Traditional Irish Favorites Plus New Finds

Are you looking for some new takes on traditional Irish tunes? Our recommendations bring together beloved old favorites—traditional Irish tunes and Turlough O’Carolan tunes—alongside exciting new finds featuring original, Irish-inspired music written for solo harp.

(Titles marked with an * are playable on lever harp.)

*O’Carolan’s Dream

by Dan Reiter

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, Harp Column Music is excited to introduce a brand-new collection of 15 arrangements by Dan Reiter celebrating the music of Turlough O’Carolan, one of Ireland’s most renowned harper-composers. A harpist himself, O’Carolan wrote music that remains central to the instrument’s tradition. This collection features several beloved classics including all four “Bridget Cruise” airs, making it a particularly meaningful addition to any harpist’s Irish library.

*Danny Boy

arr. Tamsin Dearnley

You simply can’t make it through the month of March without playing this famous Irish tune. As with all of Tamsin Dearnley’s arrangements, this version is absolutely gorgeous, expressive, and lies beautifully in the hands on the harp.

*With Kitty I’ll Go/Killy Kranky

arr. Ann Reddy

I really enjoy this unique pairing from Ann Reddy. This medley brings together the slower, haunting Appalachian folk song “With Kitty I’ll Go” and the more lively, traditional Irish tune “Killy Kranky.” Simply put, this piece is just plain cool, and a great addition to Irish playlists if you’re looking for something a little different.

George Brabazon

arr. Carolyn Mills

Carolyn Mills has such fun, engaging arrangements, and this one is no exception. This popular Turlough O’Carolan, arranged here for pedal harp, tune truly comes to life with her sparkly use of harmonics. The piece begins and ends with the melody at a slower pace, while the middle bursts with color and vibrance, making it especially fulfilling to play.

*Set of Irish Folk Melodies

by Helga Harper

This set of tunes by Helga Harper is pure joy to play. It features three favorites, beginning with the slower, expressive “Foggy Dew,” before launching into the wildly contagious “Cooley’s Reel,” and wrapping up with the equally fun “Castle Kelly Reel.”

*How Lovely Is Your Dwelling

arr. Anna Hagen

I’ve always had an affinity for the main tune of this set, also known as “Down by the Sally Gardens.” Anna Hagen weaves it beautifully together with another Turlough O’Carolan tune, “O’Carolan’s Dream,” resulting in a gorgeous medley.

*Irish Lamentation

arr. Kim Robertson

This tune was new to me, but it’s absolutely lovely. Though it’s traditionally an English song, it carries strong Irish influences through its familiar tune structure and use of grace notes, and it’s all brought together beautifully in Kim Robertson’s signature arranging style.

 

*Leprechauns

by Jacqui Cook

Okay, I’m truly obsessed with this original jig by Jacqui Cook. It’s absolutely infectious and a joy to hear, and even more fun to play. This would be a fantastic tune to end any Irish-inspired set on a high note.

*Tribute to O’Carolan

by Monika Stadler

Monika Stadler always has a way of making her music irresistibly engaging. The driving melodies in this piece keep you eager to hear what comes next, and written in cut time, this piece offers a refreshingly different rhythmic feel compared to the other tunes on this list.

*Là Bealltain

by Ailie Robertson

I have only great things to say about this piece by Ailie Robertson. It’s lyrical and expressive without being difficult to play. I often have my students learn this piece as an introduction to grace notes and left-hand jumps. It’s musical, approachable, and incredibly effective as a teaching tool.

*Emerald Dream

by Joyce Rice

This is a lovely piece by Joyce Rice. It’s melodically driven and features some lesser-used harmonies, giving the tune a fresh and distinctive color you don’t often hear.

*Irish Jig

by Angela Klöhn

I can imagine hearing this piece over a panoramic video featuring the gorgeous landscapes of Ireland. It’s upbeat, playful, and reels the listener in. Composed by Angela Klöhn, it has a wonderful story-telling quality that feels right at home in an Irish-inspired set.

*Phineas Windsor’s Air

by Aaron David Miller

This original air by Aaron David Miller is absolutely stunning. More substantial than many tunes, the piece runs over three minutes which is great for gig books. Celtic influences shine through in the melody and rhythms.

*Luminous Sea

by Kim Robertson

Another wonderfully unique tune (in 5/4 time) to add to your set lists! Kim Robertson’s use of space in the melody, sparkly upper-register rolled chords, and delicate triplet trills creates a truly magical effect.