Instrument Makers Hub
Fourth Floor, Building One
Belfast Metropolitan College – Millfield Campus
125–153 Millfield
Belfast BT1 1HS
Behind every great tune is a skilled maker. At Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026, discover the space where every tune begins. The Instrument Makers Hub at Bet Met celebrates the craftmanship of the people whose skills help shape the sound of Irish traditional music.
From beautifully handcrafted harps and banjos to violins, bodhráns and specialist accessories, every room in the Hub tells a story of craftsmanship, creativity and musical heritage. Whether you’re a lifelong traditional musician, choosing your first instrument, interested in heritage crafts or simply looking for a unique Fleadh experience, meet the people behind the instruments, discover their stories and experience centuries of craftsmanship up close.
You’ll be warmly welcomed by makers who are passionate about sharing their craft, demonstrating their work and talking about the traditions, techniques and innovation behind every instrument. Take your time to explore, ask questions and discover the artistry that continues to inspire musicians across Ireland and beyond.
Follow the exhibition route to meet:
Rioga Banjos and Hawthorne Lutherie
County Antrim, Northern Ireland
B1.L4.03
Founded by John McClenaghan and Paul Conlon, Rioga Banjos combines traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation to build, restore and repair high-quality tenor banjos. Visitors can explore contemporary instruments alongside sympathetically restored vintage banjos, bespoke protective cases and specialist accessories while learning about the evolution of banjo making in Ireland.
Sharing the room throughout the week is Stephen McClenaghan of Hawthorne Lutherie, a respected Belfast luthier specialising in the design, construction, restoration and repair of handcrafted stringed instruments including Irish Mandolin, Irish Octave Mandolin and Irish Bouzouki. Working with carefully selected tonewoods and traditional woodworking techniques, Stephen’s work celebrates the artistry and precision at the heart of fine instrument making.
Paul Bradley Violins
County Armagh, Northern Ireland
B1.L4.05
Well known within Ireland’s traditional music community, Paul Bradley handcrafts, repairs and restores violins using traditional methods. His instruments are played by professional musicians across Ireland, and visitors can discover the specialist skills involved in creating, restoring and maintaining fine stringed instruments.
Mitchell Music
County Galway
B1.L4.07
Founded by master carpenter and musician Lorcan Mitchell, Mitchell Music designs and manufactures innovative Irish-made drums, bongos, wooden shakers and portable dance floors. Combining traditional craftsmanship with practical design, the collection supports musicians, dancers and performers across a range of traditional and contemporary styles.
Eoin Carton
County Offaly
B1.L4.10
Eoin Carton handcrafts tuneable bodhráns from locally sourced ash and carefully prepared natural skins. Every instrument is individually built using traditional methods to produce drums renowned for their balance, responsiveness and distinctive tone.
Narrow Water Harps
County Louth
B1.L4.12
For more than twenty years, Narrow Water Harps has created handcrafted Irish lever harps from its County Louth workshop. Visitors can discover beautifully made instruments suitable for beginners through to professional performers while learning about the craftsmanship behind every build.
Ben March Bodhráns
County Clare
B1.L4.13
Ben March is recognised for his handcrafted bodhráns, made using carefully selected timbers and traditional Lambeg skins. His exhibition offers an insight into the materials, techniques and craftsmanship behind one of Ireland’s most iconic traditional instruments.
Clareen Banjos
County Galway
B1.L4.14
For over 45 years, Clareen Banjos has handcrafted tenor banjos renowned throughout Ireland and internationally. This long-established family business continues to produce instruments trusted by generations of traditional musicians.
Killarney Harps
County Kerry
B1.L4.15
Founded by Tim O’Carroll, Killarney Harps hand-builds elegant Irish lever harps from carefully selected timbers. Visitors can explore the acclaimed Innisfallen and Muckross models while learning about the design, construction and care of these beautiful instruments.
McNeela Musical Instruments
Dublin
B1.L4.18
One of Ireland’s leading traditional music specialists, McNeela Musical Instruments offers a wide range of instruments, accessories and expert advice for musicians of all abilities. Their exhibition showcases many of the instruments that continue to shape Irish traditional music today.
The Irish Airs Project
Room B1.L3.19 – Third Floor
Throughout Fleadh, The Irish Airs Project will use Millfield Campus as its recording base, capturing conversations and performances that celebrate Ireland’s rich tradition of airs and slow melodies. Hosted by Kell Chole and produced in partnership with the Institute of Traditional Irish Music and Murphy Roche School of Irish Music, the project creates a lasting archive of stories, music and interpretation from musicians and cultural contributors attending the Fleadh.
Accessibility
Building One is fully accessible by lift and includes accessible toilet facilities. The Instrument Makers’ Village occupies a series of exhibition rooms on the Fourth Floor.