2024 was a wonderful year as I’ve watched our community grow to include many more adult pupils enjoying classes and community together. Currently, there are 3 adult classes who meet monthly in the picturesque coastal village of Portballintrae to learn and play harp together. There is also a new beginners’ weekly class which runs onContinueContinue reading “Causeway Harp School 2024”
Tag Archives: bushmills
Causeway Harp Community News
It’s been such a long time since I’ve posted here, but needless to say, our harp community here on the north coast of Ireland is truly thriving. In April, a group of young pupils had the wonderful opportunity to perform at the iconic Mussenden Temple. What an unforgettable experience for everyone.. just stunning … MussendenContinueContinue reading “Causeway Harp Community News”
Lá na Cruite/ Harp Day 2022
Causeway Harp Ensemble Each year on the 15th October, Ireland’s national body, Cruit Éireann/Harp Ireland heralds a national and worldwide celebration of Ireland’s harp, its music, players and makers. https://videopress.com/v/1WJog16h?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true Causeway Harp School, Lá na Cruite/ Harp Day 2022 Part of the celebrations include a ‘Harpers’ Call’, inviting harp players to contribute a video performanceContinueContinue reading “Lá na Cruite/ Harp Day 2022”
Harpmaker’s Workshop at Shankill Rd Library
As part of Harps Alive/ An Cruit Bheo Festival 2022, Turmennan Harps delivered a Workshop on harpmaking at the Shankill Road Library in Belfast. Photo Credit: Michael Knan, Harps Alive Festival 2022 Photo Credit: Michael Knan, Harps Alive Festival 2022 Almost all of my pupils and I play harps made by Belfast’s Brian Waugh andContinueContinue reading “Harpmaker’s Workshop at Shankill Rd Library”
Harp Summer School, Portballintrae
Harp Summer School, Portballintrae 2022 Harp pupils from Dunseverick Primary School took time out this summer to gather together, learn some new tunes, play some old ones and have fun together in sunny Portballintrae. Practising outside with a sea view The fine weather enticed us outside and many visitors to the area were treated toContinueContinue reading “Harp Summer School, Portballintrae”
Harps Alive/ An Cruit Bheo Festival 2022
230 years ago, the last of the great harpers in Ireland gathered in Belfast for the Belfast Harp Assembly; a bid to preserve and revive the dying aural tradition of Irish harping. Only eleven harpers turned up. Seven were blind. The eldest was Denis Hempson, 97, from County Derry. A young Edward Bunting, aged justContinueContinue reading “Harps Alive/ An Cruit Bheo Festival 2022”
My Harp Journey
Learning to play the harp was, for a long time, an unfulfilled dream for me. Growing up in Northern Ireland and coming from a Protestant background, I didn’t have the opportunity to learn Irish harp. The harp held a mythical quality for me. I was a reader and was aware of its special properties throughContinueContinue reading “My Harp Journey”
NEW Bespoke Irish Harp Workshops for Groups and Families on the Causeway Coast
I am delighted to now be in a position to offer bespoke group workshop experiences to groups, families and visitors to the Causeway Coast, offering an ‘Introduction to the Irish Harp’. We are located just a short walk away from the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giants’ Causeway. We are blessed to have such aContinueContinue reading “NEW Bespoke Irish Harp Workshops for Groups and Families on the Causeway Coast”
Christmas and New Year at Causeway Harp School
Christmas is always a super busy time for harpists! This year pupils played at Dunseverick Primary School’s annual carol service at Ballintoy Parish Church. A group of 5 harpists played a selection of pieces as guests arrived and also did a special group performance of ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ and ‘Carol of the Bells’. WeContinueContinue reading “Christmas and New Year at Causeway Harp School”
Causeway U3A Irish Harp Classes
Causeway U3A Traditional Harp Class in Portballintrae Village Hall On Monday mornings it is my pleasure to teach two Traditional Irish Harp Classes as part of the Causeway U3A activity programme. The Causeway U3A has a wealth of activities and groups on offer and there is sure to be something to appeal to everyone! PlayingContinueContinue reading “Causeway U3A Irish Harp Classes”
Causeway Harp School 