Embark on a fascinating journey through the enigmatic history of the bodhrán, Ireland’s iconic drum. This blog post delves deep into the heart of Irish culture to explore the disputed origins and evolution of this captivating instrument. From its possible beginnings as a simple farming tool to its crucial role in traditional Irish music, the bodhrán’s story is as rich and varied as the music it accompanies. Discover the theories, from ancient shamanic rituals to mid-19th-century innovations, and witness the bodhrán’s transformation into the heartbeat of Irish music. Join us as we uncover the intriguing history of the bodhrán and celebrate its rise from humble origins to a symbol of Irish musical heritage.
Do you have questions? What Type of Musical Instrument is a Bodhrán? What’s the Meaning of the Word Bodhrán? How Do I Pronounce Bodhrán? What is a Bodhrán Made Of?
The History of the Irish Drum
The history of the bodhrán is disputed, there are several theories however…
The Origin of the Bodhrán
It’s tough to uncover an accurate history of this iconic Irish drum. Frame drums have existed in many cultures across the world since approximately 3000BC if not earlier.
Many believe the bodhrán may have originated in the farming sector as a winnowing tool, or that it was used for wool dying. Others claim it to be an ancient shamanic drum – the native drum of the Celts – predating christianity.
Musician Ronan Nolan (former editor of Irish Music Magazine) claims that the bodhrán evolved in the mid 19th century as a sort of ‘poor man’s tambourine’, without the cymbals, played with the fingers rather than a tipper or beater. There’s no denying the similarity between the two instruments.
It’s important to note that, regardless of its origin, the bodhrán was not commonly played in traditional Irish music until the 1960s. The modern bodhrán playing style that exists today is a very recent development indeed.
‘If you just go back a small bit, the bodhrán was played one day a year. All the old lads I talked to around 1970/71 told me “you take out the bodhrán any day of the year other than 26 December and you’re mad. It’s like wearing shamrock on the first of June.’
– Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, 1996 Crossroads Conference
The Mummers Irish Frame Drum
In Ireland December 26th is known as Lá an Dreoilín or The Day of The Wren – the celebration of an Irish mumming tradition.
For at least 400 years Irish mummers or Wren Boys have dressed in straw outfits while going house-to-house entertaining residents with their music, song and dance. This custom almost died out in the the mid-1900s, but has thankfully seen a surge in interest and popularity in recent years. The bodhrán however has always played an important role in this ritual.
Like many customs in Ireland, Lá an Dreoilín most likely began as a pagan festival with Celtic origins. For druids in Ireland prior to Christianity the wren was a sacred bird.
The Christian tale behind this unusual celebration tells us that St. Stephen himself, while hiding from his enemies, was betrayed by a warbling wren, and so, to pay for his ancestor’s misdeeds, the poor little Irish wren was hunted each year.
Thankfully, in modern times it is seen instead as a day of celebration. Watch the video below to learn a little more about modern Irish mumming:
The Role of The Bodhrán in Irish Music
Today the bodhrán is often described as the ‘heartbeat of Irish music’ but this has not always been the case. The bodhran’s rapid shift in popularity is largely owed to renowned Irish musician and composer Seán Ó Riada.
In the early 1960s Ó Riada added this overlooked (and often vilified) percussion instrument to the lineup of his iconic ensemble, Ceoltóirí Chualann. The rest as they say is history.
Ó Riada elevated the status of not just this lowly Irish drum but of traditional Irish music itself. By fusing elements of classical and Irish music together, and exploring the use of harmony in exciting new arrangements, Ceoltóirí Chualann took audiences by storm, wowing them with both their live performances and recordings.
No longer was Irish folk something to be found only at sessions in kitchens or pubs – it had become a genre worthy of theatres and concert halls. The humble bodhran drum shared in this prestige.
Modern Irish Bodhrán Playing Styles
While Ó Riada originally re-introduced the instrument, it was Irish percussionist extraordinaire Peadar Mercier who took this Irish drum to new heights, using the cipín or beater that is popular today rather than playing in the old style with his hand.
Once its popularity took off there was no stopping it. In the hands of Peadar Mercier (followed by his son Mel Mercier), Tommy Hayes, Johny Ringo McDonagh, John Joe Kelly and countless others, the bodhrán reached exciting new heights, pushing the boundaries of traditional Irish percussion.
To learn more about some of these influential bodhrán players and to discover their signature styles and the impact they’ve made on the world of Irish traditional music, check out my blog post: 5 Bodhrán Players You Should Know
Wherever or however it started, there’s no denying this iconic Irish drum has come a long way.
