O’Carolan Harp Festival promises unforgettable celebration of Irish heritage and music
Leanne Hennessy, Rachel Noone, Niamh Boyle, Emma Benson and Fiachra Guihen all ready for the O'Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School.
The O'Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School is set to enchant audiences and musicians alike from July 28th to August 4th in the picturesque village of Keadue in North Roscommon.
This annual event celebrates the enduring legacy of Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738), one of Ireland's last great harpers and one of its most significant composers.
The festival, now in its 45th year, offers a vibrant programme of concerts, céilithe, harp recitals, and a prestigious harp competition sponsored by Harvest Flame-Arigna Fuels Ltd. The accompanying summer school provides an immersive learning experience with expert tuition in Irish harp, as well as other traditional instruments like bodhrán, tin whistle, fiddle, banjo, flute, button accordion, concertina, and traditional singing, alongside set dancing and Sean-Nós dancing. Classes cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced.
Turlough O'Carolan, born in County Meath and later settling in Roscommon, became blind from smallpox at a young age. Under the patronage of the MacDermott Roe family, he was apprenticed to a harper, embarking on a career that saw him travel across Ireland, composing tunes for his patrons and leaving behind a rich repertoire of over 200 melodies. His unique style blended traditional Irish airs with influences from the Italian Baroque, creating timeless pieces that continue to be celebrated worldwide. O'Carolan's remains are interred at Kilronan Cemetery, overlooking Lough Meelagh, near Keadue.
* Official opening by Labhrás Ó Murchú, director general of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann followed by a special concert remembering Josie McDermott; harp recital in Kilronan Castle featuring talented harpers Fiachra Guihen, Mossie Martin, Emma Benson, Micheál Fitzgibbon, Clodagh and Sophie Daly performing O'Carolan's compositions.
* Harps Together Concert, a special collaboration with Harp Ireland, showcasing renowned harpers, Cormac De Barra, Anne-Marie O'Farrell, and Laoise Kelly, joined by the Keadue Harp Quartet.
* International Harp Competition, this event continues to attract harpers from all over the world to compete in this esteemed event sponsored by Harvest Flame.
* Drama performance, "Padraig Pott's Guide to Walking" written and performed by Seamus O'Rourke.
* Seán Keane & Big Band Concert, a unique evening with the legendary Seán Keane, performing his latest single "Carolan," a tribute to the great composer, alongside a stellar lineup of musicians.
* O'Carolan's trail, a guided walk exploring O'Carolan's footsteps in the local area.
* Céilithe, Pipers Cross Céili Band and O'Carolan Country Céili Band.
* Lecture, "O'Carolan and Irish Culture: The making of a reputation" by Professor Luke Gibbons in Kilronan Castle.
* Try the harp session, an open invitation for all to experience playing the harp.
*Free street entertainment featuring Seoid, Olivia Douglas and band and Keadue CCE.
The O'Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School is not just a musical event but a celebration of Irish culture, heritage, and community spirit, offering a chance to experience the warmth and hospitality of County Roscommon.
For the full programme, registration details for the summer school, and ticket information, visit www.ocarolanharpfestival.ie.
You can also contact the festival organisers at ocarolan.harpfestival@gmail.com or by telephone at 087 7745 878 / 087 3155 880.
*Main sponsors are: Harvest Flame, Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Harp Ireland, Roscommon County Council, Fáilte Ireland and The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
