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The bodhrán is a shallow frame drum used in traditional Irish music. Its name may come from the Irish word for deaf or to deafen. It’s made by stretching cured goat skin over a wooden frame, traditionally using willow branches. Older versions sometimes had leather heads and coins as cymbals. It’s typically played with a tipper (or cipín), but can also be played using the bare hand. Source: McNeela Music – About the Irish Bodhránstration

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The bodhrán is a relatively modern instrument in Irish traditional music. It only became widely played in the 1960s, popularised by Seán Ó Riada and later by musicians like Johnny McDonagh. However, earlier versions of the frame drum may have existed in rural Ireland — not as instruments, but as functional household tools. Some believe bodhrán-like objects were used for: Chaffing grain (separating husks) Dyeing wool (as a sieve or basin) Ritual or seasonal ceremonies (e.g., Wren Day)

Winnowing was then also done by hand. A day of steady wind of medium strength was fixed upon. A winnnowing sheet generally made of coarse sacking was spread on the ground. The operator stood on a chair in the centre of it. His assistant handed him the vessel of corn from the Síogán, and with his back to the wind and the vessel held as high as possible he let the grain fall slowly. The good heavy grains fell directly on the sheet, the lighter ones further on whilst the chaff was blown leeward. As this holding aloft of the hands was tiresome a specially light vessel called a BODHRÁN was used. It was made of sheepskin, drawn tightly over a circular bow of wood about 3 inches in depth. ( Sceitse - Bodhrán / Dildurn ) The corn falling on it made it give off a peculiar crackling sound, and once I heard an intelligent native speaker describe a singer whom he considered no good in the following sarcastic phrase-: "B'fhearr liom bheith ag eisteacht le gabhar ag cacadh ar bhodhrán." The English word "Dildum" was sometimes, though rarely used.

This word BODHRÁN should not be confused with BÓITHREÁN which means cowdung dried by the sun in Summertime, and one time gathered by the poorer classes for fire, particularly for baking of bread as it burned with a slow, strong heat. I have heard it aptly translated as "Cowturf."

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it. His assistant handed him the vessel of corn from the Síogán, and with his back to the wind and the vessel held as high as possible he let the grain fall slowly. The good heavy grains fell directly on the sheet, the lighter ones further on whilst the chaff was blown leeward. As this holding aloft of the hands was tiresome a specially light vessel called a BODHRÁN was used. It was made of sheepskin, drawn tightly over a circular bow of wood about 3 inches in depth. ( Sceitse - Bodhrán / Dildurn ) The corn falling on it made it give off a peculiar crackling sound, and once I heard an intelligent native speaker describe a singer whom he considered no good in the following sarcastic phrase-: "B'fhearr liom bheith ag eisteacht le gabhar ag cacadh ar bhodhrán." The English word "Dildum" was sometimes, though rarely used.

This word BODHRÁN should not be confused with BÓITHREÁN which means cowdung dried by

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(no title) · Bréan-tráigh (B.) · The Schools' Collection

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This is a collection of folklore compiled by schoolchildren in Ireland in the 1930s.

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There a many ways and styles to play the Bodhrán

1. Kerry Style

The most common traditional style.

Played with a double-ended tipper.

The other hand goes inside the drum to change pitch.

Fast wrist action and great for dance tunes like reels and jigs.

Originated in County Kerry.

🎥 Kerry Style Tutorial – Straight Wrist Basics​

2. Hand Style (Bare Hand)

Played with the knuckles, palm or fingers instead of a tipper

Produces a softer, deeper sound.

Found in older rural traditions, sometimes for slow airs.

Less common today, but still respected.

🎥 Hand Style Demonstration​

3. Top-End Style

A modern, advanced variation of Kerry style.

Played near the top edge of the drum for more control.

Allows pitch bending, rolls, and sharp accents.

Popular with professional players and in competitions.

🎥 Top-End Style Exercise by James Yoshizawa​

4. West Limerick Style

Uses a single-ended tipper.

Focuses on a steady pulse, less variation.

More of a supportive rhythm style in group settings.

A regional tradition not widely used today.

🎥 Roscommon, Kerry, & West Limerick Techniques​

5. Experimental & Fusion Styles

Incorporates brushes, fingers, or different beaters.

Mixes techniques from jazz, rock, or world percussion.

Used in modern or fusion bands for unique rhythms.

🎥 The Bodhrán Experiment​

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In the 1960s, Seán Ó Riada helped transform the bodhrán from a folk object into a respected instrument in Irish music. With his group Ceoltóirí Chualann, he was one of the first to use the bodhrán in a formal ensemble setting. Members of Ceoltóirí Chualann would go on to form the chieftans

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Marcshlua Uí Néill (O'Neill's Cavalry March)