Turlough O'Carolan was born in 1670 in a small Irish village near Nobber, County Meath. A family friend, Mrs. MacDermott Roe took an interest in educating him during his adolescence. When he became blind at age 18 from smallpox, she apprenticed him with a harpist so that he would have a way to earn a living. She then provided him with a horse and a guide, and he spent the rest of his life traveling around Ireland singing, playing and composing hundreds of tunes (planxties), most of which were named after patrons.

In 1720 he married Mary Maguire, who settled on a farm near Mohill, County Leitrim, and had six daughters and a son. He died at the MacDermott Roe Estate, “Alderford”, in County Roscommon in 1738. About 200 of his tunes survive as single line melodies, and many are still popular with modern Celtic groups.

Note: Carolan’s full name in Irish (Gaelic) is Toirdhealbhach Ó Cearbhalláin, but in English it translates to Turlough (or Terrence) Carolan. The O’ prefix is customarily added when saying both the first and last names together.

Turlough O’Carollan — Three Celtic Tunes

A suite of three Celtic tunes (Captain O’Kane, Lord Inchiquin, and Planxty Drury) by the famous blind Irish harpist, Turlough O’Carolan. Arranged by Peter Simpson.

Suited for:

For Woodwind Trio (Flute or Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon or Cello), 7-8 minutes.
WW3-0301 . . . $30.00