Lá na Cruite | Harp Day & Galway’s Waterways Tour – Saturday 18 October 2025

Celebrate Lá na Cruite | Harp Day at the Hall of the Red Earl

On Saturday, 18th October 2025, Galway Civic Trust is delighted to celebrate Lá na Cruite | Harp Day, a national day dedicated to Ireland’s iconic musical heritage.

At 11.00 AM, join us in the Hall of the Red Earl for a special harp performance by Kathleen Loughnane and Catriona Cannon, followed by Maura Ó Cróinín at 1.00 PM.Kathleen, Catriona and Maua will perform a selection of traditional pieces and share their expertise in a talk on early Irish music, exploring the deep roots of our 1,000-year-old harping tradition — recognised by UNESCO on its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Following her performance, Maua will take questions from the audience, offering visitors a rare chance to learn more about the instrument that has become a symbol of Irish identity and artistry.

Lá na Cruite | Harp Day celebrates the harp through performances, workshops, and pop-up events across Ireland — inviting everyone to experience the beauty and legacy of our national instrument. We are proud to host this year’s celebration in one of Galway’s most historic venues, the Hall of the Red Earl.

Galway’s Waterways – Medieval Galway Tour

At 2.30 PM, we invite you to take part in a special guided tour and presentation exploring Galway’s Waterways and Medieval Heritage, led by Ian Brophy and Declan O’Shea of Galway Civic Trust.

Depending on the weather, this will take the form of either a walking tour or a virtual presentation showcasing the rich history of Galway’s medieval cityscape and waterways.

We are particularly pleased to announce that, thanks to funding from Galway City Council under the Local Enhancement Programme 2025, Galway Civic Trust has recently purchased new tour audio equipment. This investment supports our ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, allowing more people to enjoy our guided tours comfortably.

For this inaugural inclusive tour, we are working closely with volunteer and community groups around Galway involved in Age Action and Active Retirement, including St. Vincent de Paul.

Places on the tour are strictly limited to 25, and a few spaces are still available.
If you’d like to join us, booking is essential — please email Declan via our contact form on the Galway Civic Trust website.

A New Chapter for Inclusive Heritage Tours

This tour marks the beginning of a new series of accessible and inclusive heritage experiences that Galway Civic Trust will host on a regular basis.

We welcome anyone who would like to get involved, whether through volunteering, sharing ideas, or supporting our projects. Together, we can continue to celebrate and preserve Galway’s unique cultural and historical heritage for all.

Event Details at a Glance:

🗓 Saturday, 18 October 2025
📍 Hall of the Red Earl, Druid Lane, Galway

🎵 11.00 AM – Kathleen Loughnane and Catriona Cannon: Harp Performance & Talk (Lá na Cruite | Harp Day)
🎵 1.00 PM – Maua Ó Cróinín: Harp Performance & Talk (Lá na Cruite | Harp Day)
🏰 2.30 PM – Galway’s Waterways: Medieval Galway Tour (Ian Brophy & Declan O’Shea)
💬 Booking essential – limited to 25 participants
📧 Contact Declan via our website contact form