The harp is the national symbol of Ireland. It appears on the Irish coat of arms, on Irish euro coins, on passports and on the seal of the President of Ireland, which makes Ireland the only country with a musical instrument as its national emblem. The harp stands for Irish music, poetry and the survival of Gaelic culture.
What Does the Irish Harp Symbolize?
- Ireland itself: the harp has represented Ireland on coats of arms since the Middle Ages.
- Music and poetry: harpers were honored members of Gaelic society, keepers of songs, genealogy and history.
- Resilience: the harp survived centuries of conquest to become the emblem of the independent Irish state.
- Heritage: for the Irish abroad, a harp is a reminder of home.
The Brian Boru Harp
The model for the national emblem is the Trinity College harp, often called the Brian Boru harp, kept in the Old Library of Trinity College Dublin. Legend links it to Brian Boru, the High King who died at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014, but the harp itself was made centuries later, around the 14th or 15th century. It is one of the oldest surviving Gaelic harps, carved from willow and strung with 29 brass strings.
A Short History of the Irish Harp
The Gaelic harp, the cláirseach, was strung with wire and played with the fingernails, giving a bell-like ringing sound. Harpers traveled between the houses of Gaelic lords and were among the most respected people in the land. As the old Gaelic order fell in the 1600s, the harping tradition declined. Turlough O'Carolan, the blind harper who died in 1738, was one of its last great composers, and the Belfast Harp Festival of 1792 gathered the last traditional harpers so their music could be written down.
The harp flew on green flags carried by Irish rebels, and when the Irish Free State was founded in 1922, the harp became its official emblem.
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The harp and the cross together.
Why Does the Irish Harp Face Left?
On official Irish state emblems, the harp faces left, with its straight pillar on the left. The Guinness brewery registered a harp facing the other way as its trademark in the 19th century, so the state uses the left-facing version to keep the two distinct.
Is the Irish Harp the Same as the Celtic Harp?
Celtic harp is a broad name for the small harps of Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The Irish harp is the Irish form of it. The historic Irish cláirseach was wire-strung, while most modern Irish and Celtic harps use nylon or gut strings and are played with the pads of the fingers.
Who Is the Lady on the Harp?
Some Irish harps show a winged woman forming the front pillar, often called the Maid of Erin. She represents Ireland itself and appeared on flags and badges in the 18th and 19th centuries, a romantic image of the nation as a woman.
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Harp pendants, harp crosses and harp earrings, the national symbol of Ireland to wear.
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Discover more Irish symbols in our guide to 12 Celtic symbols and their meanings, and the story of the Quinn Harp Cross.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the harp the symbol of Ireland?
The harp has represented Ireland since the Middle Ages because harp music was central to Gaelic culture, and harpers held high status as keepers of song and history. It appeared on royal coats of arms for Ireland and became the official emblem of the Irish state in 1922.
What is the Brian Boru harp?
The Brian Boru harp is the Trinity College harp in Dublin, one of the oldest surviving Gaelic harps and the model for Ireland's national emblem. Legend links it to High King Brian Boru, who died in 1014, but it was made around the 14th or 15th century.
Why does the Irish harp face left?
The official Irish state harp faces left. Guinness registered a harp facing the other direction as its trademark in the 19th century, so the government uses the left-facing version on coins, passports and the presidential seal to keep the national emblem distinct.
Is the harp or the shamrock the national symbol of Ireland?
The harp is Ireland's official national symbol, used by the government on coins, passports and state seals. The shamrock is an unofficial but much-loved symbol, linked to St. Patrick and worn on St. Patrick's Day. Both are recognized around the world as signs of Ireland.
What does an Irish harp necklace mean?
An Irish harp necklace is a sign of pride in Irish heritage, music and culture. Because the harp is the national emblem, it is a popular gift for musicians, for anyone with Irish roots, and for people who have visited Ireland and want a meaningful reminder.
About the Author
Jennifer Derrig founded The Irish Jewelry Company in 2006. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), she designs Celtic and Irish jewelry that carries the stories, symbols and language of Ireland. Follow Jennifer on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
