Wednesday 08th July 2026
Location: Kilkenny
8–10 July 2026Kilkenny Castle & Rothe House, Kilkenny Discovery Days 2026 is a three-day celebration of Ireland’s ancient harp tradition, bringing together leading musicians, scholars and performers from Ireland and abroad for concerts, talks, workshops and rare performances on reconstructed historical instruments. Presented by the Historical Harp Society of Ireland, the event offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience the extraordinary sound of Ireland’s original brass-wire-strung harp, the instrument depicted on Ireland’s national emblem. Programme Highlights: The King’s Irish HarperWednesday 8 JulyParade Tower, Kilkenny Castle Directed by internationally acclaimed historical harpist Dr Siobhán Armstrong and performed by The Irish Consort, this unique concert explores the role of Irish harpers at the Tudor and Stuart courts and includes a world premiere performance on a reconstructed multi-row brass-wire Irish harp. Free Discovery Days EventsThursday 9 JulyRothe House, Kilkenny A full day of free public events including talks, workshops, instrument demonstrations and opportunities to meet performers and researchers. Highlights include: • Simon Chadwick, 900 Years of Irish Harping• Guth na Cláirsí: The Voice of the Harp with Eibhlís Ní Ríordáin• Beginner harp workshops• Instrument demonstrations Grá agus Caoine: Loves and LamentsFriday 10 JulyParade Tower, Kilkenny Castle Featuring acclaimed sean-nós singer Iarla Ó Lionáird alongside Dr Siobhán Armstrong, Sorcha Ní Scólaí and Eibhlís Ní Ríordáin, this special performance explores themes of love, loss and memory through Ireland’s rich musical heritage.
Organisers Website

To keep up-to-date with all events, download "The Kilkenny App"