Turlough O’Carolan

Turlough O’Carolan (born 1670, near Nobber, County Meath, Ireland—died March 25, 1738, Alderford, County Roscommon) was one of the last Irish harpist-composers and the only one whose songs survive in both words and music in significant number (about 220 are extant).

O’Carolan, who was the son of an iron founder, became blind from smallpox at the age of 18. He was befriended by Mrs. MacDermott Roe, the wife of his father’s employer, who apprenticed him to a harper, supported him for the three years of his training, and then gave him money, a guide, and a horse. As an itinerant harper, he traveled widely in Ireland. Although never considered a master performer, he was highly regarded as a composer of songs and improvised verse. His tunes appeared widely in 18th-century collections.