The harp’s presence in Ireland dates back over a thousand years. It can be seen on manuscripts and Christian stone crosses, which date back to the 8th century. The harp was a Gaelic symbol, familiar in Ireland, Highland Scotland, Wales and Brittany, In Gaelic Scotland and Ireland, the-wire stringed instrument was the courtly instrument favoured by chiefs, before the popularisation of the bagpipes in the middle ages.
Ireland is the only country in the world with a musical instrument as its national symbol. The harp signifies Irish pride.