Last week, Irish Harping was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Intangible cultural heritage, or living heritage, refers to customs, traditions, crafts, games, and practices that are part of people’s lives and identities both individually and as part of wider communities, and that are passed on from generation to generation.
Irish Harping is Ireland’s third inscription on the Representative List. Its first nomination, Uilleann Piping, was officially inscribed in 2017, while its second, Hurling, was officially inscribed in 2018.
The submission for this most recent inscription was led by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in partnership with Cruit Éireann/Harp Ireland.
Speaking at the official announcement, Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Josepha Madigan TD said: "The Harp is Ireland’s national symbol and has been played here for more than one thousand years. This recognition by UNESCO is a true tribute to the generation of harpers, who have ensured the transmission of Irish harp music for this and future generations. The inscription of Irish Harping is a wonderful opportunity to share a cherished and central aspect of Irish cultural heritage with the international community."
Enjoy a short video of Irish Harpist Claire O'Donnell playing at Powerscourt, Co Wicklow:
