Search results
Jan 25, 2023 · The harp has been a symbol of Ireland since the Middle Ages, when Irish kings and chieftains were depicted in manuscripts and artwork playing the instrument.
- The Harp in Mythology
- The Harp in Irish History
- The Harp Today
- The Great Harp Robbery
The harpwas said to be invented by the goddess Cana Cludhmor, the Gaelic goddess fo dreams, inspiration and music. Legend has it that while walking on a beach one night she was lulled to sleep by beautiful music. Upon waking she realized the music had been created by the wind blowing through the sinews attached to a whale skeleton washed up on the ...
From the Medieval era, up until the 1800s, the harp was at the heart of Irish courtly life. Under theBrehonsystem, the harper was a central figure in the court of every Irish king or chieftain and afforded a special status. In 1531, King Henry VIII of England declared himself King of Ireland and colonized the country. Although he recognized the cen...
The instrument itself has evolved, in build, size and make-up, over the years. For almost a millennium the harp had changed only organically, but in the 1800s, harp-maker John Egan brought about radical changes and innovations. The modern Irish harper (as opposed to a harpist, who plays a pedal or concert harp), plays in a different manner to their...
The most famous harp existing in Ireland, the so-called Brian Boru Harp, on display in Trinity College Library, serves as the model for the insignia of the Irish State, as well as that famous Guinness logo. While its origins are shrouded in debate, it is known that it was presented to Trinity College Dublin by William Conyngham in the late 18th cen...
The harp was adopted as a symbol of the Kingdom of Ireland on the coinage from 1542, and in the Royal Standard of King James VI and I in 1603 and continued to feature on all English and United Kingdom Royal Standards ever since, though the styles of the harps depicted differed in some respects.
Mar 12, 2023 · More than just a stringed instrument, it embodies the soul of Ireland, intertwining with the nation’s cultural identity and heritage. From ancient mythology to contemporary concert stages, the harp has been an ever-present symbol of Ireland’s love for music and tradition.
Jul 23, 2020 · The Irish harp is a stringed musical instrument that's said to be one of the oldest in the world. This beautiful instrument is also the national emblem of Ireland.
Oct 23, 2023 · As the national symbol of Ireland, the harp holds a special place in Irish history. While the instrument is believed to have originated in Mesopotamia, Persia (now Iran) its presence in Ireland dates back at least 1000 years.
Apr 23, 2024 · The Irish harp is the official national symbol of Ireland, known worldwide for its distinctive design based on the historic ‘Brian Boru harp’. It appears on official state documents, currency, and the presidential seal, representing Ireland’s sovereignty and cultural identity.
