Later Years

O'Carolan Monument
Leitrim County Library

O'Carolan married Mary Maguire from Co Fermanagh and they had seven children. There were six daughters and one son. Although he bought a house and farm in Mohill in Co Leitrim, he continued to work as a travelling harpist as well. When Mary died in 1733, O'Carolan was heart-broken.

In later years, O'Carolan returned to his old patron Máire Mac Dermottroe at Alderford House. He composed and played his final piece of music for her. It is called 'O'Carolan's Farewell to Music'. He died at Alderford House on 25th March 1738. He is buried at the Mac Dermottroe family tomb in Co Roscommon.

Carolan Monument 2004
Permission courtesy of the Nobber Festival committee

The annual O'Carolan Harp Festival takes place each year in Nobber, Co Meath. It celebrates his life and music. The first festival was held in 1988 to mark the 250th anniversary of the harpist's death.