Fáilte go dtí Oileán na Cruite
Off the coast of Donegal, tethered to the mainland by a slender bridge, lies Cruit Island — An Chruit, in Irish, meaning “the harp”. It is a name that carries the deep memory of a landscape shaped like the instrument itself, its rocky spine rising and curving against the Atlantic like strings stretched toward the sky. That this small, sacred island should lend its name to Ireland’s most enduring symbol is no accident of geography — it is an invitation, one that has waited centuries to be answered.
In July 2026, TradFest, in partnership with Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland and with the generous support of Donegal County Council, accepts that invitation. Inspired by the vision of TradFest patron and celebrated actor, Stephen Rea, who calls Cruit home, a gathering of harpers and poets will come together on the island’s shores — in the intimate surrounds of Halla Mhuire and St. Mary’s Church, which stands at the water’s edge — to honour the harp, the word, and the living tradition they share.
A special thanks to our Funders and Partners
ARTISTS
Events
Oscail an Doras
Opening Concert
Friday, 17th July 2026, 7pm
St. Mary’s Church
Launching the inaugural Cruit festival, this special opening concert brings together an exceptional lineup of traditional musicians and spoken word artists in the beautiful setting of St. Mary’s Church, Kincasslagh. Featuring harpers Michelle Mulcahy and Lauren Ní Néill, uilleann piper Louise Mulcahy, fiddle player Eugene McKenna and acclaimed actor Stephen Rea, the evening celebrates the rich musical and storytelling traditions of Ireland and Donegal through harp music, poetry and collaboration inspired by landscape, heritage and cultural connection.
Scéal na Cruite
The Harp Story
Saturday, 18th July 2026, 11am
Halla Mhuire
Join Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland Chair, Aibhlín McCrann and poet Cathal Ó Searcaigh for an engaging exploration of the history and cultural significance of the Irish harp. Set just off Cruit Island, whose name derives from the Irish word for harp, this event traces the instrument’s journey through Irish history, storytelling and tradition. Scéal na Cruite offers audiences a deeper understanding of the harp’s enduring connection to identity and Ireland’s living cultural heritage.
Lón Anama
Poetry for the Soul
Saturday, 18th July 2026, 1pm
Halla Mhuire
Enjoy a reflective lunchtime gathering of poetry, music and storytelling featuring acclaimed actor Stephen Rea and poet Cathal Ó Searcaigh, with harper Michelle Mulcahy. Lón Anama | Food for the Soul offers therapeutic moments of connection and calm through the interplay of harp music and the spoken word.
Ceardlanna Cruite
Harp Workshops
Saturday, 18th July 2026, 2.30pm
Halla Mhuire
Join us for the first ever harp workshops on Cruit Island. Beginner, intermediate and advanced students will have an opportunity to learn from master harpers Michelle Mulcahy, Cormac De Barra and Lauren Ní Néill. Come along to hear their unique insights on the music of the ancient harpers, slow airs and dance music on harp; a gathering not to be missed!
Macalla na Mara
Sea Echoes at Cruit
Saturday, 18th July 2026, 7pm
St. Mary’s Church
Closing the first ever Cruit festival, Macalla na Mara | Sea Echoes commissioned by Cruit Éireann | Harp Ireland, with support from dlr County Council, brings together a stellar lineup of artists for an evening of harp music, song, traditional music and spoken word. As part of the concert, Cormac De Barra and Lisa Lambe will present this new work Macalla na Mara | Sea Echoes, inspired by our relationship with the sea and the impact of climate change on our natural environment. Featuring performances from the Inishowen Harp Ensemble, harper Lauren Ní Néill, Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Neil Martin and Stephen Rea, the concert blends contemporary and traditional performance in a unique programme.