McNeela Instruments

19/05/2026

The last person I expected to be playing my Bodhrán today 🤣

08/05/2026

Less than 10 seconds into the trailer and I spot a Wild whistle 💪

Trad in cinemas today!

07/05/2026

Back making 16" bodhráns this week.
Vivien and I are getting another batch ready (the first one will be up on the site next week).

After 40-odd years we're calling this batch number 753.6

Don’t check the maths.

Once I get into a rhythm (😉) there’s no beating me 🥁

28/04/2026

Can't wait!

25/04/2026

Miltown Malbay!
May 1st - 4th, 2026

I'm so delighted to be hosting the first annual Joanie Madden's May Day Festival in my home away from home in Miltown Malbay, County Clare. The town is going to be buzzing and I hope if you are anywhere near, you make your way down for incredible music, singing, dancing, sessions, workshops, set dancing, social dancing and even a children's puppet show! The lineup is fantastic!
To purchase tickets to the concerts, visit:
https://joaniemaddensmaydayfestival.eventbrite.com

23/03/2026

Big News: Introducing McNeela Session Starters Tune Tutorials⁣
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Our brand new series, designed to help you learn Irish tunes in a simple, enjoyable way with some of our favourite Irish trad musicians 💚🎵⁣
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In this spring's sets, you’ll be learning directly from Benny McCarthy, Brian Hughes, and Caoimhín Ó Fearghail. Together, they'll guide you step by step as they share their approach to the music.⁣
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The first tune, "Johnny O'Leary's Polka", is live and ready for you to learn right here with Benny. ⁣
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Give it a watch. You can pause, practice, and keep going to learn at your own pace.⁣
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And be sure to hit follow to catch Tune Tutorial Two for "The Lonesome Polka" in a couple weeks to complete the set!⁣
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Then once you've learned the set, you'll be ready to play along with Video Three, when Benny, Brian, and Caoimhín all join together to play the tunes like you would hear in a real-life session.

05/03/2026

24/02/2026

Can’t wait 🎶

Listen back! ⏪ Ahead of his performance at Drawing from The Well: Breandán Breathnach collection on March 15th, Ian Lynch (LANKUM) chatted with Arena about Breandán Breathnach's fascinating life and collection.

Listen back: https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/arena/

20/02/2026

Can I come?!

17/12/2025

The ‘profound artistry’ of Irish music through the words of Erick Falc’her Poyroux, Mick O’Connor and Seán Potts

21/11/2025

Lookin’ good 👌🏻

Heute kam Post aus 🇮🇪!

Was Neues wenn es mit der Band auf die Bühne geht.😍

Thank U, McNeela Instruments. It‘s amazing!