (acoustic double bass).
Tickets are free but limited.
Available on EventBrite. – https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/celebrating-traditions-of-music-ictmd-ireland-20th-anniversary-concert-tickets-1252546713939?aff=oddtdtcreator

Little Rock Folk Club presents Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman
2025-03-08 19:30 | Hibernia Irish Tavern Little Rock, AR, 9700 N Rodney Parham Rd K, Little Rock, AR, AR 72227, United States
The pioneering partnership of one of the UKs finest and most influential acoustic guitarists (fROOTS) with the doyenne of Irish harpers (SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY) and an absolute legend (THE IRISH ECHO) has presented its unique musical vision in twenty-two countries on five continents to venues ranging from the tiniest of village halls to palaces in Kyoto and Istanbul, Londons Barbican, Sydney Town Hall and the Philharmonie in Cologne
Máire is the doyenne of Irish harp players (SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY), an absolute legend (THE IRISH ECHO) and 2001 recipient of Irish musics most prestigious Award, Gradam Ceoil TG4 Musician of the Year for the excellence and pioneering force of her music, the remarkable growth she has brought to the music of the harp in Ireland and for the positive influence she has had on the young generation of harpers.
Chris Newman is a brilliant English master of the acoustic guitar (THE DAILY TELEGRAPH) and the UKs premier flat-picking guitarist. A dazzling player (ACOUSTIC GUITAR, USA), whose work is nothing short of brilliant (DIRTY LINEN, USA), he is one of the very few guitarists who excel in Celtic, European swing jazz and American bluegrass styles. He was Live Irelands Male Musician of the Year 2009 and 2019.
Need a little more convincing?… trust your own ears here—> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGAD4iZJJow

Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman Concert at Bevens Hall
2025-03-09 14:00 | Bevens Hall, Lyon College, Batesville, AR, United States
Free admission – concert sponsored by Renate Rosenthal in memory of her late husband, Robert L Campbell
Find out more

"The Singing Harps" with Claire Roche
2025-03-21 13:00 - 14:00 | National Concert Hall Dublin, Dublin, Co. Dublin, D02 N527, Ireland
“The Singing Harps”
The John Field Room National Concert Hall Dublin .
The programme will include favourite Irish songs with harp accompaniment, such as ‘Eileen Óg’, ‘The Galway Girl’, etc.
Included will be Claire’s original songs, sung with Irish ,Concert, and Electric harp.
Tickets 15 euro, concessions available.
Hear Claire on clairerochemusic.com.

New Music Dublin 2025 Lunchtime Concert: Berginald presents Bombast!
2025-04-03 13:30 | National Concert Hall Dublin, Dublin, Co. Dublin, D02 N527, Ireland
Chelsea Sharpe, violin
Giammaria Tesei, viola
TBC, cello
Fiona Gryson, harp
Berginald Rash, clarinet
Greg Crowley, bassoon
Hannah Miller, horn
Patrick Nolan, percussion
John Doyle, conductor
Ishmael Claxton, visual artist
Violist Clifton Harrison has had to pull out due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances. His replacement is Giammaria Tesei.
Oy Guidry Just because I have a dick doesn’t mean I’m a Man (Irish Premiere)
Carlos Simon Loop for string trio (Irish Premiere)
Nkeiru Okoye Breaking Bread for solo viola (Irish Premiere)
Ivan Enrique Rodríguez The Broken Contract for harp and recording (Irish Premiere)
Quinn Mason In Memory for solo horn (Irish Premiere)
Jessie Montgomery Peace for clarinet and harp (Irish Premiere)
Allison Loggins-Hull Stolen for solo cello (Irish Premiere)
Gabriela Ortiz Atlas-Pumas for violin and marimba (Irish Premiere)
Shawn Okpebholo There is Always Light for clarinet, bassoon and marimba (Irish Premiere)
Jeff Scott The Idle Mind for solo horn (Irish Premiere)
Joseph Hallman Concerto for B-flat/E-flat clarinet, violin, viola, cello, bassoon, horn, harp & percussion (World Premiere)
Bombast! showcases works both by Black composers—many of whom form the US-based composer collective Blacknificent 7—and Latiné composers. Bombast! features the world premiere of Joseph Hallman’s Clarinet Chamber Concerto; interpolation and extemporisation around an arresting Joy Guidry original; plus powerful and poignant works by such provocative composers as GRAMMY®-nominated Gabriela Ortiz, GRAMMY®-nominated Kennedy Center Composer-in-Residence Carlos Simon, and Imani Winds founding member Jeff Scott. Listeners will also encounter introspective works by the celebrated Nkeiru Okoye, internationally lauded Quinn Mason, GRAMMY®-winning composer and Chicago Symphony Orchestra Mead Composer-in-Residence Jessie Montgomery, and GRAMMY®-nominated Shawn Okpebholo.
Bombast! brings together some of today’s most celebrated musicians from around the world, including violinist Chelsea Sharpe of the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, and versatile viola player Clifton Harrison, formerly of the Kreutzer Quartet. They collaborate with some of Ireland’s finest musicians, including critically acclaimed clarinettist Berginald Rash; brilliant horn-player Hannah Miller of the Irish Chamber Orchestra; Bangers & Crash percussionist Paddy Nolan; internationally lauded cellist-composer Ailbhe McDonagh of the Ficino Ensemble; harpist Fiona Gryson; and the National Symphony Orchestra’s principal bassoon, Greg Crowley. In addition to bombastic aural experiences, Bombast! features visual art by New York-born visual media artist Ishmael Claxton, whose poignant and pertinent work is exhibited all over the world.
Grouped in couplets of solo and chamber pieces, reflecting the chasm between rugged individualism and the human ache for connection, Bombast! represents the audacity to live out loud, boldly and unapologetically; the assertion of one’s right to exist, and the unwavering expression of and commitment to one’s identity despite the risk of violence and retribution.
Presented by New Music Dublin
Sponsored by RTE/NCH/Arts Council Ireland

