Wexford Harpist to feature at International Harp Festival

Now in its 40th year, An Chúirt Chruitireachta will see harp players from all over Ireland & around the globe gather in Termonfeckin Co. Louth for an immersive week of harping from 28^th June to 3^rd July 2026…

Internationally renowned artists and exceptional tutors will come together to perform, mentor and celebrate in a week dedicated to the Irish harp. Wexford harpist Síofra Ní Dhubhghaill performs in the finale concert on Thursday 2^nd July.

The performance features the premiere of new works for Irish harp by John Buckley, Seán Doherty, Eoghan Desmond, Tom Lane and Yue Song, funded by the Arts Council Commissions Award, and performed by Fiona Gryson, Rachel Duffy, Síofra Ní Dhubhghaill and Maria Matthews.

This year’s festival features a variety of events, including daytime workshops, evening concerts, talks, exhibitions, pop-ups, a céilí, fringe events, rising stars concerts and a finale concert.

Established in 1986, An Chúirt Chruitireachta is an annual international harp festival run by Cairde na Cruite (Friends of the Harp).

The festival has been at the forefront of integrating the harp into the wider world of Irish traditional music. It sees harpers from all over the world come together for an immersive week of harping. Participants have the opportunity to engage with other harpers, gain a better understanding of Irish music, song and dance, and learn more about the harp and its music.

Students will stay onsite in An Grianán, Termonfeckin, Co. Louth where they will engage in daily classes, workshops and concerts. They will learn about historical and contemporary aspects of the harp tradition and explore the harp in its many forms through performances and demonstrations on Irish, early Irish and pedal harps.

A unique feature of this year’s festival is the formation of two festival ensembles, featuring harp players from across Ireland, who will perform specially-commissioned arrangements by leading harpers Lauren Ní Néill and Siobhan Buckley in an evening concert on Wednesday 1^st July.

Máire Ní Chathasaigh, leading international harper and a founding member of the festival, is among this year’s tutors:

‘I’ve been teaching at Cairde na Cruite’s An Chúirt Chruitireachta, the International Festival for Irish Harp, every year since it started in 1986. Wherever In the world I’ve been touring, I’ve always been sure to make it back to Termonfeckin, Co Louth for what is the world’s premier festival for Irish harp.

The Festival is harp immersion heaven: a unique, inspiring and life-enhancing celebration in a beautiful location where the cares of the world seem to recede into the distance. The warm camaraderie, wonderful atmosphere and top-notch music cast a very special spell, drawing participants back year after year.’

The festival will kick off on Sunday 28^th June in the picturesque surroundings of An

Grianán, Termonfeckin, Co. Louth with an evening concert, ‘Fáilte Isteach’ featuring Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín and sibling duo Michelle and Louise Mulcahy. Monday 29th June’s evening concert, ‘Connecting Cultures’, features internationally renowned virtuosos Catrin Finch & Aoife Ní Bhriain.

Workshops and events continue throughout the week culminating in a ‘Finale’ Concert on Thursday 2nd July featuring premieres of five newly commissioned works for Irish harp and performances by acclaimed duo Síle Denvir and Barry Kerr.

Members of the public are invited to attend the exciting line-up of ticketed concerts taking place at 7.30pm on Sunday 28^th June, Monday 29th June, Wednesday 1st July and Thursday 2nd July at an Grianán.

Tickets are available at www.harpfestival.ie.