The King of Trad
Sophie Daly and Fiachra Guihen playing the tune The King of Trad in the bluebell woods in Oakport recently, promoting the O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School which takes place 28th July – 4th August
Book tickets to our events and workshops now before they are booked out. Please like, share, and follow us. Video by David Knight
Lucky in Love and The Bloom of Youth
Rachel Noone, Pádraig Sweeney and David Knight playing Lucky in Love and The Bloom of Youth in Kilronan Castle recently to promote the O’Carolan Harp Festival which takes place 28th July – 4th August 2025.
Video by David Knight.
Stephen’s Waltz
Rachel Noone and Éilís Needham playing the tune Stephen’s Waltz in Kilronan Castle recently, they were promoting the O’Carolan Harp Festival which takes place 28th July – 4th August
Video by David Knight.
Robert Jordan
Éilís Needham playing an O’Carolan tune – Robert Jordan in Kilronan Castle recently promoting the O’Carolan Harp Festival 28th July – 4th August. Video by David Knight
The Lark in the Morning
Leanne Hennessy, Rachel Noone, Éilís Needham, Christine and Niko Ginter playing The Lark in the Morning in Kilronan Castle recently promoting the O’Carolan Harp Festival 28th – 4th August 2025
Video by David Knight
Buachaillín Buí and Up Leitrim
Éilís Needham – hands playing ‘Buachaillín Buí and Up Leitrim’
Video by David Knight
First Press Release 2025
PRESS RELEASE
THE O’CAROLAN HARP FESTIVAL & SUMMER SCHOOL
The organising committee of the O’CAROLAN HARP FESTIVAL & SUMMER SCHOOL extend a warm invitation to music lovers everywhere to join us in the celebration of Turlough O’Carolan (1670-1738), one of Ireland’s most significant and internationally recognised composers. The Festival takes place from July 28th to August 4th, 2025 in the picturesque village of Keadue, Co Roscommon and the surrounding area.
This year, the festival offers a wide range of musical, cultural and educational events that highlight Turlough O’Carolan’s legacy. His talent for music was nurtured through the kindness of the McDermott-Roe family of Ballyfarnon when he lost his sight to smallpox as a young man. He learned to play the harp and became a travelling bard, visiting many of the ‘great’ houses in Roscommon and the surrounding counties until his death aged 68. His remains lie in the crypt of the ruins of Kilronan Abbey alongside the McDermott-Roe ancestors on the shore of nearby Lough Meelagh. Written accounts portray him as a jovial and colourful character, whose geniality and genius for composition led him to be in great demand.
The festival aims to promote awareness and knowledge of O’Carolan’s musical legacy through the provision of classes in Irish harp and other instruments (for all levels), concerts, lectures, village parade, wreath-laying ceremony, drama performance and céilithe with the O’Carolan Country Céilí Band and The Piper’s Cross Céilí Band. A unique night in Kilronan Castle is our Harp Recital featuring Fiachra Guihen, Mossie Martin, Emma Benson, Micheál Fitzgibbon, Clodagh and Sophie Daly performing a selection of Turlough O’Carolan’s pieces.
This year will feature a new event in collaboration with Harp Ireland, featuring renowned harpers including Anne-Marie O’Farrell, Cormac De Barra and Laoise Kelly. One of the main highlights of the week is the annual Internationally renowned O’Carolan Harp Competitions.
Finally, a special highlight of the festival on Sunday August 3rd, is a concert in St. Ronan’s Hall, with Seán Keane & Band.
Check out our website for further information www.ocarolanharpfestival.ie and on our social media channels Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok.
The Cats Meow
Joe Mattimoe, Rachel Noone, Pádraig Sweeney, Aoife Guckian, Leanne Hennessy and Tara Noone (dancing) in Kilronan Castle recently promoting the O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School. They are playing The Cats Meow. Please Like, follow and share our videos and support our festival. Video by David Knight.
