Culture Night features Ceol Ársa Cláirsí
A Celebration of Irish Harp Music from the 17th & 18th Centuries:

Cormac Breatnach – Susato Whistles

• Steve Cooney – Guitars

• Aisling Ennis – Irish Harp

• Malachy Robinson – Viola da Gamba

• Eamon Sweeney – Early Guitars, Lute, Bandora

Visuals by Helen Barry & Cormac O’Connor

Step into the rich and atmospheric world of early Irish harpers’ music with Ceol Ársa Cláirsí, a musical experience that brings the unique sound of the 17th and 18th centuries vividly to life. This performance showcases the music of legendary harper-composers such as Turlough Carolan, Thomas Connellan, and Ruairí Dall Ó Catháin, taken from original Irish and Scottish sources.

Featuring a remarkable ensemble of leading musicians – Cormac Breatnach, Steve Cooney, Aisling Ennis, Malachy Robinson, and Eamon Sweeney – the programme showcases the distinctive textures of gut-strung and wire-strung instruments alongside traditional instrumentation, anchored by the unmistakable voice of the modern Irish harp.

With a sound described by audiences as “unique and mesmerising,” Ceol Ársa Cláirsí offers a rare opportunity to experience Ireland’s harp tradition, and how it has permeated the repertoire, through a historically-informed and immersive performance.