The 2019 Achill International Harp Festival returns to Achill Island from Friday 25th October to Monday 28th October, showcasing the most exciting exponents of harp in world music, including Tlen Huicani (Mexico), Catriona McKay (Scotland), Ben Creighton Griffiths (Wales) and some of Ireland’s foremost harpers such as Laoise Kelly, Kathleen Loughnane, Síle Denvir and Elaine Hogan.
While harp is the focal point, the festival also connects with many other associated aspects of music and place. The opening concert features the festival’s signature combination of pipes and harp, acknowledging the strong tradition of piping in Achill Island within the context of the harp festival, and will feature Scottish folk music innovators Catriona McKay (harp) and Ross Ainslie (pipes), Liam O Maonlaí (vocals/keyboard), Laoise Kelly (harp), Diarmaid Moynihan (pipes/whistle), Tola Custy (fiddle), Martin Brunsden (double bass), Cormac Byrne (percussion) and Patrick Cafferkey (highland pipes).
In addition to concerts and recitals, there are music, singing and dance workshops, walks, talks, sessions, harp making workshops, harp exhibition, children’s events, céili and more - with Nell Ní Chróinín, Emily Cullen, Ellen Cranitch, Toner Quinn, Nico and Martin, Liam Scanlon and Edwina Guckian. Bookings and information on www.achillharpfestival.ie