Hello all!

Does anyone know of a bodhran builder or two in the southwest of Ireland? We'll be there in April and would love to see bodhran's being made. We will be in the Dingle/Killarney area and would travel 2 hours out from there. We are familiar with the Connemara regional builder.

Thanks,
Suzanne

I assume you mean you know of the one in Roundstone in Connemara. That's the only one I'm aware of.

Yes, that's the one we know about. On another listserv someone mentioned just checking in each town to ask if there are any bodhran makers, which seems like a good idea. My understanding is that there's a good deal of traditional music opportunity in the Dingle area, so perhaps we'll find out something more once we are there. Thanks for responding though!

You might try contacting Custy's Traditional Music Shop in Ennis. (www.custysmusic.com) They seem to have their fingers on the pulse of the traditional music scene, and might be able to direct you.

I bought a bodhran from Andrea Powers in Dingle a couple of years ago...I am contacting her to make another one for me so I can pick it up on the way thru this summer...get lots of interest in it when I play (only black skinned bodhran I have seen). She has a small shop in town; I think it is on Green Street. She had a small assortment for sale and nice hand-made tippers. She is know for her good work and is also a good musician.

Just FYI...I play this drum, the one I got at Roundstone hangs on my wall as a decoration.

Wow, THANKS, Mary and Chip! This is the most concrete information I've received from anyone. We will definately be checking out Custy's as we'll be very close to Ennis on our first day in Ireland. The information about the bodhran maker in Dingle is outstanding as that is exactly where we'll be exploring. Does Andrea have a web site that you know of?

Again, Thanks!
Suzanne