The Trinity College harp

O’Neill
badge


Old
postcard

Usually dated to the 15th Century

Also known as Brian Boru harp or O’Neill Harp

On display in the Long Room of Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.

"Small Low Headed" design;
29 or 30 strings, longest c.62cm.

There is a large colour photo of this harp on the cover of the scholarly journal Early Music, vol.36, no.4, Nov 2008. Other photos are available as a poster or postcard from the Emporium.

Further reading:
R.B. Armstrong, The Irish and Highland Harps. David Douglas, Edinburgh, 1904, p. 55-62. Photos, line drawings of elevation and details, comprehensive written description.

Simon Chadwick

Replicas available from the Historical Harp Society of Ireland

Replica Trinity College harp
made in 2007 by Davy Patton in Roscommon, Ireland, from willow and oak; decorated with woodburning, carving and paint.
Price: €6500 plus shipping. sold. More...

Student copies of this harp are available for sale from the Historical Harp Society of Ireland. Built by David Kortier, based on his measurements from the original to reproduce its idiosyncratic string spacing, angles and overall ergonomics. Laminated construction and simplified outline keep the price affordable without compromising the historical value of this harp. click here for more info.