The harp is Ireland's national symbol and oldest instrument, with evidence of its presence dating back to the 9th century. From the 15th to 18th centuries, the harp was especially popular among the Irish aristocracy. Turlough O'Carolan was Ireland's most famous harper, composing hundreds of songs in the late 17th century as he traveled throughout Ireland. His pieces helped preserve ancient Irish harp music, which was in decline due to English rule and social changes. The Belfast Harp Festival in 1792 aimed to revive ancient harp music, with Edward Bunting's notations of the music played there helping to save numerous tunes from extinction.