Tuamgraney Harp Festival
2025-04-04 - 2025-04-06 | Tuamgraney, Co Clare
Save the Date – 4th – 6th April 2025
The Tuamgraney Harp Festival was started in 2016 in the village of Tuamgraney. The festival runs overs two days and aims to rejuvenate interest in the harp, the Irish national emblem and integral to our culture for centuries, by supporting ensembles and integration with other traditional instruments.
To achieve this aim workshops have been held, primarily in the harp, at introductory, intermediate and advanced level, but also in the fiddle and concertina, all facilitated by renowned musicians. A competition for solo harpists and combination groups was introduced in 2017. Find out more here.
Tuamgraney Harp Festival in partnership with Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland, is pleased to announce two scholarships for harpers to attend. This festival offers harpers the opportunity to gain expert harp tuition as well as meet and socialise with other harpers.
The successful recipients will receive entry to the harp workshop of their choice on Saturday 5th of April, as well as the Ensemble workshop on Sunday 6th of April. Furthermore they will receive a ticket to the Saturday night concert along with one competition entry of their choice. Apply here.

Harp Recital with Ruth O'Hara
2025-04-04 19:00 | Newpark Academy of Music, Newtown Park Ave, Blackrock, Dublin, Ireland
Hear well know pieces such as
Clair de Lune – Debussy, Red is the Rose – Trad Irish, Eleanor Plunkett – O’Carolan,
Espresso – Sabrina Carpenter &
City of Stars – La La Land – Justin Hurwitz
Tickets €20/ €15 Students

Harp and Flute Concert with Ruth O'Hara and Martina Rosaria O'Connell
2025-04-24 13:00
Thursday, 24 April 2025, 1.20pm
St Ann’s Church Dawson Street

Programme
Gabriel Fauré
Sicilienne
Berceuse
Claude Debussy
Arabesque
La Fille Aux Cheveux de Lin
Clair de Lune
Syrinx
En Bateau
Saint Saëns
Romance

