Object of the Month: March 2025
With St Patrick’s Day approaching, we have a beautiful Irish harp for this month’s object. Originally part of Henry McIlhenny’s collection, it was made in Dublin in the 1820s and stands in the Music Room at Glenveagh Castle.
The significance of the harp as an instrument in Ireland goes back as far as pre-Christian times and by the end of the 10th century the Celtic harp was considered a very important Irish symbol. Every High King of Ireland had their own harpist and High King, Brian Boru himself was considered to be a master of the instrument.
Today the harp remains our national symbol and along with the shamrock is one of the most recognised symbols of Ireland. It appears on Irish coins and is the logo for government departments, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and well-known Irish companies.