Bodhrans

Tom’s fine craftsmanship makes his bodhrans strong, durable and full of character. Made with the finest animal skins and hand steamed wood shells, these drums are perfect for both amateur and professional musicians alike. Bodhrans are extremely easy to play and provide a strong tribal sound that complements many styles of music.

In addition to building bodhran drums, Celtic Crafts also produces drum sticks and custom carrying cases made of either wood, leather or fabric.

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History of the Bodhran

Musically the bodhran evolved from the tambourine, which can be heard on some Irish music recordings dating back to the 1920s, and from the homemade drum used by mummers in the south west of Ireland. Sean O Riada was one of the first to stick his neck out, brazenly describing the bodhran as our native drum, adding his view that its history goes back to pre-Christian times. Others, while not denying that it could have had an ancient role, take the view that its introduction as a musical instrument is a more recent phenomenon.

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