Brian Boru's Harp
Miguel B
Did you know that Ireland is the only country in the world that has a musical instrument as its national symbol?
The Brian Boru's Harp is a decorated and bejewelled medieval harp of cedar wood that was made for a person of great importance. However, it was not in fact made for Brian Boru himself (High King of Ireland, 1002 – 14 AD) and it is believed it was crafted about 300 years after his death, between 14th and 15th centuries. Nevertheless, the name remains in Brian’s honour.
Currently on display in the long room at Trinity College in Dublin, this harp is one of the three oldest surviving Gaelic harps.
Today, a representation of the traditional harp is to be found on the Presidential Seal, on logos for many state-supported organisations, on official documents, on passports, on the flag of Leinster (but not the national flag) and on Irish euro coins.
As one of the national symbols of Ireland the harp is also used extensively by businesses and other corporations wishing to convey 'Irish-ness', such as Guinness or Ryanair.