Harpists and pipers gather at Laois venue for ‘Tionól’
The Music Generation Laois Tionól Harps + Pipes in the De La Salle Retreat Centre in Castletown
PRESENTED by Music Generation Laois, Tionól harp and pipes took place in the de la Salle Retreat Centre in Castletown from 27-29 October. Now in its tenth year, young harpists and pipers from across Ireland took part in the three-day festival, which included workshops and performance opportunities.
Acclaimed harpers Michael Rooney from Monaghan and Catriona McKay from Scotland were among the team of professional musicians working with 74 young people.
Participants hailed from Music Generation programmes in Louth, Mayo, Cavan, Monaghan and Waterford, as well as from Music Generation Laois.
Speaking at the event, Rosa Flannery, music development officer with Music Generation Laois, said: ‘‘We are thrilled to celebrate ten years of Tionól, young harpers and pipers from all over Ireland take part in an immersive music experience that develops their musical skills and forges life-long friendships. Music Generation Laois has a special focus on harping and piping, the harp and uilleann pipes are two instruments of cultural significance to Ireland that need to be preserved, supported and developed.’’ To find out more about joining Music Generation Laois’ harp or uilleann pipes programme, see musicgenerationlaois.ie.
Tionól harp and pipes 2026 will take place place from 26-28 October in Castletown.
Tionól is supported by the Music Generation/Arts Council of Ireland Partnership Creativity and Collaboration Fund.
Music Generation Laois is part of Music Generation, Ireland's national performance music education programme, cofunded by U2, the Ireland Fund and the Department of Education and Youth. Locally, Music Generation Laois is part of Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board and is supported by Laois Co Council.
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