Meet the maker
Malachy Kearns ('Malachy Bodhrán') works on site and is famously welcoming — expect stories, craic and often a tune. He has made every bodhrán used in Riverdance for the past 25 years.
Roundstone Music & Crafts / Malachy Kearns
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About
The studio and shop of Malachy Kearns — Ireland's master bodhrán maker — tucked inside a converted Franciscan monastery in the heart of Roundstone, Connemara. He has handcrafted every bodhrán used by Riverdance for 25 years, and visitors can watch him at work, try a drum, and meet the man himself.
Things to Do
Buy a handmade bodhrán
The shop sells 14", 16" and 18" drums, tuneable models, small souvenir 8" bodhráns and hand-painted designs, including family crests. Prices start around €139 for a plain 16".
Coffee shop
An adjacent coffee shop serves scones, tea and coffee — a cosy stop before or after exploring Roundstone's harbour, beaches and pubs.
Workshop talks and demos
Daily talks on the craft and history of bodhrán making — goatskin stretched over a birch frame, hand-painted designs — are given for groups, pre-booked only. Walk-in visitors usually get an impromptu demo and a chance to try a drum.
Crafts, music and gifts
Alongside the drums there is a fine craft shop selling music, fashion and gifts, with some items from local crafters.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Mon–Sat 10:30–17:00, Sun 10:30–16:45 (Google's weekly snapshot; no seasonal hours published)
- Parking: Free private car park for visitors on site, plus free street parking in the village
- Food: On-site coffee shop; nearby in the village are O'Dowd's Seafood Bar, The Shamrock and King's Bar
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