Cairde na Cruite

Harp Hire

Cairde na Cruite in their aim to support harpists have a limited number of harps for hire to beginners. The following questions and answers aim to assist potential hirers in their quest to avail of a harp.

I WANT TO HIRE A HARP, WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?

Caitríona, our harp hire coordinator, can be contacted in one of the following ways:

• By filling out your details on the Contact for Harp Hire form on this webpage and pressing the Send Form button.
• By Emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

IS THERE A WAITING LIST? 

In general a short waiting list will apply, but this depends on the demand at certain times of year.

HOW LONG CAN I HIRE THE HARP FOR?  

A minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 12 months. In general, we do not lend harps on a short term basis. In addition, (depending on demand) some hire contracts may end on the last week in June to accommodate our international harp festival which runs annually for 5 days from the last Sunday in June. The hire term will be agreed with the harp hire coordinator by email / phone before arrangements are made for the collection of hire harp.

WHAT KIND OF HARP WILL I GET?

Our harps are mainly made by Irish harp makers and usually are the 34 string model. We also own a couple of smaller harps which are suitable for beginners. A new person hiring a harp will be offered a harp as and when it becomes available.

WILL I OWN THE HARP AT THE END OF THE PERIOD?

No you will not own the harp as we are not agents for selling harps. Our harps have either been donated to the society or the society has bought them for the purpose of facilitating aspiring harpists.

IS THE HARP INSURED?

Yes, the harp is insured by the society while it is in transit from collection point to the hirer's home (in Ireland) (provided that the harp is not left in a car unattended) and also in the hirer's home. Hire harps are not to be transported abroad as we do not provide the necessary hard covers / flight cases to protect the instruments for this means of travel. The harp must remain in Ireland at all times during the hire period.

HOW DO I GET THE HARP?

You may collect and return the harp to the harp hire coordinator's home.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE A HARP?

The cost to hire a 34 string harp is €50 per month with 6 months to be paid in advance (on collection of the harp) for the first rental. This may be extended for a second hire term to a maximum of 12 months.

IS THERE A CONTRACT THAT I HAVE TO SIGN?

You will need to read and sign a Harp Hire Contract  before taking possession of the harp. You will also need to bring proof of your identity and home address and furnish this when collecting the hire harp.

HOW AND WHO DO I PAY?

You will need to pay to be a member of Cairde na Cruite in order to hire a harp. The cost of this is €10.00 per annum for students and €20.00 for adults and it will be added to the harp hire fee that you have agreed with the harp hire coordinator. Payment is required when you collect the harp. Cheque payments should be made payable to Cairde na Cruite.

Become a Member

Membership Options

Family €30.00 EURIndividual €20.00 EURStudent €10.00 EUR

 

Harp Hire Payment

Booking Name

Irish Harp Makers

The following is a directory of full-time and part-time Irish harp makers currently operating in Ireland. If you are a harp maker currently operating in Ireland, and wish to be added to our list please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This list of harp makers is provided to assist people who may wish to procure a harp from one of the many Irish harp makers. Publication of this list is not an endorsement of any harp maker and we cannot vouch for or recommend any one harp maker over another. Harps are expensive instruments and accordingly we urge consumers to proceed with caution and conduct their own due diligence when purchasing an instrument. Accordingly, the principle of caveat emptor should be applied.