RUTH O’HARA is an award winning freelance pedal harpist, Irish harpist and teacher based in Ireland. Having studying as a scholarship student in The Royal Irish Academy of Music under Áine Ní Dhubhghaill, Ruth holds a Licentiate Diploma in Music Performance of the RIAM (LRIAM) and an Associate Diploma in Music Teaching and Performance of the RIAM (ARIAM). Ruth also holds a bachelor in Physiotherapy from Trinity College. Ruth often participates in international masterclasses & academies to further her artistic inspiration; the Ibacus harp course, MusicAlp, the Edinburgh International Harp Festival & Harpissima.
From an early age, Ruth’s passion & dedication to harp was evident receiving first place in both pedal harp & Irish harp competitions in Feis Ceoil. Some performances include; with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, RIAM Gala High Achiever Awards ceremonies and the 1916 Rising commemoration ceremony. Recent performances include; the ‘Changing Times’ podcast launch and The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival. These performances being held in renowned Irish venues; The National Concert Hall, Farmleigh House, Dublin Castle, The Mansion House and The Guinness Storehouse.
With an interest in chamber music as well as solo performance, Ruth has collaborated with traditional Irish musicians & classical musicians. Recent sold out harp and voice recitals with soprano Megan O’Neill have spanned traditional Irish music, classical, film & pop music. Alongside her performance career Ruth enjoys teaching in Newpark Academy of Music and in Comhaltas.Alongside her performance career Ruth enjoys teaching in Newpark Academy of Music and in Comhaltas.
MARTINA ROSARIA O’CONNELL is a highly accomplished Irish-Italian flautist and music educator. She recently completed her Master’s in Flute Performance with Distinction, graduating top of her class at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Martina also holds a First-Class Honours degree in Music Education from Trinity College Dublin. At just 12 years old, Martina was awarded a six-year music scholarship to Wesley College, Dublin. Her exceptional talent has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Trench Award, Liam Swords Award, Arts Council of Ireland’s Agility Award, and Music Network’s Music Capital Scheme.
In 2023, Martina made her concerto debut with the Trinity College Orchestra, performing Mozart’s *Concerto for Flute and Harp*. In February 2024, she was a finalist in the Maura Dowdall Concerto Competition. That same year, Martina premiered her flute transcription of Mel Bonis’s *Violin Sonata in F-Sharp Minor* in April at the Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris and subsequently gave its Irish premiere in June at the Fête de la Musique, attended by the French Ambassador to Ireland, HE Vincent Guérend. In May 2024, she performed her transcription as part of a live concert for Europe Day, which was broadcast on RTÉ Lyric FM.
In November 2024, Martina performed as part of Sir James Galway’s 85th Birthday Celebration at the KKL Luzern, marking another milestone in her flourishing career. She has been a scholarship student at the Galway Flute Academy under Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway since 2020 and has participated in prestigious international programs such as Camerata Ireland, the Saline Royale Academy, the Scottish International Flute Summer School, and the Grolloo Flute Sessions in the Netherlands.
Martina’s career spans solo, chamber, and orchestral performances. She has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, Irish Baroque Orchestra, Dublin Symphony Orchestra, RIAM Philharmonia, and Esker Festival Orchestra. In addition to her performance career, she teaches Musicianship in the Junior and Adult Divisions of the Royal Irish Academy of Music. She is also the Head of Education at the West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival, Assistant Orchestra Manager of the Irish Baroque Orchestra, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Dublin Youth Orchestra. Martina is deeply passionate about sharing her love of music through her performances and her work as an educator. Her dedication, artistry, and versatility reflect her commitment to inspiring others and establishing herself as a prominent voice among Ireland’s emerging musicians.

The Sugarloaf Sessions, hosted by TuneClub
2025-04-25 - 2025-04-27 | Bray, Co. Wicklow, Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
We’re excited to invite adult students to be part of a new experience in traditional Irish music, The Sugarloaf Sessions, hosted by TuneClub, a festival combining digital and physical learning. The inaugural festival will take place in Bray, Co. Wicklow from
Who is it for?
Adult learners of traditional music with at least two years playing experience who are eager to further develop their playing skills and confidence in the session environment.

About the Sugarloaf Sessions:
This brand-new festival concept will fuse a virtual learning with an in-person festival, creating a unique experience for traditional Irish music learners.

Pre-festival learning:
Participants will use TuneClub, our interactive app, to prepare. The app features 10 core sets and 3 songs, recorded by our team of highly skilled and renowned traditional music tutors. This preparation ensures that participants arrive ready to focus on enhancing their musical style, ornamentation, phrasing and listening skills, rather than note/tune learning.

In person experience:
The highlight of the festival will be the evening sessions taking place in bars around the town of Bray. Participants will get to play the core sets, and reap the fruits of their labor in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere. Renowned musician and music educator Liz Doherty will also be offering her expert advice throughout the weekend.

Why The Sugarloaf Sessions?
This is more than a festival – it’s a chance to immerse yourself in traditional Irish music, build confidence, and make lifelong connections within the music community both near and far.

