Dungloe (An Clochán Liath) Open Harp Week – July 13–17
All Ages • All Stages • Classes • Concerts • Sessions
Dungloe/An Clochán Liath Open Harp Week returns this July with a welcoming programme of harp classes, workshops, concerts and traditional sessions in the heart of Donegal. The course is open to absolute beginners, improvers, and experienced players alike. No previous musical experience is required.
Daily classes run Monday to Friday for adults, teens and pre-teens, with additional afternoon workshops and evening events. Set along the Wild Atlantic Way, the week offers a friendly, supportive environment for anyone curious about the harp or looking to develop their playing.
Course Fees: Adults €450 | Teens €280 | Pre-teens €100 | Harp hire available (€80)
Teacher’s Week – July 11–18
Residential & Non-Residential Options Spaces Available
Teacher’s Week runs alongside the summer school, offering a structured training programme for harp teachers, including supervised teaching practice, evening events, and an optional mid-week excursion. Residential participants stay in ensuite holiday cottages at Fairgreen, Dungloe/An Clochán Liath.
Course Fee: €1,100
Accommodation (optional): €490 (6 nights)
Included Workshops & Events
Workshops (5–6pm): Mon: Illustrated lecture - The history of the Irish harp: the icon and its music. Tue: Lecture-recital: Exploring the Magic of Carolan. Thur: Masterclass: Ornamentation, Variation and ‘Dressing the Music’.
Evening Events (8.30pm): Mon: 4 Centuries of Irish Harp (Recital with Janet). Tue: Introduction to The Session. Wed: Local Seisiún at the Ionad (€5). Thur: Concert at Templecrone Church (Janet & Friends) Fri: Trip to Seisiún at Hiúdí Beag’s, An Bun Beag
Venue
Classes: St Crone’s Church of Ireland, Dungloe/An Clochán Liath (F94 VH60)
Residential accommodation: Fairgreen Holiday Cottages, Dungloe/An Clochán Liath
For more information,
Contact: Siobhan Brady
Email:
siobhan@janetharbisonharp.com
Artist Biography – Janet Harbison
Janet Harbison is one of Ireland’s most respected harp teachers and a leading force in the revival and development of Irish harping. Born in Dublin into a deeply musical family, she grew up immersed in both classical and traditional music, beginning harp studies at 13 and quickly emerging as a gifted performer. A multiple All-Ireland and international competition winner, Janet became the first harper to tour worldwide with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and later gained international recognition through her Grammy-winning collaborations with The Chieftains. But it is her work as a teacher, mentor and educational innovator that has shaped generations of harpers. Janet has spent over four decades developing a distinctive oral-based teaching method that blends traditional musicianship, ensemble skills and creative arranging. She founded and directed the Belfast Harp Orchestra - training dozens of young harpers who toured internationally - and later established the Irish Harp Centre in Co. Limerick, a pioneering residential college for harp students. Her teaching programmes, examination system and ensemble training methods are now used widely across Ireland and abroad.