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international Bodhrán Summerschool

Craiceann

30th of June through Friday 4th of July 2025

Céad Míle Fáilte

Welcome

You have just reached the Craiceann website, and we would like to wish you Céad Míle Fáilte which in Irish means a hundred thousand welcomes.

This site describes and promotes the unique bodhran summerschool, that takes place annually over five days at the end of June on the little island of Inis Oirr in Galway Bay off the west coast of Ireland.

Craiceann (pronounced – “cracken”) is actually the Irish name for skin, and we felt is a particularly appropriate title for a school of drummers whose instrument depends on a drum skin.

Craiceann 2025 is fully booked

Thank you for your interest – all available places have now been taken.
If you'd still like to join us, you can sign up for the waiting list here.
We’ll get in touch if a spot becomes available.

30th of June to 4th of July 2025

Overview Craiceann 2025

our Teachers

We are happy to present our list of teachers for Craiceann 2025. To read more about the teachers, follow this link: Our teachers

Aimee Farrel-Courtney
Niamh Fennell
Brian Morrissey
Dermot Sheedy
Kieran Leonard
Jim Higgings
Andy Kruspe
James O'Connor
Siobhán O'Donnell

our Concerts

Tuesday night

Aimee Farrell Courtney and friends

Our long time tutor Aimee Farrell Courtney has assembled a band especially for this night not to be missed.

Wednesday night

The Mainlanders

The Mainlanders feature All Ireland Champion Peter McKenna on pipes, Micky Fearon on guitar and vocals, Aaron Glancy (another All Ireland champion!) on accordion and Sean Breen on bodhrán.

our Workshops

Micheál O’hÁlmháin

Welcome and Introduction

Madeline Earp & Aimee Farrel-Courtney

Celebrating the women of the bodhran world

Gary Fortune

21 Years of the Craic at Craiceann

Craftsmen

Christian Hedwitschak

Bodhrán maker
Christian Hedwitschak will bring a selection of drums and he will also be available during the week.

Stevie Moises

Tipper maker
Stevie Moises will bring his mobile lathe and a selection of woods, so he will be able to turn any tippers to your liking!

Testimonials

"Everyone kept telling me that Craiceann would be the best week of the whole summer, and it was 100% true. Great tunes, great friends, beautiful scenery!"
Cara Wildmann, USA
"Craiceann was magnificent!"
Tamara Smalling, France
"One of the best experiences of my life. Thank you!"
Michael McMahon, Canada
"I had a wonderful and great time! Never experienced something like that before. A week of wonderful music, spirit, people, kindness… just perfect!"
Sada, Switzerland
"Honestly one of the best weeks ever!"
Molly Donnery, Ireland
"What a fantastic week. I first came in 2015 I can’t believe it gets better and better every year!"
Monica Harris, UK
This was my first Craiceann. It was a wonderful experience filled with many fantastic learning experiences. Thank you!
Suzanne Tate, Canada
All of the tutors were wonderful and having the opportunity to be exposed to so many different styles and ideas was irreplaceable.
Julie Leduchowski, Canada
All of the instructors were phenomenal. Very supportive, kind, patient, and top tier.
Elizabeth Collins, USA
I have been impressed by the professionalism of all teachers, their open and welcoming attitude and the variety of subjects offered.
Vincent Joris, Belgium
All the tutors were so welcoming and incredibly supportive, kind and positive. I really appreciated their enthusiasm for the beginner Bodhran player (me)!
Andrea Joyce, Canada