There was a time when the Irish Harp was an extremely powerful and highly respected musical instrument in the Gaelic cultural landscape. It is surprising then that the Harp and its music nearly came to extinction in recent times. Though a far cry from its cousin of old, the Irish Harp today is no longer neglected and enjoying a slow resurgence from a variety of persons in Ireland.

In an insightful documentary, Harp Ireland offers a unique look into the world of the Irish harper today. The environment of Harp in the early 20th century was one of drawing room formality; young ladies learned it as a fashionable thing to do. The harpers of today bask rather in the tradition of newly discovered material, friendship, and the community which has grown around the Irish Harp.

The documentary visits the worlds of the people whose lives are connected to the Harp through competitions, schools, and even harp making. Two authors and a music scholar give brief introductions into important historical events such as the 1792 Belfast Harp Festival where the ancient music of the Irish Harp was saved by Edward Bunting. Recording artists Moya Brennan of Clannad and the late Derek Bell of the Chieftains also share moments from their histories and careers concerning their experience with the instrument. In revealing the lives of both seasoned and amateur harpers, this documentary presents a striking look at the Irish people today who bring to life the traditional Irish Harp music.

Featuring         Derek Bell
                  Moya Brennan
                  Grainne Yeats
                  Cormac deBarra
                  Laoise Kelly
Written and       Peter Maguire
Produced by       Emily Cullen
Cinematographer   Costas Murphy
Editor            Bridget Quinn
Assoc. Producer   Michael Maguire