Uploaded October 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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The Irish Bodhrán is often called the heartbeat of Irish music, but its true origins remain shrouded in mystery. While we know this rich tradition was born on the island of Ireland, the journey of how it came to be is less clear. In this first episode of my documentary series, I set out to uncover the real history behind the bodhrán. Join me as I separate fact from folklore and delve into the hidden stories of this iconic drum, which traces the very roots of Ireland’s cultural past.

🥁 I’m Ruairi Glasheen, and I’m a percussionist, composer and filmmaker based in London.
⦁ More about me: RuairiGlasheen.net/about
💻 Lets connect on Facebook: facebook.com/RuairiGlasheenMusic
🤳 Find me on Instagram: instagram.com/ruairi_glasheen

🥁 My Bodhrán Course: How to Play Bodhrán, Begin Your Journey
bodhran.teachable.com/p/how-to-play-bodhran

Featuring:
Clodagh Doyle
Fintan Vallely
Eamonn Doolin
Billy Keane
Gifty Kearns
Peadar Ó Riada
Donnchadh Gough
Johnny Ringo McDonagh
Dennis Byrne
Charlie Byrne
Nuala Ryan née. Byrne
Dermot Sheedy
Ronan O Snodaigh
Malachy Kearns
Gifty Kearns
Mel Mercier
Imelda May
Tommy Hayes
Brendan White
Brendan White
Seamus O Kane

Charlie Byrne archive footage with kind permission of Jeff Cook

Seamus O’Kane footage with kind permission of BYOC films @byoc-films
byocfilms.com
Michelle Tofi - Director of Photography
Louise Morton Murray - Producer