Learn more and sign up:
Harp classes will be taught by Rachel Duffy and Claire O’Donnell. Students can find out more about TuneClub and The Sugarloaf Sessions at www.tuneclub.com and register for the full festival at our early-bird price of just €150

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
www.tuneclub.com
Info@tuneclub.com

IBO YOUNG ARTIST RECITAL: TARA VISCARDI
2025-05-18 17:00
IBO Associate Artist Tara Viscardi performs a programme of music from early Ireland and Europe, on the Baroque triple harp. Music includes pieces by Monteverdi, Carolan, Strozzi and Purcell, as well as arrangements of Bach’s Prelude in C Major BWV 846 and Handel’s Keyboard Suite in D minor HWV 437.
”…atmospheric, and exquisitely performed, was Viscardi’s Midnight Over Glanmore Lake, steeped in ancestral Celtic modality and written for herself to play on the Irish harp”, Richard Morrison, The Times, 7th May 2024.
The Irish Baroque Orchestra’s residency at Killruddery House celebrates a shared resonance with culture and heritage. The Baroque splendour of the house and gardens form the perfect setting for the Irish Baroque Orchestra’s performances of music from the period, performed by some of Ireland’s most celebrated artists. Join us during this special weekend for a unique and memorable audience experience!
Recital duration: Approx. 1 hour
ABOUT THE IBO:
https://www.irishbaroqueorchestra.com/

Harp Sessions at The Sugar Club | Gemma Doherty and Alannah Thornburg
2025-05-24 20:00 - 22:00 | The Sugar Club, 8 Leeson Street Lower, Dublin, D02 ET97, Ireland
The Sugar Club Harp Sessions features the most exciting, cool harpers – some with friends – who are pushing the boundaries of Irish harping.
Experience a new ‘take’ on Irish harping from some of our foremost young harpers. Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland’s Sugar Club Harp Sessions feature innovative, cutting-edge Irish harp performances from players who are pushing the boundaries of the tradition in new and exciting ways.
Our Sugar Club Harp Sessions concert on Saturday 24th May features Alannah Thornburgh and Gemma Doherty.
Alannah Thornburgh is an award-winning harper and composer. Her music explores her family’s musical heritage, reimagining ancient airs and tunes from the Irish harping and American folk & jazz traditions. This cross-genre interaction and juxtaposition of old melodies with contemporary harmonies and technique, carries through her original compositions, creating an innovative style described as ‘unforced, fluid & utterly at home in her own sound’ (The Irish Times). Alannah released her debut album ‘Shapeshifter’ in February.
Alannah is a founding member of the band Alfi, a trio who combine music & song sourced from the folk traditions of Ireland & America to produce a unique sound described as “beautiful, tear-jerking musicianship” (Bristol in Stereo).
Gemma Doherty is a composer, harper and singer from Derry City. Currently working on her first solo album, she combines contemporary with experimental Irish folk/traditional, centering around the harp with electronics and effects. As one half of electronic-folk duo Saint Sister, she has released two critically acclaimed albums – receiving Best Album in N.I. Music Prize and nominations for Album of the Year in Choice Music Prize and RTÉ Folk Awards. Recent screen work includes additional composition on Kneecap (Feature), Ogham, Fadó Fadó (Shorts), Camera Tripod Bicycle (TV Doc). She performed with Bono on his 23-date Stories of Surrender tour, and has worked with artists such as Lisa Hannigan, SOAK, Crash Ensemble, Villagers, Denise Chaila and Rachael Lavelle.

NASC Harp Symposium: Harps for All
2025-05-25 09:30 - 16:30 | The Lark Concert Hall, Church Street,, Balbriggan, Dublin, Co. Dublin, K32 YV56, Ireland
NASC: Harps for All at The Lark, Balbriggan. May 25 2025, 9.30am – 4.30pm
Admission €25 Concessions €20 at eventbrite.ie
How can we create more opportunities for more people to play the harp?
How can we make harping more accessible?
Come along to our 2025 cross-border symposium where we’ll explore how to remove barriers to participation. Featuring keynote speaker, Gary Day, a leading practitioner in accessible and inclusive music making across the UK and Ireland, our 2025 gathering provides a platform for the sharing of ideas and practices that will help to identify and dismantle obstacles to getting involved in harping. Gary will be joined by Helen Naylor, harpers Gráinne Meyer, Mary Louise O’Donnell, Luke Webb, Katy Bustard, Úna Walsh and Deirdre Ní Bhuachalla, sound bath facilitator Emma West, while Sharon Rollston, CEO of Music Network, shines a light on their transformative initiatives to improve access to instruments and music tuition for young people all over Ireland.

