Tuamgraney Harp Festival

My name is Brian Callan.
I am originally from Ardee in Co. Louth but I now live outside Craughwell in Co. Galway with my two boys.
My interest in woodwork began in school where I was lucky enough to have a teacher whose passion for the skill inspired me to make a career from it when I left school.
After running my own cabinet making business for several years, I returned to college to become a woodwork teacher and spent seven years teaching. Following the birth of my children, I took a career break to become a stay-at-home dad.
The harp’s accessible sound and therapeutic value makes it the ideal native instrument with which to introduce preschool children to music.
Researching the topic quickly made me realise very few harps were actually made in Ireland, despite the instrument being our national emblem. I started working on many templates until I manufactured a first prototype in December 2011.
I have now developed a range of fully hand-crafted harps made from locally sourced, naturally felled Irish native timber where possible. My harps are designed to suit all ages and abilities