Tunes, Tales and Tradition: O’Carolan Harp Festival returns to Leitrim border

Keadue is set to come alive with the sound of strings and stories later this month as the O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School returns from July 28th to August 4th.

Now a long-standing fixture on the area's musical calendar, the festival honours the life and music of Turlough O’Carolan, the blind harper and composer whose work left a lasting mark on Irish traditional music.

Running since 1978, the festival has grown into something of an institution. However, at its heart, it remains a celebration rooted in the local community and its connection to one of Ireland’s most distinctive musical figures.

READ MORE: Leitrim Ladies' All-Ireland SFC Relegation Final with Donegal fixed for Tubbercurry

O’Carolan, born in 1670 near Nobber, Co. Meath, moved with his family to Ballyfarnon as a teenager. Despite losing his sight to smallpox, he trained as a harper under the patronage of the MacDermott Roe family. He went on to travel the country composing tunes for the gentry—many of which are still played today, including the well-known "Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór" and "O'Carolan’s Concerto."

He is buried just outside Keadue at Kilronan Abbey, and each year the village pays tribute not only with music but by walking in his footsteps—literally—with the popular O’Carolan’s Trail event.

Music for All Ages and Stages

The Summer School runs during the first half of the festival, from July 28th to August 1st, offering classes in harp, fiddle, flute, tin whistle, and more. There are also lessons in set dancing, sean-nós, and traditional singing. For those interested in attending classes or concerts, full information here.

Notable tutors this year include Holly Geraghty, Junior Davey, Padraig and Lorraine Sweeney, and Caoimhe Kearins. Classes take place daily in and around St. Ronan’s Hall, with registration from 9am on the Monday morning.

The festival is backed by local and national sponsors, including Harvest Flame, Kilronan Castle, and Roscommon County Council, with further support from Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

A Week of Ceol agus Craic

Beyond the classroom, there’s plenty to look forward to across the week. The festival opens officially on Monday evening with a tribute to Josie McDermott, the Boyle-born musician, composer, and playwright.

There’ll be céilithe on Tuesday and Thursday, a harp recital in Kilronan Castle on Wednesday, and on Friday, the “Harps Together” concert featuring well-known names like Laoise Kelly and Cormac De Barra, in collaboration with Harp Ireland.

READ MORE: Fone Matters: Leitrim tech expert urges locals to shop smart, shop local

The weekend is packed, with the trail walk and harp competitions on Saturday, followed by a drama performance by Seamus O’Rourke. Sunday features a Seán Ó Riada Mass, a festival parade led by the Kiltubrid Pipe Band, and a headline concert with Seán Keane & Big Band in St. Ronan’s Hall.

The festival concludes on Monday with a wreath-laying at O’Carolan’s grave, a lecture by Prof. Luke Gibbons, and live music and dancing from local musicians and the wider Comhaltas community. The ever-popular door dancing competition rounds out the week—always a crowd favourite.

Music sessions are expected to pop up nightly in the Harp & Shamrock, and visitors are encouraged to bring their instruments—or at the very least, their ears.

Tickets are still available for classes and events, the full schedule can be found here.