Schedule:
9.45am – Registration
10.15am – Welcome and Introductions
10.25am – Harping for All: Opening the Circle; how to create more inclusive harping – Gary Day
11.05am – Q&A
11.20am – Refreshment break
11.30am – Connecting with Communities through the Harp – Mary Louise O’Donnell
12.10pm – Q&A
12.20pm – Finding Calm and Inner Peace – Emma West
1.00pm – Q&A
1.15pm – Lunch
2.00pm – Harping Together, Reaching Further – Gráinne Meyer
2.30pm – Q&A
2.45pm – Harping for Everyone: Have your Say, Chaired by Sharon Rollston CEO Music Network
with Helen Naylor, Úna Walsh, Luke Webb, Katy Bustard, Deirdre Ní Bhuachalla
3.45pm – Accessible Harping: A Shared Vision, Next Steps
4.15 -16.30 – Conclusion and Thanks

Gary Day (Keynote Speaker)

Gary Day is Director of Garden of Music and a leading practitioner in accessible and inclusive music making and education across the UK and Ireland. With extensive experience in diverse settings, ranging from schools and universities to hospitals, museums, orchestras, and arts organisations, to support access and inclusion in music making.
He has worked as a resident musician at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London for two years and has delivered music programmes and training for organisations including; Education Authority N.I, Music Generation Ireland, Belfast Children’s Hospital, Health and Social Care NI, The Amber Trust, Live Music Now N.I, Museum of London, Drake Music London/NI, London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, The Amber Trust, Trinity Laban, Leeds Conservatoire, University of Roehampton and Ulster University.
Gary specialises in supporting schools and organisations to increase music participation and access. He is also a moderator for the newly launched Awards and Certificates in Musical Development with Trinity College London.

Dr Mary Louise O’Donnell
Dr Mary Louise O’Donnell is a harpist and musicologist who has performed extensively throughout Ireland, Europe, Africa and Asia as a soloist and with various ensembles, including the Irish Chamber Orchestra. She was awarded a doctorate by the University of Limerick in 2009 and has published widely on topics relating to Irish cultural history, semiotics and performance studies. Her first book, Ireland’s Harp: The Shaping of Irish Identity c. 1770-1880, was published in 2014 by UCD Press. Mary Louise has received many awards and grants to further her research, including a Fulbright Scholarship and Centre Culturel Irlandais Fellowship.
In 2019, Mary Louise was appointed Musician-in-Residence with Fingal County Council. In 2023, she began working as a Creative Associate with the Arts Council and as a practitioner on the arts in healthcare programmes at Tallaght University Hospital and Temple Street Children’s University Hospital. In 2020, Mary Louise and Teresa O’Donnell released their album entitled Heavenly harps, heavenly cloths: contemporary music for the Irish harp by Brian Boydell.

Sharon Rollston

Sharon is CEO and Artistic Director of Music Network, Ireland’s national music touring and development organisation.
Sharon’s role includes strategic planning, leading on development and implementation of organisational policy and programmes, fundraising, nurturing relationships with strategic partners and external bodies at national level, and financial and general management of the organisation.
Sharon has a wealth of experience in working across art forms in Ireland north and south. Previous positions include Touring and Outreach Manager at Moving on Music Ltd. and Education Programme Manager at the Crafts Council of Ireland. Sharon joined Music Network as Performance Programmes Manager in 2008 and was appointed CEO in 2012.
Sharon holds a BA Hons. in Fine Craft Design: Silversmithing and Jewellery Specialism from University of Ulster. She has completed the DeVos Institute of Arts Management, University of Maryland: Planning for Success in the Arts – a Capacity Building Intensive for Arts Managers and Boards, and the Advanced Leadership Programme at Timoney Institute.

Gráinne Meyer
Gráinne Meyer is a PhD researcher at Queen’s University Belfast, investigating the role of artificial intelligence and music technology in enhancing accessibility for musicians with disabilities. Her research, Amplifying Diversity in Artificial Intelligence in Music Systems, examines biases in AI-driven music tools and explores how assistive technologies can remove barriers to participation in performance and education.

As a professional harpist and software engineer, Gráinne Meyer has worked at the forefront of both industries as both an award winning performer and composer as well engineering for global technology industry leader Microsoft.
She combines her experience in both fields to advocate for more inclusive and representative music technologies. At the upcoming symposium on Breaking Down Barriers and Accessibility, she will present on the potential of AI and assistive music technologies to create new opportunities for disabled musicians and harpists, ensuring that innovation in the field supports a more equitable musical landscape.

