Carolan’s Draught

Carolan’s Draught is a classic Irish session tune named after the renowned 18th-century harpist, Turlough O’Carolan. While there’s no definitive historical account of the tune’s origins, it’s believed to have been composed by Carolan himself.

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As a blind harpist, Carolan traveled extensively throughout Ireland, earning a living by playing for wealthy landowners and nobility. His music often reflected the lives and experiences of the people he encountered. It’s possible that “Carolan’s Draught” was inspired by a specific event or person in Carolan’s life, though the exact details remain shrouded in mystery. . The tune’s enduring popularity is a testament to Carolan’s musical genius and the enduring appeal of Irish traditional music.  

Carolan’s Draught is a popular Irish session tune that doesn’t seem to have any widely recognized alternate names. It’s a relatively straightforward title that clearly identifies the tune’s association with the renowned harpist, Turlough O’Carolan.

• O’Carolan’s Draught

Carolan’s Draught is a traditional Irish instrumental tune, which means it doesn’t have lyrics. It’s primarily played on instruments like the fiddle, flute, or bodhrán, and its beauty lies in its melodic structure and rhythmic energy.