Clíona Molins brings more than just music to Bear Cottage – she brings comfort, calm, and connection.

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Clíona first fell in love with the Irish harp while she was in high school. “I was in boarding school and had to travel into Dublin for my harp lessons,” she recalls. “It was a great motivator, and I got to take part in Feis Ceoil – music competitions that foster a love of traditional Irish and classical music.”

In 2010, after releasing her lullaby album Golden Apple Lullabies and running a Kindermusik business focused on music and movement for early childhood, Clíona began volunteering at Bear Cottage. She started bringing her harp, along with small untuned instruments and a little lyre, which “were a big hit” with the children.

She explains, “I also focused a little bit on lullabies, how important it is for us to have wind-down soothing songs, especially before going to sleep.” Clíona believes in the power of lullabies: “They help calm and soothe, especially with a sick child. It’s a beautiful thing for parents to sing.”

When Clíona plays her harp at Bear Cottage, the impact is clear. “I see a lot of smiles when I start playing. Often, I’m playing quite close to children, and I see their face light up – sometimes it’s a favourite song.” She adds that many children love to touch the sound of the instrument, feeling “the vibrations of the instrument,” which are quite important to the experience. She often brings out the little lyre to have close to the child’s bed, allowing them to engage with the music.

The music doesn’t only touch the children. “The siblings and the parents, they need a lot of comfort,” Clíona says. “It’s okay to have a quiet afternoon in Bear Cottage and just listen to something soothing.” She notices that music sometimes helps parents remember the importance of songs in their lives, especially after coming from very busy and stressful times.

Clíona also sees the positive effect on staff: 'I see a lot of smiles from the nurses, who are deeply compassionate and always present during these emotional times.”

For Clíona, harp music is a powerful way to express and share emotions that are hard to put into words. “Harp music, like many forms of music, is a great way of expressing and sharing emotions.”

When asked what keeps her coming back, Clíona smiles and says, “I think it is the incredible atmosphere at Bear Cottage and the smiles from the children, the smiles from the parents, the joy that it brings. And yes, I hope to be back plenty more.”

We are grateful to Clíona for the moments of calm and comfort she brings to Bear Cottage – through her music, presence, and heart.