Katy Bustard

Katy Bustard is the founder of Causeway Harp School and runs regular workshops and classes in her community introducing people of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds to the Irish harp. Katy works as harp tutor in a rural primary school, helping to bring the tradition of Irish harping into the wider rural community. She has worked with the U3A (University of the Third Age) to bring the joy of harping to older members of the community. She has also run a series of classes for Solas – a well-being charity in Ballycastle- providing opportunities for their clients and for carers in the community to experience playing the harp and to learn something new.
Katy hosts a popular monthly harp session for adults of all ages and abilities to meet, learn and play music together. She is delighted to see so many people enjoying and benefiting from learning and playing the harp, as well as the strengthened and enriched community surrounding it.

Luke Webb

As a professional harper and composer, Luke Webb is passionate about broadening people’s appreciation and understanding of the potential of the Irish Harp in contemporary music genres. Having graduated from TU Dublin Conservatory of Music and Drama’s Bachelor of Music programme specializing in Pedagogy, Luke furthered his studies and graduated from their its Masters in Performance programme focussing his research on ‘the efficacy of various teaching methods (Aural versus Visual) employed in the teaching of the Irish Harp’.
One of the co-founders of Mourne Music School, Luke provides cross border 1 to 1 online harp lessons whilst working with music schools in disadvantaged areas in Dublin to provide group harp lessons to students across the lifespan. Developing novel materials available on his online teaching platform to suit different learning styles has allowed him to reach a wider audience and expand the accessibility of the harp as an instrument both in Ireland and internationally.
During the upcoming symposium, Luke will discuss the innovative Cruit Éireann Hands on Harp project that has created interactive opportunities for hundreds of young students throughout Ireland to learn more about the harp first hand. He will also share insights from hosting international online workshops and his online teaching.

Úna Walsh

Úna May Walsh aged 17 from Barntown Co. Wexford. A member of Craobh Loch Garman Comhaltas in Wexford Town -proud host branch of Fleadh Cheoil na hÈireann 2024 & 2025 Úna is a harp student of teacher Shelly O’Grady. Úna has 3 All-Ireland medals, 2 Leinster Fleadh Cheoil 3rd place medals and was recently awarded the Micheál Ó hEidhin medal for distinction in her Comhaltas Grade 8 SCT Grade exams and she will sit her Performance Diploma soon. Úna is the Youth Officer for her local branch and is also the Irish Youth Ambassador for Hidden Hearing.
Úna is a member of the Harp Ireland Youth Forum, ‘Ceoltóirí na Sláine’ traditional youth orchestra, SNRGÍ Trad Group, a harp ensemble, Grupa Cheoil & Ceilí Bands.
Úna has 12k+ followers across all social media platforms, has appeared on The Late Late Toy Show in 2021, 2 appearances on The RTÉ Late Late Show in 2022 & 2023, has appeared as special guest with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra in the National Concert Hall and numerous concerts in the National Opera House Wexford over the last 4 years. Her inspirational story of how her hearing impairment has not impeded her in any way, Úna cannot wait to share her story and talent with Harp Ireland and thanks them for this opportunity !

Deirdre Ní Bhuachalla
Deirdre Ní Bhuachalla is a harpist and educator from Co. Meath, now based in Dundalk, Co. Louth. She inherits her love of traditional Irish music from both parents and particularly grandfather, piper Peter Carberry, a founding member of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and patron of Na Píobairí Uilleann. Her harping journey began at school with her class teacher and harper Siobhán Ní Dhúill. She achieved an Honours Degree in Archaeology and Modern Irish, which lead to a successful career in archaeology. Deirdre pursued formal training in music at DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama (now TU Dublin) where she studied harp with Nancy Calthorpe, Evelyn Hearns and Denise Kelly. Deirdre has travelled extensively in Europe performing at festivals including Festival Interceltique de Lorient. In 2013 Deirdre received the Comhaltas TTCT Diploma in the teaching of traditional Irish Music. She returns regularly to the course as a harp mentor. Deirdre currently works full-time with Music Generation Louth leading the traditional music programme. She is project manager for the Music Generation Ireland Harp Collective and Co-Director and Project Manager of Nós Nua –Youth Folk Orchestra, a very successful collaboration with Oriel Centre, Dundalk Gaol (CCÉ NE Regional Centre). She performs regularly at the Centre and has worked on numerous youth projects including Guth na nGael, a language and musical exchange programme for young people, in partnership with Feisean nan Gaidheal in Scotland.

