I went to the Dublin, Ohio Irish Festival - as I like to do whenever I possibly can. This year it was held the weekend of Aug. 4th, on a soggy Friday... appropriate for the celebration of Ireland perhaps? We had our rain, mists, and green surroundings with a huge turnout of people seeking the good times to be found to the strains of Celtic music, and a county fair-like atmosphere. And guess what?!! I bought a bodhr�n! Yes, I am let loose upon the countryside with my very own bodhr�n now. Heh, heh, hee, hee! A sad sounding player I am, but am practicing with hope and faith. Many of the craftsmen at this festival are exceptionally fine. Beautifully carved wood, finely crafted musical instruments including dulcimers and harps, well-made flutes and pipes, a very fine jeweller from Canada (written about below), and other things that I wish I had to ability to purchase. I have to write of the marvelous experience of buying from some most charming Irishmen. I find the Irish charming anyway...must have been that Lucky Charm cereal I ate as a kid. OK, sorry; my appreciation of Irish people is more seriously described on the previous page. But the beautiful bodhr�n I purchased is most certainly a lasting reminder of two lovely Irishmen, both kind and helpful, and expert in making a product that will give years of enjoyment. Who, you may ask? Michael and Paul Vignoles of Claddagh, Galway, Ireland. These craftsmen create uillean pipes, as well as bodhr�ns of differing sizes, and were most gracious to offer on-the-spot instruction in playing and information on the instruments. Claddagh Musical Instruments 69 Fairhill Road Claddagh, Galway, Ireland Tel:+353 91 589094

The particular drum I bought is decorated with the celtic design of wolfhounds. Representing the four seasons or four directions, and representing hopes of loyalty and intelligence.... I hope to live up to the symbolism. My understanding of these symbols comes from the site of the master jewellry craftsman, Jason Bellchamber. Celtic Goldsmith, Jason Bellchamber c/o Huxleys 240 Richmond St. London, Ontario, Canada N6B2H6 Go see his site to learn some interesting things about Celtic designs; and to view the rings and things. I saw these up close and personal- truly beautiful and artistically made. Again, this is a craftsman in love with his art, creating something of worth in a greatly talented way. I always admire that. In case you are wondering what I get out of this... I am not commercially connected with anyone -not smart enough about money and commerce, I guess. I just appreciate fineness and beauty wherever I find it. And when that is coupled with people who are gracious, helpful, hardworking, and talented...well... I want to let others know. That is what my site is about- sharing what I enjoy with whoever stops to visit my web-worked home. Thus says the spider to the fly: "am I sticky enough for you?" Ah, well, I am sending you off to these two sites on the web, and if you are in the market for either the musical instruments or the jewellery of the craftsmen represented here, you have my testimonial that they have beautiful products...and you'll enjoy visiting their sites, whatever your interest. My Celtic Links |Celt Poetry |The Scots |The Irish |The Welsh |My Scot Connection |Celt Music |Celt Links |Celtic Jokes |EirePictures |ScotPictures |Guestbook � 2001 Ilona Sign Guestbook View Guestbook