 | |
| Inception | 1960 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Diageo |
| Website | Diageo.com: Harp lager |
| Notes Pale lager | |
Harp Lager is an Irishlager created in 1960. Since 2013, it has been produced by theGuinness Brewery in Dublin. Prior to this, it was produced at theGreat Northern Brewery inDundalk. It is a major lager brand throughout most ofNorthern Ireland, but is now rarely available in theRepublic of Ireland outside Dundalk, where most bars offer it on tap.
Harp Lager was first produced in 1960 as a bottled beer byGuinness, in response to the popularity ofContinental lager amongst drinkers in Ireland and Britain. Guinness converted its Dundalk brewery into a lager production plant with the guidance of Dr. Herman Muender, a German brewer.[1] Various names were considered for the brand before Harp was chosen, including Atlas, Cresta, and Dolphin.[2] The brand uses theBrian Boru harp as its emblem. By the mid-to-late 20th century, the Dundalk (or Great Northern) Brewery became the second-largest brewery in Ireland.[3]
In 1961, a consortium of brewers,Courage,Scottish & Newcastle,Bass, Mitchells & Butlers and Guinness, grouped together as Harp Lager Ltd. to brew and market the beer.[4][5] Courage's Alton Brewery was rebuilt to produce the lager inGreat Britain.[2] By 1964, the product was sold on draught and was leader in sales for its category. Member groups of the Harp consortium changed over the years, with Courage and Scottish & Newcastle leaving in 1979 (though both groups became franchisees).[6]
Currently available both on draught and in 330ml and 500ml bottles, its top market isUlster, being popular inNorthern Ireland,County Donegal, and its place of origin,Dundalk, County Louth, where it still maintains a cult status. The company's once-significant role in the community through sponsorship at a number of levels, particularly the Dundalk Maytime Festival andDundalk FC, have helped retain its popularity in Dundalk.[7]
In 2005, Harp underwent a brand makeover as Diageo Ireland separated the brand from Guinness.
The last Harp from Great Northern was brewed in 2013, after which production moved toSt James's Gate Brewery,Dublin.[8]
In Australia, distribution is handled byCarlton & United Breweries. In North America, exports are labelled "imported from Ireland" and are brewed at Guinness'St. James Gate brewery in Dublin.
For many years, the slogan "Harp stays sharp", coined by the advertising executiveRod Allen, was used in advertisements.[9] Recently[when?] it has used the slogan "Look on theHarp side" and, inNorthern Ireland, “Harp, Pure here”.
