Arthur Ó Néill (c.1737 - 1816)

Arthur Ó Néill was one of the last of the old Irish harpers in the 18th century. He travelled all over Ireland, playing the harp and meeting patrons and other harpers.

He even got to re-string and play the famous medieval Trinity College or Brian Boru harp.

When he was an old man, he wrote his autobiography which is a fascinating book full of amusing anecdotes and vivid social commentary.

Edward Bunting wrote down quite a few of his tunes, preserving them for us to understand his music and style.

Click on the links above to find out more about his life and his music.