Harp Traditions of Ireland

Early Harps

Harps have a long and important history in the cultural life of Ireland. Images of harps can be found from very early in Irish history, such as a bronze shrine from the 11th century depicting a robed figure playing an Irish harp (cláirseach). The ancient tradition of harp playing existed for centuries, although the details of how and when harps first arrived are unknown.

A bard and harper performing before the chief of the Mac Sweynes.

Derricke, Image of Irelande PR2244 .D4 Irish

In medieval times, the harpers had a high status in the clans of Gaelic Ireland. In an Irish chief’s household, the harper was second in stature only to the official poet. In addition to providing music for various occasions and ceremonies, the harper would accompany a reciter (reacaire) in presenting verse composed by the official poet (file) to record important events.
Harp playing in Ireland was an oral tradition, with the tunes passed from master to pupil. Many harpers were blind, and little is known about the actual music played on the ancient harps, as it was not transcribed. Early accounts by 12th century Norman priest Giraldus Cambrensis, in his Topographia Hibernica, express the highest praise for the rapid fingerwork and musicality of the Irish harpers.

The blind piper Patrick Byrne, circa 1845.

Armstrong, The Irish and Highland Harps ML501 .A76 1904 Irish

Engraving of early harp.

Walker, Historical Memoirs of the Irish Bards ML3654 .W35 1786 Irish

The medieval harps were carved out of a single log of wood (willow or bog oak), strung with heavy brass wire strings, and played with long fingernails. The oldest extant harps are from the 14th century: the Trinity College Harp (Dublin), and the Queen Mary and Lamont Harps (Edinburgh). The Trinity Harp is the model for the symbol of Ireland on coins, flags and building
In the 16th century, the chieftains began to lose their power and lands, and the role of the professional harper changed. Harpers found patrons in the great houses of Ireland and Scotland. The itinerant harper travelled from house to house, providing music and teaching harp to family members. In Ireland, larger cláirseachs were made. Fewer than twenty of these Gaelic harps still exist today, and most are in the National Museum of Ireland. The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston holds the Bunworth harp (1734).

Illustration of a cláirseach.

Moore, Irish Melodies PR5054 .I8 1846 Irish

Introduction
Edward Bunting