Share your thoughts
I am still trying to become more fluent with my drum as time will allow. I have the 16 tunable I purchased from you and I love it.
Great to hear Bernard. Just be patient and keep playing and fluency will come with time! Best of luck.
When my wife and I were in Ireland to meet and play with local musicians, I wanted to bring a bodhrán home from the trip. I knew better than to buy a tourist instrument, as I was going to play the darn thing - not just hang it on he wall! I ended up buying a McNeela with cross brace and Allen wrench tuning system, which was used extensively on stage ad in studio until last year. That was when I decided to take the leap and get a higher end bodhrán in my life. I decided on the McNeela Signature and am well pleased with it in every aspect its tone is magic, its look majestic, its feel and functionality simply marvelous. Thank you for a lovely drum and the nice collection of tippers that came with. Dave PS-It makes me smile to report that my Signature has left more than one ‘bespoke’ bodhrán snob friend of mine stunned by its build and musicality - especially when they realize the price.
I love to hear it Dave! Thanks for your continued custom, it's very much appreciated. Hopefully we can have a tune together on your next trip to Ireland!
What a great tour of the history of the Bodhran! Thanks so much , Paraic. I’ve been playing mine for 30+ years but had no idea of how things have developed with this instrument over time. As always, thank you for all your research and your passion to share with everyone!
Happy to share Catherine, glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you so much for this! At the moment, I am just trying to find a good way for me to hold the tipper. But I really love the bodhrán I ordered from you! It arrived here safely and it's even so pretty! Thank you and best wishes from Germany! Daniela
To get started, you hold the tipper like you would a pen or pencil, gripping it about one third of the way down the stick between fingers and thumb. Remember that the movement comes from the wrist - your arm should be steady, not doing any sort of up/down motion.
Thank you. Fascinating!
Thanks for taking the time to read it Karl. Glad you enjoyed it!
At 40, I picked up the Button Accordion. Being from the island of Newfoundland, Canada, the box is much the spirit of the island. This was after playing the piano since I’ve been a young girl. To my surprise and joy, I picked up the accordion well and discovered it has helped me with my piano playing. I’ve been wondering what other instruments I can play. Always interested and inclined to the bass in music, I was drawn to the Bodhran. I’d also love to accompany. It’s an increasingly popular instrument here in Newfoundland, much of our island originates from Ireland. Anyhow, I bought one a few days ago and I’m in love. I think I managed a roll today. I watch the free lesson every day from you, Paraic. It’s awesome. In my search for Bodhran drums, I came across McNeela’s music site and I will say, I aim to purchase one of your drums after I learn on my 18 inch non-tuneable. I am totally fascinated by the mummering history in Ireland. Did you know Mummering is a tradition over here in Newfoundland, dressing up, playing music (mostly accordion and guitar, ugly sticks and the fiddle) and going from house to house for a drink seeing if people can figure out your identity. It surprises me but I guess it doesn’t surprise me at the same time, that this beloved tradition on the rock, stems from Ireland, our roots. So cool. Anyhow, thanks a million for the great information and for how much you have helped inspire me and teach me how to play this great instrument. P.s. my ancestry here on the Far south East coast of Newfoundland includes the Mercer surname…we go back in my town as far as 1675. Before that, we come from Southern Ireland and Southern England.
Are there non-leather versions? I don't want to hurt anyone in order to play an instrument, nor to do anything for that matter. I do want to buy one at some point, though it couldn't be from an animal.
Hi Edel. Thank you for your message. I understand your issue, however we currently don't have any non-leather bodhráns in stock. Many of them use sustainably sourced skin though, like our Rosewood model seen below: https://mcneelamusic.com/bodhrans/the-ultimate-rosewood-deep-rim-performance-bodhran-set/
That was fascinating. Thank you.
What a great article/video on the history of the bodhran and modern day mummers. Thank you and since it's Christmas eve, Joyeux Noel/Merry Christmas and all the best in 2024! -cheers from Canada
Thanks for the kind words, Charlene. Hope you and yours had a wonderful Christmas!
excellent
I watched your video on how you make bodhráns, I enjoyed it. I was wondering how bodhrans were made before we had plywood and hose-clam like constructions. I'm wondering if I dare to give it a shot, if they were made with the outer ring of a section of treetrunk, maybe a dried ring of treetrunk, a dried and then freshly soaked hide (cured in a specific way I imagine) covering the ring, and a fresh, wet ring of the same trunk that can hopefully perfectly slip over all that and then dry and pinch it all together.. When I wonder about it like that, it seems difficult and time-consuming, but possibly doable. And fun. Do you have any notes on how they used to be made, or maybe a place I might find information? Thanks for all the backgroundinformation already here.