Midnight Over The Water
Niko and Christine Ginter playing ‘Midnight over the water’ in Kilronan Castle recently as part of our video promotions for the O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School 2025
Video by David Knight
Fiachra Guihen
Fiachra Guihen playing in Oakport Woods recently as part of a video promotion for the O’Carolan Harp Festival, which takes place 28th July – 4th August 2025. Video by David Knight
Milkyway
Sophie Daly and Emma Benson playing Milkyway in Oakport Woods in Roscommon as part of a video promotion for the O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School www.ocarolanharpfestival.ie. Please like, share, and follow our festival. Tickets now available for workshops and events. Video by David Knight .
Sophie Daly
Sophie Daly playing in Oakport Woods recently as part of a promotion for the O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School which takes place 28th July – 4th August 2025. Bookings are now available on-line on our website for music workshops.
Please like, share and follow our festival and of course come along and enjoy a great week of music and entrainment. Video by David Knight
Paddy in London
Emma Benson plays a jig Paddy in London as part of a video promotion for the O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School which runs from the 28th July -4th August 2025. You can now book tickets on our website. Please like, share and follow our great Festival. Video by David Knight
George White’s Favourite and the Woman of the House
Leanne Hennessy, Tara Noone, Pádraig Sweeney and Aoife Guckian playing -Georges Whites Favourite and the Woman of the House in Kilronan Castle recently to promote the O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School which takes place 28th July-4th August 2025. Video by David Knight.
Mrs. Casey’s
Emma Benson is playing Mrs. Casey’s in Oakport woods recently, promoting The O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School, from 28th July to 4th August 2025. Book your place in our workshops now on our website
Please like, share, and follow our festival. Video by David Knight
Lady Gethin
Fiachra Guihen is playing Lady Gethin in Oakport woods recently promoting the O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer school which runs from the 28th July -4th August. Bookings for our summer school and concert tickets are now available online on our website
Please like, share, and follow our festival. Video by David Knight.
Planxty Hewlett
Emma Benson playing Planxty Hewlett by Turlough O’Carolan in Oakport Woods beside Keadue as part of a promotion for the O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School, which takes place 28th July -4th August 2025
Please share, follow, and like our festival. Tickets are now available for our summer school and concert events on our website. Book early to avoid disappointment. Video by David Knight
Sophie Daly playing in Oakport Woods
Sophie Daly playing in Oakport Woods recently as part of a promotion for the O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School which takes place 28th July – 4th August 2025. Bookings are now available on-line on our website for music workshops
Please like, share and follow our festival and of course come along and enjoy a great week of music and entrainment. Video by David Knight
Fiachra Guihen playing in Oakport Woods
Fiachra Guihen playing in Oakport Woods recently as part of a video promotion for the O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School, which takes place 28th July -4th August 2025. Tickets and bookings can now be made on our website for concerts and our Summer School
Please like , share, and follow our social media posts. Video by David Knight
Sheebeag Sheemore
Eimear Mulvey and Lorraine Sweeney
Lorraine Sweeney, Junior Davey, Pádraig Sweeney and Eiméar Mulvey
Tutors from the O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School took part in a promotional video in Kilronan Castle. Sean Nós Dancer Eiméar Mulvey, Flute player Lorraine Sweeney, Junior Davey Bodhran, Pádraig Sweeney Whistle.
Please share, like and support a great festival. Video by David Knight
Junior Davey
Junior Davey on the bones what a great player promoting the Summer School workshops at the O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School 28th June – 4th August 2025. Book your place now. Video by David Knight
Junior Davey, Lorraine Sweeney and Pádraig Sweeney
Junior Davey Bodhran, Lorraine Sweeney Flute player, Pádraig Sweeney Whistle – Tutors from the O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School which takes place 28th July – 4th August took part in a promotional video in Kilronan Castle recently. Please share, like and support a great festival. Video by David Knight
Hugh O’Donnell
Aoife Guckian playing Turlough O’Carolan’s tune – Planxty Hugh O’Donnell in Kilronan Castle recently. www.ocarolanharpfestival.ie. Video by David Knight.
