Tag Archives: Simon O’Reilly

Ennistymon will become the harp capital of Ireland this Friday with four free events taking place to celebrate National Harp Day. Local master harpist, Aisling Lyons, has put together a unique programme which explores Ireland’s national musical instrument in a number of unique ways. These events are all free and are aimed at introducing local people to the joys of the harp. They include a session of harp yoga in the Falls Hotel with musician Simon O’Reilly on pedal steel guitar and yoga teacher, Sue Redmond, from 10am to 11am. This will be followed by a talk in Ennistymon library entitled ‘Early Irish Harp’ from 11am to 12noon. This talk will be hosted by one of the pioneers of the Irish harp, Paul Dooley, who will also give a demonstration as part of the event. Following this talk, Aisling Lyons will give a series of 10 minute ‘try the harp’ events at the Falls Hotel. Harps are provided for this …

SIMON O’Reilly came to Clare to work for a week, after spending much of his early life in Australia and Holland. Twenty-three years later, the musician, composer and producer is still here.  He has certainly been busy during those two decades developing his music studio between Lahinch and Doolin and working with artists including Luka Bloom, Susan O’Neill, the ConTempo Quartet, the Monks of Glenstal, Davy Spillane and Kila. A composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and music video maker, Simon has also found the time to showcase the musical energy of the West at festivals both local and international.  Under the banner of Doolin Arts, a not-for-profit organisation which describes itself as a “flying column of creative souls” committed to supporting and defending the arts, Simon co-founded Hedge School. The eclectic offering brings together creative artists and producers of all kinds in a series of workshops, performances and conversations that will take place from January 27 to 29 in Doolin. The …