THE LIFE OF TURLOUGH O' CAROLAN - IRISH HARPISTS AND COMPOSER

Turlough O'Carolan was born in County Meath in 1670. He is regarded as one of the finest composers and harpists that Ireland has ever produced.

Carolan The Celebrated Irish Bard
A sample of his music is available here and other tunes can be heard throughout this site which looks at the life and legacy of O'Carolan.

Firstly, the Ireland of O'Carolan's time is examined. The families of old Gaelic Ireland were disappearing and the Battle of the Boyne, when O'Carolan was twenty years old, changed Ireland forever.

Secondly, the O'Carolan biography is explored. Little detail of his life is truly known but some evidence is available to shed light on his life and circumstances. A short illustrated biography of O'Carolan is given in Irish.

Thirdly, O'Carolan's continuing ability to inspire others is looked at. Thomas Moore wrote many songs based on the harp as a symbol of Ireland during the nineteenth century. Derek Bell of The Chieftains is credited with reviving interest in O'Carolan and in harp music. Brian Keenan's first work of fiction is based on O'Carolan's life.

Fourthly, the power of the harp as a cultural symbol and icon of Ireland is traced from historical times to the present day.

In the fifth segment the flourishing harp, cultural and heritage festival at Nobber is detailed from its inception in 1988 to 2005.

Finally, O'Carolan's legacy in the flowering of poetry, song and Irish culture in North Meath is examined.