First line up of teachers in 2001

The History of Craiceann

The original concept was the brainchild of Micheál Ó hAlmhain, when he had the idea of linking the musical heritage of the Aran Islands, with the need for drummers to improve their skills, and believed that a summerschool specifically for bodhran players was the way to go.

The inaugural Craiceann was launched in 2001, and has continued each year since then (except for the three years of the global Covid pandemic) with over 1000 students from 20 countries enjoying the Craiceann experience.
To date its teachers have included some of the world’s most famous bodhran players such as  Johnny McDonagh, Tommy Hayes, Mel Mercier, Jim Higgins, Junior Davey, Martin O ‘Neill, Cormac Byrne, Eamon Murray, Siobhán O’Donnell, Rolf Wagels and many more.
As well as the classes, there have been special lectures and demonstrations on subjects such as Bodhran History, Bodhrán Making, Irish Dancing, Lilting, Bones Playing, Sean-Nos Dancing, etc.
Craiceann has regularly featured on Irish television and is known throughout the worldwide bodhrán community and specialist internet groups, and can be further explored on Youtube, Twitter, and Facebook.

Here are some more pics from the first Craiceann in 2001: