international Bodhrán Summerschool

Craiceann

28th of June through Friday 2nd of July 2027

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 Oírr 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.

Remembering Donal Lunny

Donal Lunny played a vital part at Craiceann between 2016 and 2023 as a teacher, lecturer and musician

Laoch ar lár.

Tá fíor bhrón inniu ar chlann Chraiceann ó chualamar scéal bháis Dhónail Lunny.

Ba mhór againn Dónal a bheith linn ag Craiceann. Chuir sé go mór leis an bhféile lena chuid ceoil, lena shaineolas agus lena spiorad a roinn sé go fial.

Bhí tionchar as cuimse ag saothar Dhónail ar shaol agus stair an cheoil Ghaelaigh.

Inár gcuid smaointe inniu tá a chlann agus a chairde ceoil ar fud an domhain.

The Craiceann family is deeply saddened today to hear the news of the death of Dónal Lunny.

We greatly valued having Dónal with us at Craiceann over the years. He made an enormous contribution to the festival through his music, his expertise, and the generous spirit he shared with all around him.

Dónal’s work has had an immeasurable and lasting influence on the life and history of Irish traditional music.

Today, our thoughts are with his family, and musical friends throughout the world.

Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasal ceolmhar.

28th of June to 2nd of July 2027

Craiceann 2027

Details for Craiceann 2027 will be available by the end of the year. Meanwhile, this is what happened in 2026:

These were our Teachers in 2026

We are happy to present our list of teachers for Craiceann 2026. To read more about the teachers, follow this link: Our teachers

Aimee Farrel-Courtney

Niamh Fennell

Brian Morrissey

Kieran Leonard

Paul McClure

Colm Phelan

Jim Higgings

Rolf Wagels

Andy Kruspe

These were our Concerts in 2026

Tuesday night

The Oars

The OARS is a new contemporary duo featuring songwriter and guitarist Eoin Coughlan and multi-instrumentalist Brian Morrissey.

Wednesday night

Sweep Down to the Sea

"Sweep Down to the Sea"—a spectacular celebration of one of Ireland's most beloved cultural icons - Percy French. Featuring Jim Higgins!

These were our Workshops in 2026

Cormac Ó hAlmhain

Welcome and Introduction

Andy Kruspe

Exploring the Rhythms of Irish Dance

Fintan Vallely

From Primitive Agriculture to National Symbol: The remarkable appearance and rise of the Irish Bodhrán

These were our Craftsmen in 2026

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

"I was blown away by my first year in the best ways possible. "Thank you" seems too simple, but thank you so very much for giving us this space, for the lifelong friends, and for the memories that were made. I can still hear the rumble of the bodhrán in my mind; it will forever be in my heart. What a sound! What an experience! Thank you!"

Jason Drumm, USA

"Such an amazing week - fantastic lessons, the concerts, the workshops and the pub sessions. This was my first time at Craiceann and I thoroughly enjoyed everything and planning to come back next year."

Jason Drumm, USA

"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 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

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