Emma West

Emma West is a sound bath facilitator from Dublin and the founder of West Sound & Wellness. With a deep-rooted passion for music and the power of healing sound, Emma uses sound baths as a way to help people relax their mind and body, restoring balance and harmony in their lives.
She has spent the past five years guiding individuals on transformative sound journeys around Ireland. Her work has been featured on Ireland AM, Newstalk and other media platforms, Emma creates a safe and nurturing space for self-connection, supporting others in finding calm and inner peace.

Janet Harbison Donegal Ireland Harp Summer School Week 1
2025-06-01 - 2025-06-07 | Dungloe, Co. Donegal, Dungloe, Co. Donegal, Ireland
June 1 – 7 & July 6 -12: ADULTS ONLY
The Adult Only weeks are for players over the age of 18, of all levels and abilities – featuring a week of training, fun and friendship on the magnificent Donegall coast and town of Dungloe. The focus is on ‘social playing’ where everybody is included without pressure or stress. The more novice players just play less notes (!) and the detail is added as you advance your skills. Daily tuition is given in large and small groups, workshops, lectures, concerts, sessions and local trips out – in a full programme of group oral training with exceptional interaction with local musicians.
What’s included

5 days of Summer School training from 9.30am to 3.30pm (9.30am – 12.45pm Wednesday, and 10am-5pm on Friday)
All evening activities, concerts, lectures, sessions
Lunches (for all foody needs – vegans and vegetarians included) and supper on arrival Sunday evening (June 8 or July 13). Other evenings we eat out or cook in (this cost not included)
A book of tunes covered on the course and a music shop to explore for more
A mid-week trip out to Glenveigh National Park, Arranmore Island or Mount Errigal
Accommodation for 6 nights (from Sunday 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)
€1,300

July 13 – 19: ADULTS, TEENS & TEACHERS
ADULTS and TEENS
This course is for adults and teenagers (from age 12 upwards), of all standards and musical backgrounds. Tuition is in large and small group classes (there’s a max of 8 players on any course) – and in ‘practice periods’ there is lots of individual assistance from the teachers on the teacher’s course (which runs alongside the summer-school).
The course content embraces all you need to flourish as a performer and social player – from ‘technical workshops’ to warm-up for improved agility and chord-skills, and a brace of tunes at all player-levels so all can participate in social play (in ‘the session’). There are activities, concerts or sessions every evening and a half day on Wednesday (or Thursday if the weather is poor) when we take a half day trip out to the island of Arannmore, the magnificent Glenveigh National Park and Nature Reserve or a walk up Mount Errigal, Donegal’s legendary mountain.
Teens are fully supervised at all times both at the Summer School Centre and ‘out and about’. In the evenings they will join Janet and her assistant for dinner (and in advance of the course, Janet will discuss with the parents/guardians about ‘dinner accounts’ if preferred to the teen’s financial independence). Janet is fully qualified in Child Safeguarding and Protection and will act ‘in loco parentis’ assuring parents of fully responsible management.
Classes run 9.30 – 3pm daily except for Friday when we start at 10am and finish at 5pm.
Accommodated participants
Arrive Sunday from 2pm – Depart Saturday after breakfast
Join us for supper on Sunday evening at 8.30pm or on Monday Morning at 9.30
ADULTS course and inclusions

5 days of Summer School training
All evening activities, concerts, lectures etc
Training book of tunes covered
Supper on Sunday, lunches Monday-Friday, Coffee, Tea breaks (Evenings we eat out or self-cater. This cost not included)
6 nights accommodation in Twin or Double ensuite bedrooms in homely, fully equipped holiday cottages with starter breakfast supplies

Course Price (for one)
€1,300 per person
Course Price (for two sharing accommodation)
€1,200 each
Plus-ones sharing (& not Harping)
€300
TEENS course and inclusions

5 days of Summer School training
All evening activities, concerts, lectures etc
Training book of tunes covered
Tea / coffee / juice breaks
Supper on Sunday, lunches Monday-Friday, Coffee, Tea breaks (Evenings we eat out or self-cater – this cost not included)
6 Nights accommodation in Twin or Double ensuite bedrooms in homely, fully equipped holiday cottages with breakfast
Full supervision by Janet and her assistant

