The Dalway Harp
Made in A.D 1621, by Donal O'Dermody of Kilkenny, for Sir John Fitz Edmund Fitzgerald of Cloyne, County Cork, Ireland.
Copyright managed by the Library CouncilThe Dalway Harp
Copyright managed by the Library Council
Copyright managed by the Library Council
The Dalway Harp
Made in A.D 1621, by Donal O'Dermody of Kilkenny, for Sir John Fitz Edmund Fitzgerald of Cloyne, County Cork, Ireland.
Copyright managed by the Library Council
The word 'harp' comes from an Angle-Saxon word meaning 'to pluck'. During medieval times, Ireland was famous throughout Europe for harp music and playing. Harpists travelled around Ireland writing music for patrons and also for important events. This is why the instrument has been used as the emblem of Ireland since medieval times.
Today, the Irish harp emblem is based on the Trinity College Harp. This harp is one of Ireland's national treasures. It is also known as the Brian Boru harp or O'Neill Harp. It is thought to date to the 15th Century.