Cairde na Cruite, since its establishment in 1960, has played a central role in the revival and development of interest in the Irish harp. While its original objectives espoused the provision of expert tuition and the publication of music for the Irish harp, its mission has evolved considerably over the last 50+ years and the society has made a significant contribution to the development of a vibrant dynamic role for the Irish harp, and its positioning within Irish traditional music.

Currently the society is actively involved in:

  • promoting interest in the Irish harp nationally and internationally,
  • continuing to integrate the wire and gut strung harps with mainstream Irish music through the medium of the Irish language where appropriate,
  • facilitating the provision of teachers of the Irish harp,
  • introducing a wider audience base to the ancient courtly harping tradition through information giving, recording and performance of the music,
  • publishing music for the Irish harp,
  • facilitating harp-hire on a short term basis for beginners.

Cairde na Cruite offers a wide range of activities which are carried out in a voluntary capacity by its committee. Apart from its annual festival, An Chúirt Chruitireachta, Cairde na Cruite.

  • Acts as an initial point of contact and information for anybody interested in the Irish harp,
  • Organises 3 student concerts annually,
  • Publishes an annual online harp newsletter called An Cruitire
  • Publishes collections of music for the Irish harp, most recently: Rogha na gCruitirí, Harpers’ Choice, 100 Traditional Tunes for the Irish Harp.