Mayo harpers to take part in landmark 40th International Harp Festival
Gráinne Hambly and Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín are among musicians set to feature at the prestigious festival celebrating Irish harp tradition
Mayo musicians are set to take part in one of Ireland’s longest-running harp festivals as An Chúirt Chruitireachta International Harp Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary later this month.
The internationally renowned festival, which takes place at An Grianán in Termonfeckin, Co. Louth, from June 28 to July 3, will bring together harp players, performers and students from across Ireland and around the world for a week dedicated to the Irish harp and its rich musical heritage.
Co. Mayo will be strongly represented throughout the event with acclaimed harper Gráinne Hambly returning as a member of the festival’s tutor team. Mayo musician Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín will also perform at the opening concert, Fáilte Isteach, on Sunday, June 28.
Established in 1986 by Cairde na Cruite (Friends of the Harp), An Chúirt Chruitireachta has become one of the most respected harp festivals internationally. It has played a significant role in promoting the Irish harp tradition and the wider world of traditional Irish music.
This year’s programme includes workshops, concerts, talks, exhibitions, céilís, fringe events and special performances, offering participants an immersive experience exploring both the historical and contemporary aspects of harp music.
One of the highlights of the fortieth anniversary festival will be the formation of two festival harp ensembles featuring musicians from across Ireland. The groups will perform specially commissioned arrangements by leading harpers Lauren Ní Néill and Siobhán Buckley during a concert on July 1.
The festival opens with Fáilte Isteach, featuring Mayo’s Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín alongside sibling duo Michelle and Louise Mulcahy. Other headline performances throughout the week include internationally acclaimed musicians Catrin Finch and Aoife Ní Bhriain, while the festival finale will showcase five newly commissioned works for Irish harp by leading composers including John Buckley, Seán Doherty and Eoghan Desmond.
Festival founder and internationally respected harper Máire Ní Chathasaigh described the event as a unique celebration of Irish harp music.
“I’ve been teaching at Cairde na Cruite’s An Chúirt Chruitireachta every year since it started in 1986,” she said.
“Wherever in the world I’ve been touring, I’ve always been sure to make it back to Termonfeckin for what is the world’s premier festival for Irish harp. The warm camaraderie, wonderful atmosphere and top-notch music cast a very special spell, drawing participants back year after year.”
In addition to the main festival programme, a series of free fringe events will take place in Drogheda, including lunchtime Rising Stars concerts at the Highlanes Gallery and special introductory harp sessions for babies and toddlers at Drogheda Library.
Organisers say the 40th anniversary festival will be a celebration not only of the Irish harp itself but of the generations of musicians who have helped sustain and develop the tradition over the past four decades.
For Mayo’s Gráinne Hambly and Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín, the event provides another opportunity to showcase the county’s strong contribution to Ireland’s rich harp heritage on an international stage.