About Craiceann

The Bodhran Summerschool

Craiceann

The Bodhran Summerschool is arranged around a series of classes given by some of the world’s best bodhran players and teachers, but also includes special workshops relating to the instrument itself, and traditional Irish music in general.

Every evening, music sessions are held in the island’s pubs, and students are welcome to bring their drum and join in, so students have the chance to play in an informal setting.

On two evenings, concerts are performed by two top-class bands.

On the Thursday evening an informal meal event is held. Attendance is completely optional, and there is a charge of approx €20/person which is not included in the course fee. This event gives an additional opportunity for students, teachers, and the Craiceann Team to congregate and interact, and over the years it has proved to be a very popular occasion.

About

a life experience

The Spirit

The really unique thing about Craiceann is that it is not just a school where participants will improve their bodhrán playing, it is actually a wonderful life experience, because of the special “spirit” that is generated during the week.

This indefinable “Spirit of Craiceann” is difficult to explain, but is has to do with a combination of things. If you have ever spent time on a small island anywhere you will understand that islands have an almost magical quality, and this is certainly so for Inis Oirr. This is a combination of the people and their traditions, together with the island’s location, and its landscape, and its history. During Craiceann each year, the place almost becomes a musical and bodhrán island, the summerschool becomes the focus for both residents and visitors, and this creates a vibrant and friendly atmosphere. The eclectic mixture of students of all ages and backgrounds from different countries creates a very stimulating environment, and their interaction with each other, and the tutors, both at classes and evening music sessions makes for easy learning and shared enjoyment. Many people return year after year to participate in Craiceann, and friendships are forged there that will last forever. There is a feeling of being part of the Craiceann family, and many people plan their annual vacations to include the Craiceann week, and look on it as a sort of homecoming when they arrive back on Inis Oirr.

The Spirit

Since 2001

The History

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 28 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, John Joe Kelly, 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, Instagram and Facebook.

The picture shows the students and some of the teachers of the very first Craiceann 2001.

Here are some more pictures of the first event.

Click to enlarge

The History

The people behind Craiceann

The Team

Up until now the organisational structure has comprised Micheál Ó hAlmhain as Craiceann Originator / Owner, and a Management Group of David Lewis, Gary Fortune and Rolf Wagels.

After David has retired and Rolf has reduced his work to the website and social media, we have added three new members for the management team:
Please welcome Catriona, Cormac and Diarmaid, all well known to the Craiceann family as daughter resp. sons of Michael. All accomplished musicians themselves, they have been involved in Craiceann at different levels and tasks and are now part of the management team.

Micheál Ó hAlmhain

The leader of our team, and the originator and owner of Craiceann is Micheál Ó hAlmhain (pronounced – “mee-haul-oh-haul-oon”). He is a highly respected master of Irish music and culture. Although originally from Dublin, he married a lady from Inis Oirr, and now lives permanently on the island with his family. He is an expert player and teacher of many instruments including whistle, uileann pipes, flute, and concertina. He has been part of many bands, most notably Ceoltoiri Laighin and The Chieftains, and still makes guest appearances at Irish music events around the world.

Caitríona Ní Almhain

Catriona has been a valued member of our team for many years. An accomplished harp player, her music never fails to bring warmth and beauty to every occasion. Beyond her musical talent, she is a kind and dependable presence, always ready to help wherever needed. Catriona’s strong organizational skills have been a great asset, ensuring that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Her dedication and thoughtful nature make her a much-appreciated part of the team.

Cormac Ó hAlmhain

Cormac has been helping Micheál with Craiceann in some capacity from the first rendition in 2001. He has watched it grow through the years into what it is now. From attending classes in the first number of years, playing and organising music in the pubs in later hears, to now taking a more direct managerial role, he is excited to be more involved.

Diarmaid Ó hAlmhain

Diarmaid has seen Micheál and the whole team grow the Craiceann festival into the powerhouse bodhrán summer school that it is today. From playing for various bodhrán players over the years at the concerts, to joining mega-bodhrán sessions in Neds or the hotel or Ruairís, Diarmaid is delighted to be able to add to the organising of festival going forward.

Gary Fortune

Gary has been coming to Craiceann for many years, both as student and voluntary support to the organisers. He is a fine bodhrán player, and also makes tippers as a hobby. He is a senior manager in a large IT multinational. He brings wide experience and a range of skills, and is a great addition to the Management Team.

Rolf Wagels

Rolf from Hanover in Germany is our esteemed webmaster and social media admin. He used to be an organiser and part of the Management team, but had to cut his involvement a bit. He is a renowned bodhrán player and teacher, and works and lectures at the University of Veterinary medicine in Hannover in his “other life”. He started teaching at Craiceann 2005 and grew into the management over the following years.

Emeritus – David Lewis

David was a long time organiser and member of the Management Team. He is from Dublin, and as a bodhrán player himself came to the first event in 2001 and has been here every year since. An early retirement from his professional career as a Brewmaster in Guinness has given him time to devote to Craiceann, and also to make some bodhráns as a part-time interest. David retired in 2023, but is still around as an adviser and consultant for the management team.

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The Team