The Story of Harmonicas Ireland
Harmonicas Ireland provides a carefully curated selection of new, customized, and expertly refurbished diatonic, chromatic, and tremolo harmonicas, specializing in Hohner instruments alongside other high-quality brands. Our custom harmonicas are meticulously crafted for enhanced volume, precise bends, and advanced over-blow/draw techniques. We also offer specialized tunings, including ‘Diminished Tuning’ for chromatic and diatonic harmonicas, ‘Paddy Richter,’ ‘Country Tuning,’ and custom configurations to meet our customers’ specific needs.

With over 20 years of expertise in harmonica playing, repair, customization, and innovation, owner Cathal Johnson has established himself as a true artisan and master craftsman. Recognized by Hohner Harmonicas in Trossingen, Germany, Cathal earned his Hohner Service Technician certification on April 12, 2019, under the guidance of Gabriele Conzelmann, a master technician in harmonica repair.

In addition to harmonica craftsmanship, we offer music education, engaging blog and video content, and workshops tailored for events of all types.

Cathal Johnson: Master Technician & Musician

Originally from Dundalk, Cathal began his harmonica journey at home and more in primary school from his teacher and All Ireland step dancing champion Jimmy Johnstone, who incidentally, always beat Michael Michael Flatley of Riverdance fame, into second or third place during the competitions! This early education gave Cathal his basic Irish music foundations and education and by his early teens Cathal was under the mentorship of Owen Kelly, a renowned multi-instrumentalist in the Showband and wedding music scene and expert chromatic player in jazz , classical music and Irish music. Cathal’s dedication to the craft led him to pursue formal studies, culminating in a degree in Applied Music specialising in Harmonica Solo Performance from Dundalk Institute of Technology in 2010, the same year he established Harmonicas Ireland

Cathal has also had the privilege of learning from harmonica legends like Rick Epping, inventor of the XB40 Hohner Harmonica, and attended workshops led by Mick Kinsella. He regularly performed at events such as the Miltown Malbay Summer Festival and Murphy Brothers’ Phil Murphy Festival in Waterford, gaining insights from Ireland’s finest folk and traditional musicians.

As an active member of the harmonica community, Cathal has contributed to numerous events, including the Free Reed Gathering in Cloughjordan and Galway Sessions. He has collaborated or worked with distinguished musicians such as Andy Irvine, actor and musician Patrick Bergin and the renowned harmonica family of the Murphy brothers and been invited by Harmonica United Kingdom (Harmonica UK) to conduct master workshops and performances over the years, most recently in 2023 and contributes to their Harmonica World magazine too.

Community and Events
Cathal’s involvement with Ireland’s music festivals is extensive, having organised and managed performances across the country including Galway, Donegal and Louth. Notable events include his contributions to the Galway Sessions Harmonica Festival and the Cloughjordan Eco Village’s Free Reed Gathering, which featured artists like Andy Irvine, Don Baker, Patrick Bergin and the Dominic Street Ramblers, Seamie O’ Dowd and Brendan Power, the Murphy Brothers with their band Tin Sandwich, Rick epping with master fiddle player Frankie Gavin to mention just a few!  Cathal contributes to local community events too in Galway such as the Galway Hookers for their events and is always willing to lend a hand in any community event both locally and nationally

Cathal’s passion for the harmonica is matched by his technical skill. He is internationally recognised among the harmonica community for his quality harmonicas, precision in reed work, tuning and custom repairs. Musicians of all genres, from Irish traditional to blues, folk, and country, seek his expertise.

It’s great, after all this time, to find a harmonica technician here in Ireland! I’m delighted to give my full endorsement.. Andy Irvine

At last, Cathal provides a much needed harmonica service here in Ireland. This guy knows his stuff when it comes to harmonica and he can play too! Don Baker

For harmonica repairs, maintenance and cleaning services Cathal Johnson is my preference. Cathal has serviced my harmonicas over the years and they are delightful to play after his masterful work. Tom Bryne