18 (40) A Nation of Bards Along the footpath to Sir Cornelius O'Brien's expensive and conceited outlook tower, built in the 19th century, we met several musicians who played traditional music in hopeful expectation of earning a few punts. Half way to the belvedere we heard beautiful harp music. Cassette tapes lying for sale on the ground revealed the harpist name as Tina Mulroney. At a distance further up, another woman played violin while her child occupied itself by playing with flowers and grass. It is impossible to think of Ireland without music and song. This is really a nation of Bards.       17 19 First published: Friday 20th December, 2002 Send a to the author! You may also use this form