Course Price (per person in shared or single room)
€850
TEACHERS
Arrive Saturday evening (June 7th or July 12th) or before 11am on Sunday morning early (June 8th or July 13th ). This course runs alongside the regular summer school for Adults and Teens (who start on Monday morning) so you have teaching to observe and students to practise with. Your training is intense but guaranteed to be enriching, informative and rewarding.
Whats included

14 hours of Teacher Training, 10 hours of Teaching Practise and inclusion in the 5-day summer-school classes
All training materials and sample books
All evening activities, concerts, lectures, sessions
Lunches (for all foody needs – vegans and vegetarians included) and supper on Sunday evening (June 8 or July 13). All other evenings we eat out or cook in (this cost not included)
A mid-week trip out to Glenveigh National Park, Arranmore Island or Mount Errigal
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)
€1,550

The Course Venue
On the Wild Atlantic Way (coast) and just 5 minutes walk from Dungloe town centre, our summer school venue is in the Fairgreen Holiday Cottages village. All rooms are ensuite with twin or double beds (which are also booked for single occupation). The cottages have sitting rooms and fully equipped kitchens (so people can choose how they wish to have their evening meals – cooking in or eating out!) Lunches are provided with the courses. (Local children on weeks 2 & 4 are invited to bring packed lunches.)
Afternoon Options
For walks, swims, exploring, shopping, relaxing, practising – Dungloe is a wonderful Donegal town with lots to offer. Closely located to Glenveagh National Park and Mount Errigal, Donegal’s most spectacular mountain surrounded by an exceptional area of natural beauty and nature conservation, and there is a superb range of walks for everyone from seasoned hikers to leisurely wanderers. On Wednesday, we have an afternoon off to take a trip to the park, or the mountain, or a boat trip to the island of Arranmore with dolphin and whale spotting with seabirds and sandy beaches.

Harps Alive 2025 | Belfast
2025-06-11 10:00 - 2025-06-14 16:30 | harp
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.

Harps Alive 2025 | Belfast | Harping Fun for all the Family with Sharon Carroll
2025-06-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Shankill Road Library, 298-300 Shankill Road, Belfast BT13 2BN
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.

Harps Alive 2025 | Belfast | Lecture
2025-06-13 13:00 - 14:00 | First Presbyterian Church 41 Rosemary Street Belfast BT1 1QB
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.

Harps Alive 2025 | Belfast | Harps North Concert
2025-06-13 19:30 - 21:30 | First Presbyterian Church 41 Rosemary Street Belfast BT1 1QB
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

Harps Alive 2025 | Belfast | Harp Workshop (Intermediate Level) with Sharon Carroll
2025-06-14 10:30 - 12:00 | St. Joseph’s Church, Sailortown, 9 Princes Dock Street, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT1 3AA, Ireland
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.

Harps Alive 2025 | Belfast | Early Irish Harp Workshop with Aoibheann Devlin
2025-06-14 11:30 - 13:00 | Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich
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.

Harps Alive 2025 | Belfast | Advanced Irish Harp Workshop with Michael Rooney
2025-06-14 11:30 - 13:00 | The Duncairn Centre for Culture & Arts, Duncairn Ave, Belfast BT14 6BP, Belfast, United Kingdom
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.

Harps Alive 2025 | Belfast | Manifestation at the Assembly Rooms
2025-06-14 15:30 - 17:00 | Assembly Rooms, Belfast, Waring Street, Belfast, BT1 2DX, Ireland
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: The Assembly Rooms, Waring Street
Date: Saturday 14th June, 3:30 – 4.00pm

Harps Alive 2025 | Belfast | Connecting Harps Concert
2025-06-14 19:30 - 21:30 | St. George’s Church, 105 High St, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT1 2AG, Ireland
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

Cornelius Lyons Harp Summer School
2025-06-20 - 2025-06-22 | Teach Siamsa Finuge, Co. Kerry, V92WE22, Ireland
Join us at Teach Siamsa Finuge (V92 WE22) for a weekend of inspiring harp classes, talks, informal sessions and concerts. This weekend, led by renowned harpist Janet Harbison, is perfect for those looking to deepen their understanding of the Irish harp tradition, refine their technical and interpretative skills, and engage with the story of a North Kerry harper whose legacy is being brought home.
Limited places are available – book now!
For more info & bookings contact teachsiamsafinuge@gmail.com
Cornelius Lyons, a native of Rattoo, County Kerry, was a household harper to the Earl of Antrim at the turn of the 18th century. His most famous composition is Miss Hamilton.
