Major traditional music festival announces return to Leitrim border

Keadue announces the return of the O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School, running from Monday, July 27th, to Monday, August 3rd, 2026.

The annual festival was established in 1978 in tribute to the legendary blind harper Turlough O’Carolan, who was buried in the village of Keadue.

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.

Often referred to as Ireland's national composer and the "last of the Irish bards," O'Carolan's contributions to music are celebrated in this week-long festival that marks one of the Irish music scene's most significant cultural gatherings, blending world-class performance with immersive musical education.

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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."

The festival will welcome musicians of all ages and abilities to attend, perform, and take part in workshops led by master tutors. 

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The curriculum is designed to be comprehensive, ensuring the preservation of traditional Irish arts: Morning Classes are dedicated to Harp, Tin Whistle, Concertina, Bodhrán, Set Dancing and Banjo, while Afternoon Classes will entail specialised sessions in Concertina, Flute, Button Accordion, Fiddle, Traditional Singing, and Sean-Nós Dancing.

New this year will be guitar classes by renowned guitar tutor Declan Courell, and there will also be special sessions from the "Try the Harp" initiative, which returns, offering beginners a unique opportunity to touch and play the instrument in a supportive environment.

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The 2026 festival will also include a stellar lineup of evening performances, from Mel Mercier’s newly commissioned work for Harp Ireland, called ‘Sonóir’, and also the festival’s centrepiece performance takes place on Sunday in The O’Carolan Centre at St. Ronan’s Hall, featuring the internationally acclaimed group Téada. 

Téada is a leading voice in traditional Irish music since their formation in 2001, Téada has headlined major music festivals across the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia.