HOW TO HIRE · EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT · CHECKED OCTOBER 2026
How to hire a harpist in Ireland
The checks, the questions and the paperwork.
A harpist in Ireland costs €300–€800 per booking, typically around €500. Here is how to check that in a minute, what to ask before you book, and what you must be handed when the job is done.
- Search and compare — no account needed
- Nearest to you first
- One score from Google, Trustpilot and Locufy reviews
THE 60-SECOND VERSION
Hiring a harpist in five steps
- Are you a trader, and can I see that in writing?No register covers harpist work, so trader status is what your consumer rights hang on — solo or Ensemble Performances — harpists can perform solo or collaborate with other musicians, such as violinists or flutists, to create a richer sound.
- How does performer’s experience change the price?An expert spots in minutes what takes somebody else an hour. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- How does length of the performance change the price?The length of the visit is agreed before the work starts. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- How does type of event change the price?Better grades are harder to source and dearer to buy. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- What is not included?Custom Song Arrangements — some harpists specialise in creating custom arrangements of popular songs or classical pieces — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a harpist job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Check before you book
No register applies
NO REGISTER APPLIES TO DJS, BANDS, MARQUEE HIRERS OR ENTERTAINERS. What exists instead is insurance that venues demand and music licensing that the VENUE normally holds through IMRO and PPI, not the performer.
Look for the trader badge and the ID-checked badge on the Locufy profile — both are checked by us, not claimed by the provider.
What to check instead
Public liability insurance at the level YOUR VENUE requires — ask the venue first, then the supplier, because the venue sets the number; For anything with a structure or a ride, the inspection or test certificate; A written contract with the date, the hours, the set-up time and the overtime rate; What happens if they are ill — a named arrangement, not reassurance; Whether they have played your venue before, and what the power and access are like; PAT testing on their equipment, which many venues ask to see.
Ask for each of these before you agree a price, and get the answers in the same message as the quote.
Insurance
Expect public liability, and employer's liability if they bring crew. From a company, ask for the insurer, the limit and the VAT number, and ask who actually attends: the team that turns up may be employed, subcontracted or both, and only one of those is supervised by the firm you are paying.
Ask to see the current certificate of insurance — the insurer's name, the limit and the date it runs to.
Trader or private seller
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 a trader must tell you they are a trader, and your consumer rights — work carried out with reasonable skill and care, and a cooling-off period on a contract agreed in your home or online — apply to traders and not to private sellers. On Locufy the trader status is shown on the profile.
Look for the trader badge on the Locufy profile, and ask anyone else for it in writing before you agree a price.
VAT
VAT at 23%, the standard rate Revenue publishes for this service. Ask whether the price you were given includes it. A trader under the €42,500 registration threshold does not charge it; one over it must, and must show it separately.
Ask whether the figure you were given includes it, and for the VAT number if they are registered — Revenue publishes the rate for this service. revenue.ie →
A good answer: No register covers harpist work, so trader status is what your consumer rights hang on — solo or Ensemble Performances — harpists can perform solo or collaborate with other musicians, such as violinists or flutists, to create a richer sound.
A good answer: An expert spots in minutes what takes somebody else an hour. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: The length of the visit is agreed before the work starts. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: Better grades are harder to source and dearer to buy. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: Custom Song Arrangements — some harpists specialise in creating custom arrangements of popular songs or classical pieces — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a harpist job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.
A good answer: Expect public liability, and employer's liability if they bring crew — background Music — many harpists offer background music services for events such as art galleries or restaurant openings.
A good answer: A written scope and a price before the harpist starts, and an itemised invoice after — ceremonial Performances — harpists often perform at weddings, corporate events, and private parties, providing a serene and elegant atmosphere.
Getting the quote right
- Performer’s experience — an expert spots in minutes what takes somebody else an hour.
- Length of the performance — the length of the visit is agreed before the work starts.
- Type of event — better grades are harder to source and dearer to buy.
- Complexity of the music — the more pieces involved, the more there is to go wrong.
- In writing before anyone starts — a message on Locufy counts
- What is NOT included, named
- Who actually attends, and whether they are employed or subcontracted
- The VAT number, and whether it checks out on the Revenue register
Walk away if
- They will not talk about it: performer’s experience — an expert spots in minutes what takes somebody else an hour
- They will not talk about it: length of the performance — the length of the visit is agreed before the work starts
- They will not talk about it: type of event — better grades are harder to source and dearer to buy
- A price for the harpist before anyone has asked the size, the access or the condition of what they are working on
- Cash only, or a large deposit before anything at all has started
- No written quote, or one that moves once the harpist has begun
What a harpist costs: €300–€800 per booking
The figures are for the job, per booking, and a quote for your own is the only number that binds anyone. Wedding harpist and Event harpist each carry their own band. Harpist price guide →
Guide prices compiled by the Locufy team from published Irish and UK provider price lists and 2026/27 cost guides. Updated 2026.
KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR? NOW FIND ONE
Harpists near you, with the badges that matter shown
ID checked, trader status and one score from every review — on the card, before you message anyone. Nearest first. No account needed to look.
Or post the job free and let them come to you.
- Look firstPerformer’s experience — an expert spots in minutes what takes somebody else an hour — that is what the harpist is judging on the first visit, and a price given without it is a guess.
- Agree what is being doneLength of the performance — the length of the visit is agreed before the work starts — put in writing before anyone starts, because it is the document you both read back at the end.
- The work itselfType of event — better grades are harder to source and dearer to buy — and anything found on the day that was not in that is priced before it is started.
- Check it togetherComplexity of the music — the more pieces involved, the more there is to go wrong — walked against the written scope rather than against the feeling of it, while the harpist is still there.
- What you are handedThe itemised invoice and any guarantee on the workmanship and the parts, distance traveled — a local provider saves you the travel element entirely.
- Ceremonial Performances
- Harpists often perform at weddings, corporate events, and private parties, providing a serene and elegant atmosphere.
- Background Music
- Many harpists offer background music services for events such as art galleries or restaurant openings.
- Custom Song Arrangements
- Some harpists specialise in creating custom arrangements of popular songs or classical pieces.
- Solo or Ensemble Performances
- Harpists can perform solo or collaborate with other musicians, such as violinists or flutists, to create a richer sound.
- Event Harpist
- Performs at corporate events, parties, and galas, offering a sophisticated musical backdrop that complements the occasion.
- Session Harpist
- Collaborates with other musicians in studio or live settings, adding depth and texture to recordings and performances.
AFTER
When the job is done
Hiring a harpist: questions people ask
The cost of hiring a harpist can vary based on factors such as the performer’s experience, the length of the performance, and the type of event. Additional costs may arise for custom arrangements or travel.
Harpist performances can vary in duration, but most gigs are booked for 1 to 3 hours. You can discuss specific timing needs with the harpist when making arrangements.
For events, hiring a qualified harpist who specialises in live performances is recommended. While general musicians may play well, a specialist brings experience and expertise in the nuances of harp music.
While many harpists prefer advanced bookings, some may offer same-day availability, especially if they are not already committed. It’s best to reach out directly to check their schedule.
Yes, many harpists are open to collaborating with other musicians for a more dynamic performance. Discuss your vision with them to see what arrangements can be made.
Harpists generally focus on performance and may not provide sound equipment or lighting. If your event requires these additional services, you may need to hire separate professionals.
MORE GUIDES