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 event but booking is essential.
The day will be rounded off with a concert at the Falls Hotel featuring Paul Dooley, Aisling Lyons and Kseniya Rusnak from 8pm. This free concert takes place in The Courthouse Gallery.
“In Ennistymon, the culture and arts scene is really thriving. I wanted to celebrate the Harping tradition with some events to draw the community in. With the help of Creative Ireland Clare and Clare Arts Office, we have made all these events free to the public. I wanted to bring the harp to people who might not see the harp up close regularly,” said Aisling.
“The yoga scene is huge in North Clare. I’m excited to play with electronic musician and composer Simon O’Reilly while Sue Redmond leads a yoga class in the Falls Hotel.
“Local harp maker and wire-strung harp player Paul Dooley will demonstrate his instrument in the library at 11am At 12 noon, I will lead a ‘Try the Harp’ event in the Falls.
“On Saturday evening at 8pm, we will have a concert showcasing local harping with music from local harp students, Paul Dooley, Ukrainian Bandura Kseniia Rusnak and myself.
“I’m very grateful to all the local businesses who are helping us promote the events and who are being so supportive of harping in the area.” The theme of this is year’s National Harp Day is ‘Cothú’ which means nurture. The harp has historically been used to heal, calm and uplift people and in ancient Ireland, harpers were revered as healers and storytellers.
“We’re proud of the next generation of Irish harpers who are designing their own events this year with incredible energy and enthusiasm to celebrate Lá na Cruite | Harp Day amongst their friends, family and local communities,” said Lauren Ní Néill of CÉHI or Harp Ireland.
“I measc na n-imeachtaí, beidh ceardlanna, ceolchoirmeacha, siúlóide agus neart eile ar siúl ar an lá. Beidh fearadh na fáilte roimh gach duine páirt a ghlacadh ann agus oidhreacht na cruite a cheiliúradh.”
Founded in 2016, Cruit Éireann or Harp Ireland has led the revival and promotion of Irish harping across Ireland. CÉHI connects Irish harpers with audiences worldwide while fostering innovation and accessibility for all. For more information.
All events are free but booking is required through Eventbrite.
Andrew Hamilton is a journalist, investigative reporter and blogger who has been working in the media in Ireland for the past 20 years. His areas of special interest include the environment, mental health and politics.