Castletown Cultural Programme 2026 – Elsafty, Armstrong & Browne
Dates
26/06/2026 - 26/06/2026
8:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Location
Castletown House and Parklands
lsafty, Armstrong & Browne featuring :
Róisín Elsafty - Song
Siobhán Armstrong - Early Irish Harp
Ronan Browne - Union Pipes, Flute & Whistle
This trio presents the scintillating voice of one of Ireland’s finest Conamara singers, Róisín Elsafty, together with the very rare and meltingly beautiful sound of the medieval Irish harp, played by Ireland’s foremost historical harpist, Siobhán Armstrong, woven with the diverse colours of Ronan Browne’s flutes, whistles and 175-year-old pipes.
From sparkling songs to harp laments and old pipes “pieces”, we are given a glimpse of the unique sound of early Ireland. Róisín performs evocative unaccompanied songs in the florid Conamara style, together with achingly beautiful 17th- and 18th-century Irish harpers’ songs with harp and flute accompaniment.
Playing a facsimile copy of Ireland’s national emblem – and Europe’s oldest surviving harp, the medieval Trinity College harp – in the ancient manner, with fingernails striking brass, silver and 18-carat gold strings, Siobhán plays the compositions of the old Irish harper-composers.
Ronan’s low pitch Union pipes, dating from circa 1850, have that rich tone which makes you want to curl up and snuggle deep into their rumbling purr as he performs old airs, marches and jigs.
The coming together of these three musical minds with their deep fascination, love and respect for that past which created our present, makes for a warm, informative and joyous evening’s entertainment.
Getting Here
Castletown is easily accessible by public transport.
By Bus:
From Dublin City Centre: The C4 goes from Ringsend Road via City Centre Quays to Celbridge village. Alight at stop 3907 and the Castletown Gates are in front of you.
The 120 bus (operated by Go-Ahead) goes from Dublin City Centre towards Edenderry. Take the 120 to stop 7085, English Row and walk up Main Street to the Castletown Gates.
By Train:
From Hazelhatch rail station, take the W61 bus to Main Street Celbridge, stop number 3907 and the Castletown Gates are in front of you.
By Car
Access to the car park at Castletown house via the M4 will resume from Sunday afternoon 21st of December 2025.
Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions

