CRAICEANN THE WORLD’S PREMIERE BODHRÁN EVENT. Bodhrán players from all over the world come to meet the legends, nay, the Gods, of the bodhrán universe, to share techniques, learn new styles, and generally have fun from dusk ‘til dawn. A must for all bodrhánii. All abilities are catered for, from beginner to professional, and no-one goes away without the feeling that there is much more to this than meets the eye. The format is, basically, that the morning is taken up with either recitals or in groups where each of the ‘Gods’ comes in to teach in turn, at whatever level and ability of the group. The rest of the day is taken up with informal outings or get-togethers, with impromptu sessions springing up all over the place. But the greatest delights are the evenings, which usually start immediately after tea, (evening meal for the posh people). Then it’s off to the pub and into the craziest sessions imaginable, Musicians from all over Ireland join with local folk to provide jigs and reels all night long. When dawn comes it’s back to bed for an hour or two before grabbing a bite of breakfast and starting all over again. An unforgettable experience. The event is organised each year by Micheál O hAlmhain, on his home island of Inis Oírr, (Inisheer) the smallest of the Aran Isles, in beautiful Galway Bay. Travel details and useful phone numbers:- From the North of England and North Wales:- Train to Holyhead, ferry to Dublin, train to Galway, then, either of the ferries or Aer Aran to Inis Oírr. International code for Ireland 00353 Aer Aran (0)91 / 593034 (when phoning from the UK or other places overseas, the first 0 of the area code is not dialled). Doolin Ferry (0)65 / 707 4455 (daytime) (0)65 / 707 4189 (evenings). Island Ferries, Rossaveel (0)91 / 568903 (daytime) (0)91 / 568903 (evenings). Bru Radharc na Mara Hostel, Inis Oírr (0)99 / 75024. Óstán Inis Óirr (Hotel) (0)99 / 75020 Paddys Doolin Hostel (0)65 / 707 4006. CRAICEANN 2008 23rd to 27th June. Contact:- www.araninisheer.com or ring 099/75067 for details