The launch of 42nd O’Carolan Harp Festival & Summer School took place at Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa on Wednesday, June 29.The Festival & Summer School, Keadue, Co Roscommon has been held in Keadue since 1978 every August Bank holiday weekend and was initiated to commemorate world renowned Harper and Composer Turlough O’Carolan whose remains are interred in Kilronan Cemetery just outside Keadue Village. The organisers are absolutely delighted to be back after a two-year break due to the Covid pandemic and are really looking forward to this year’s event which they hope will bring life back into the village and community and a smile on people’s faces again after a tough few years for everybody. The annual event is one of the longest running and leading Harp and Traditional Music Festivals in Ireland, especially promoting harp music and the music of O’Carolan. It attracts harpers from Ireland and overseas who attend the Harp School Classes and compete in the International Harp Competitions. Participants have an opportunity to participate in the many traditional music events and sessions throughout the Festival and Summer School. Overseas visitors especially enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in the scenic surrounds of unspoilt north Roscommon. The festival itself will kick off with the O’Carolan Summer School on Monday, July 25 and features some of the very best tutors in Irish traditional music, set & sean-nós dance & traditional singing. Classes will be hosted throughout the village with classes in Harp, Bodhran, tin whistle, set dancing and banjo taking place in the morning and classes in button accordion, fiddle, concertina, flute, traditional singing, beginners and advanced sean nós dancing taking place in the evening.Registration for the Summer School is available in advance online, on the new website at www.ocarolanharpfestival.ie.A special Tutor’s Concert on Thursday, July 28 will be another highlight in St. Ronan’s Hall. Compere on the night will be good friend and long-time supporter
Gallery: Launch of 42nd O’Carolan Harp Festival & Summer School
