Wexford’s Fleadh Harp to undergo repairs as council confirm plans to carry out regular maintenance on popular tourist attraction

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

It may have acquired the unofficial title of ‘The Eiffel Tower of Wexford’, but the condition of the Fleadh Harp on the marina is becoming a source of concern for those who visit it regularly.

Constructed during the first iteration of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford town in 2024, the Harp has become a popular tourist attraction in the intervening years.

And, according to Councillor Biddy Walsh, Wexford is still reaping the rewards of its two years hosting the Fleadh in 2024 and 2025.

“The legacy of the Fleadh was very noticeable in Wexford town this year, tourism was booming,” she said at the September meeting of Wexford County Council (WCC). “And the Harp on the Quay has become the Eiffel Tower of Wexford town, people come from all over the county, all over the country, to see it.

“I’ve met people from Norway, Spain, all over the world, taking photos there.”

Cllr Catherine Walsh is concerned about the upkeep of the Fleadh Cheoil Harp, which is already showing decay. Photo: Jim Campbell. © Jim Campbell

However, given its location and the material used to construct it, Cllr Walsh feared for the wellbeing of the Harp during the winter months.

“The plinth is in a state of disrepair at the moment,” she said. “I know there’s been talk of putting a more permanent structure underneath the Harp, but at the moment it’s quite dangerous, there are nails sticking up out of it.

“It’s exposed to the elements, exposed to the sea, the varnish on it is turning black. It needs to be repaired, and also maintained going forward.”

Chief executive of WCC, Eddie Taaffe, was aware of the Harp’s deterioration and said plans were in place to ensure it remained a focal point for those coming to Wexford town.

“The timber decking at the bottom of it was only ever temporary,” he explained. “We have contacted the company who installed it, and we’re just waiting on a quote to put limestone or granite cladding on it.

“Obviously because it’s a wooden structure it will require regular maintenance, we’re getting expert advice on what’s the best thing to do with it.”

Created by Wexford company Buí Bolg, and led by artistic director Colm Lowney, the Harp was carved from oak sourced from McMahon’s in Waterford with the help of local master carpenter Jim Grant.