Traditional Irish Airs

Check out these traditional Irish airs to download now at Harp Column Music.

If you’re looking for slow, beautiful Irish tunes, this blog is for you. And in true Irish harp fashion, all titles listed are playable on lever harp!

Be Thou My Vision

arr. Lauren Scott

This is one of my favorite hymns. I have always loved the simple but beautiful melody line. Scott’s arrangement brings just a little sparkle to the tune through gentle, flowing arpeggios, composed interludes, and by using a large range of the harp. 

Irish Fantasia

arr. Barbara Ann Fackler

I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again. Barbara Ann Fackler breathed beautiful new life into “Danny Boy” with this unique setting. Her composed improvisational sections add a new depth to the tune as they provide a stately contrast to “Danny Boy’s” delicate melody.

The Lark in the Clear Air

arr. Elizabeth Volpé Bligh

I’m really not sure how I haven’t come across this Irish tune before now. It is really joyous! Not only can you use this arrangement by Elizabeth Volpé Bligh as a duet with melody instrument or voice, but it can also be used as a harp solo.

The Irish Harp

by Deborah Dahl Shanks

This collection by Deborah Dahl Shanks includes 24 airs, laments, slow marches, and tunes from Ireland. If you’re looking for sweet, slow pieces with beautiful melodies, this is for you!

Forget Not The Angels

arr. Kim Robertson

Something about this tune sparks imagery of Irish landscapes being shown off in a video while this music plays over it. Although there’s a lot going on in this arrangement with your hands, it is quite contemplative. Originally a fiddle tune, this may not be as well known in the harp world, making it a great new addition to your gig book.

Down By The Salley Gardens

arr. Andrea Stern

I have always loved this Irish air. Andrea Stern’s arrangement is simple and stunning, and very meditative, too. I especially love the beginning when the left hand takes the melody. 

Limerick’s Lamentation

arr. Maeve Gilchrist

Short and sweet. Maeve always brings a lot of ornamentations and complexities to her arrangements that elevate simple tunes! 

Maire Dhall

arr. Marilyn Rummel

Okay, this isn’t technically a traditional Irish air because it is by Turlough O’Carolan, but it is one of the most widely known Irish airs, so I had to include it on this list! Its classic, pretty melody is always welcome, especially in the month of March.

More Irish solos