Aibhlín McCrann has a unique understanding of the arts and cultural sector in Ireland and of the complex dynamic and challenging environment in which it operates, A fluent Irish speaker and practicing harper/musician, she has considerable media experience as a performer, spokesperson, and freelance writer. She holds a BA (Hons) B.MUS from University College Dublin.
As Director of An Chúirt Chruitireachta, the International Festival for Irish Harp for more than 27 years, Aibhlín transformed the perception of Irish harping; successfully integrating it into mainstream traditional music. In 2019, partnering with the then Department of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Heritage and Media, she achieved UNESCO recognition for Irish Harping on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage List of Humanities. In her current capacity as Chair of Cruit Éireann, Harp Ireland, she works with her board to develop and promote harping in Ireland and worldwide.
Aibhlín served on the board of the Arts Council for ten years, and was its deputy Chair, 2012-2016. She is Chair of the internationally renowned Irish Chamber Orchestra and a board member of glór Arts Centre Ennis, Co Clare. She served on the board of the Irish Traditional Music Archive and is currently a member of the Department of Culture Communications and Sports committee to assess initiatives for inclusion on the UNESCO list and National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. She was reappointed to the Governing Authority of the University of Limerick from 2023-2026. Additionally, she is a member of the board of UCH Concert Hall, and for many years was Deputy Chair of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.
Aibhlín was conferred with an honorary doctorate from the National University of Ireland in 2025.