09/08/2023
Harpists Gathering at Grianán of Aileach fort in Co. Donegal, 3rd Aug ‘23.
The harp is a revered National symbol of Ireland. It is used very effectively in Sound Therapy.
In Irish mythology, the Dagda’’s Harp had the Three Noble Strains of music bound into it. Each strain had a different effect on the listener:
🎼 Goltraí “dirges or laments”. The sorrow strain caused people to weep
🎼 Geantraí “joy music”, from gean- (“smile, affection”) + -traí
The joy strain incited merriment
🎼 Suantraí “lullaby”, from suan- (“sleep, slumber”) + -traí
The sleep strain lulled people to slumber.
Photo by Margaret Mc Loughlin.
Article by Seamus McKinney for The Irish News
03 August, 2023 17:01
“More than 60 of Ireland’s leading young harp players have gathered at the ancient Grianán of Aileach fort in Co Donegal for an unprecedented assembly of harpists.
Harpists from all over Ulster as well as Co Louth played at the fort which overlooks the Derry-Donegal border on Thursday to promote Irish harp day later this year.
All 60 musicians also performed a special commission by Donegal harper Joleen McLaughlin at a recital at St Pius X’s church in Moville on Thursday evening.
The Cruinniú na gCruitirí (Harpers’ Gathering) was brought together by Cruit Éireann (Harp Ireland) along with renowned Inishowen musician, Clodagh Warnock.
The recitals also featured guest performances from Triona Marshall, harper with the legendary The Chieftains as well as Donegal musician and composer, Martin Tourish.
One of the royal sites of Gaelic Ireland, Grianán of Aileach is a ringfort overlooking Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle. “
