The Craic is back

After three years of Covid  when our Craiceann Bodhrán Summer School was cancelled, the event will take place once again  from Monday 26th through Friday 30th June 2023.

This first post-pandemic Craiceann will follow most of the characteristics of previous years, but with some noticeable changes.

The process of allocating students to manageable learning groupings will be on the basis of self-selection rather than the previous method of an assessment procedure.  The details of this new self-selection procedure will be explained in a separate communication to all signed-up students.

People who have already signed up and paid deposits (or full fees) for cancelled years should sign up again for 2023 if they wish to attend.  All these payments will either carry into 2023 or be refunded as each person decides.  This repeat sign-up will help us to avoid confusions or mistakes.

There will be no Masterclass at Craiceann 2023. No decision has been taken for future years.

During and post Covid the non-islander accommodation situation has changed somewhat, and has not yet settled back into its previous pattern.  Because of this, each student must firstly ensure their chosen accommodation is confirmed BEFORE signing up for Craiceann.  If there are any difficulties, please contact Mícheál Ó hÁlmháin on the island either by phone at +353 099 75067 or email at ohalmhainm@gmail.com and he will assist in any way possible.

If any of these new arrangements are unclear, please contact us for further explanation.

Overview Craiceann 2023

We are glad to announce that Aimee Farrell-Courtney is back in the teaching team!

So our tutorial team for 2023 includes Siobhán O’Donnell, Aimee Farrell-Courtney, Cormac Byrne, Jim Higgins, Colm Phelan, Andy Kruspe and Rolf Wagels. More teachers to be confirmed. To read more about the teachers, follow this link.

We will have two fantastic concerts this year. The first concert sees the return of the world acclaimed band Goitse including of course one of our tutors Colm Phelan. The second concert features The High Seas, who are Caitlín Nic Gabhann, Ciarán Ó Maonaigh and Cathal Ó Curráin. For Craiceann 2023, they join forces with tutor Jim Higgins.
Read more about the bands here.

The High Seas

Goitse

The workshops/lectures which take place during the day between classes will be given by Mícheál O’hÁlmháin himself, David Lewis and Rolf Wagels, who will reflect on the development of Craiceann and the bodhrán over the last twenty years and one workshop will feature Donal Lunny and his quest to find the perfect bass bodhrán.
Read more about the workshops here.

Michael O'hAlmhain

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David Lewis

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Rolf Wagels

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Donal Lunny

Donal

Stevie Moises will bring his mobile lathe and a selection of woods, so he will be able to turn any tippers to your liking! He will be working in his workshop during the week and will be available for chats and tipper talk.
Bodhrán maker Christian Hedwitschak will bring a selection of drums and he will also be available during the week.

Testimonials

  • One of the best experiences of my life. Thank you.–Michael McMahon

  • Craiceann was magnificent!–Tamara Smalling

  • 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, and plenty of pints. I was so sad to leave Inis Oirr, but can’t wait for next year!–Cara Wildman

  • I had a wonderful and great time! Never experienced something like that before. A week of wonderful music, spirit, people, kindness… just perfect.–Sada

  • Honestly one of the best weeks ever !–Molly Donnery

  • What a fantastic week. I first came in 2015 I can’t believe it gets better and better every year!–Monica Harris