Each October, the sound of Ireland’s oldest symbol fills the air for Lá na Cruite | Harp Day…..a celebration of music, heritage, and identity.

Ireland is the only country in the world with a musical instrument as its national emblem. The harp appears on our coins, passports, and government seals….and is a quiet reminder of centuries of tradition and resilience.

Once played in royal courts and by travelling harpers who carried news and stories across the land, the harp remains a living thread in Irish culture. Today, it’s as likely to be heard in a castle courtyard as in a café or concert hall.

Lá na Cruite | Harp Day brings that history to life…..with performances, workshops, and impromptu sessions taking place across the country. It’s a chance to stop and listen to the sound that has shaped Ireland’s story for over a thousand years.

Across the weekend, pop-up performances appeared in town squares, libraries, and cafés, while established venues like Glór in Ennis and the Oriel Centre in Dundalk Gaol hosted standout concerts featuring acclaimed artists such as Aisling Lyons, Síle Denvir, Barry Kerr, and Michael Rooney. In Doneraile Court, Co. Cork, an Early-Irish Harp Discovery Day explored the instrument’s ancient roots through talks and workshops, while Dublin’s National Library hosted a fascinating lecture on the life and legacy of Gráinne Yeats.

See harpireland.ie for a full events listing.