Sophie and Clodagh Daly – Eleanor Plunkett
Sophie Daly Harp (Prizewinner at O’Carolan Harp festival and Roscommon County Fleadh champion) & Clodagh Daly (All-Ireland Tin Whistle Champion) Playing Turlough O’Carolan’s – Eleanor Plunkett.
Photos and video by David Knight http://davidknightphotographer.com
Emma Benson – O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School
Keadue Harpers – O’Carolan’s Draft
Sí Bheag Sí Mhór
Padraig Sweeney, Rachel Noone, Sophie Daly, Seamus Sweeney, Liam Purcell, Declan Noone playing Turlough O’Carolan’s Sí Bheag Sí Mhór. Video by David Knight www.davidknightphotgrapher.com
Fanny Power
Turlough O’Carolan’s – Fanny Power played by Fiachra Guihen and Padraig Sweeney.
Video by David Knight – www.davidknightphotographer.com
Charles Coote
Fiachra Guihen and Emma Benson playing Turlough O’Carolan’s Charles Coote in Kilronan Castle.
Video by David Knight – www.davidknightphotographer.com
Blind Mary
Niko Ginter, Fiachra Guihen & Christina Ginter playing Turlough O’Carolan’s Blind Mary. Check out our website for further details www.ocarolanharpfestival.ie Video by David Knight.
Fanny Power – Emma Benson and Aoife Guckian
Emma Benson and Aoife Guckian playing Turlough O’Carolan’s Fanny Power in Kilronan Castle.
Video by David Knight www.davidknightphotographer.com
O’Carolan’s Welcome
Pictured playing Turlough O’Carolan’s – O’Carolan’s Welcome in Kilronan Castle were Rachel Noone, Mossie Martin, Giancarrlo Castello, Fiachra Guihen and Aiden Beirne.
Video by David Knight
Henry McDermott Roe
Rachel Noone, Mossie Martin and Fiachra Guihen playing Henry McDermott Roe in Kilronan Castle recently. www.ocarolanharpfestival.ie. Video by David Knight.
2024 O’Carolan Harp Festival
Sir Charles Coote
Mossie Martin and Giancarrlo Castello playing Turlough O’Carolan’s Sir Charles Coote in Kilronan Castle recently. Video by David Knight.
O’Carolan’s Draught
Aidan Beirne, Mossie Martin, Rachel Noone and Fiachra Guihen playing a Turlough O’Carolan tune O’Carolan’s Draught in Kilronan Castle promoting our festival which is being held 28th July – 4th August. Video by David Knight
Na Ceannbain Bhana
Sophie and Clodagh Daly playing Na Ceannbain Bhana and the Winey Hills of Leitrim slip jigs in Kilronan Castle. The girls are helping to promote the O’Carolan Harp Festival 28th July – 4th August. Video by David Knight.
Kean O’Hara
Sophie and Clodagh Daly playing the tune Kean O’Hara in Kilronan Castle recently. Video by David Knight.
Princess Royal
Emma Benson playing O’Carolan’s – Princess Royal in Kilronan Castle recently www.ocarolanharpfestival.ie. Video by David Knight.
O’Carolan’s Favourite Jig
Emma Benson playing O’Carolan’s Favourite Jig recently in Kilronan Castle www.ocarolanharpfestival.ie. Video by David Knight.
The Leprechaun Jig and Gallagher’s Frolics
Aiden Beirne, Rachel Noone and Fiachra Guihen playing The Leprechaun Jig and Gallager’s Frolics in Roddy’s Bar in Keadue to promote the O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School. Video by David Knight.
Caledonia
Aiden Beirne, Leanne Hennessy and Aoife Guckian singing Caledonia in Roddy’s Bar, Keadue recently to promote the O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School. Video by David Knight.
Brigid Cruise 3rd Air
Emma Benson and Fiachra Guihen playing O’Carolan’s – Brigid Cruise 3rd Air in Kilronan Castle recently to promote the O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School. Video by David Knight.
Maud Miller’s
Éilís Needham playing the harp in Kilronan Castle recently to promote the O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School July 28th – August 4th. Video by David Knight.
