A Weekend of Music, Art, and Community
There’s something special about Tuamgraney in April. Maybe it’s the sense of community, the heritage in the air, or simply the unmistakable sound of harp music drifting through the village. Whatever it is, it’s back again this year—and 2026 is a little extra special.
From April 17th to 19th, the Tuamgraney Harp Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of music, creativity, and connection. What started as a vision by Lizzie Affolter has grown into a much-loved event on the traditional music calendar. Now, under the direction of Dr Fiana Ní Chonaill, the festival continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.
This year’s programme feels both celebratory and welcoming—whether you’re a seasoned musician or just curious to experience something new. Friday night brings the official opening at Nuala’s Bar & Restaurant, but in truth, it’s the kind of night that unfolds naturally. Musicians gather, tunes are shared, and before long the whole place is alive with an open session led by Denise Kennedy and Fiana Ní Chonaill. It’s informal, welcoming, and a perfect introduction to the days ahead.
Saturday is where things really come into full swing. The day begins with workshops in St Cronan’s Church, offering a chance to learn from exceptional musicians from Ireland and across Europe. Whether it’s harp, fiddle, or concertina, there’s a real sense of openness—spaces where people can learn, try something new, or simply enjoy being part of the music.
There are a couple of lovely additions this year too. A mixed instrument workshop encourages players to come together, while the “Try the Harp” session invites complete beginners to sit down and give it a go—no experience needed.
As the day unfolds, the energy builds through competitions and conversations before giving way to the evening’s Gala Concert. And like any good festival, the night doesn’t end there—it circles back to Nuala’s for another session, where the music carries on late into the evening.
By Sunday, while the harpers are taking the Ensemble workshop, things slow down for everyone else in the best possible way. A guided walk through Tuamgraney offers a chance to take in the local history and scenery, followed by more music and a talk exploring the folklore of the harp and Ireland’s bardic traditions. One of the quieter highlights is the free recital performance—a simple, beautiful moment that captures the spirit of the weekend.
The festival wraps up with a final session on Sunday afternoon, bringing musicians and listeners together one last time before everyone heads their separate ways.
Ten years on, the Tuamgraney Harp Festival hasn’t lost what makes it special. It’s still about people coming together—sharing music, stories, and time. If you’ve never been, this might be the year to go. And if you have, you’ll already know—there’s nothing quite like it.
