March Is Trad Month at Musicmaker – Whistles, Bodhráns & More.



Hon the boys! Let's get this session started.

There’s a particular electricity that creeps into Ireland in March. It starts quietly — a whistle testing a high note in a back room, the soft thump of a bodhrán being tightened for the first time since autumn, someone muttering “we should get a session going again.” Then suddenly the pubs are humming, the tunes are flying, and every second person swears they’re going to finally learn that reel properly this year. That shift? We live for it. And at Musicmaker, March doesn’t just arrive — it roars in with cases cracking open and fresh trad gear lining the walls.

It’s Trad Month.

And we’re absolutely here for it.

We’ve just taken delivery of a serious shipment of traditional Irish instruments and session essentials — from beginner-friendly starter gear to proper, session-ready tools built for players who know their way around a reel.

The shelves are looking very, very ready.


Whistles for Every Session – From First Note to Full Flight

No instrument says Irish trad like the whistle.

It’s pocket-sized. It’s powerful. It’s expressive. And when it’s played well? There’s nothing like it.

This month, we’ve stocked up across the board with a full range of Tony Dixon and Feadóg whistles, covering every stage of the journey:

If you’re just starting out, a Feadóg brass whistle is still one of the best ways to begin your trad journey — affordable, authentic, and instantly recognisable in tone.

If you’re ready to level up, the tunable Tony Dixon aluminium whistles bring improved projection, tuning stability and a fuller, more session-solid sound.

And if you’ve been eyeing a Low D for years but never quite committed? Consider this your sign.

March is not the month to think about it quietly. March is the month to do it.

Check out all our current whistles HERE.



Get yourself a Whistle at Musicmaker today! Join the legends!

Fiddles Ready for the Session – Stentor Violin Outfits

No trad session truly lifts off until the fiddle joins in.

It’s the voice that cuts through the room. The instrument that carries reels at full tilt and slows the whole pub down for a lament. Sharp, sweet, fierce, tender — sometimes all within the same set.

And this March, we’ve stocked up on Stentor violin outfits, perfect for players at every stage of their trad journey.

Stentor have long been one of the most trusted names in student and advancing violins. Known for consistency, playability and dependable tone, they’re a go-to choice for beginners, schools and session players alike.

Our current selection includes full outfits — meaning you’re not just getting the fiddle itself, but everything you need to get playing straight away:

  • Properly set up violin
  • Bow
  • Protective case
  • Rosin included

For younger players or those starting out, fractional sizes are available to ensure a comfortable fit. For teens and adults stepping into sessions or returning after a few years away, full-size models offer strong projection, stable tuning and a tone that sits beautifully in a trad setting.

A well-set-up fiddle makes all the difference. Easier bow response. Cleaner intonation. More confidence when you’re flying through jigs at full speed.

Whether you’re learning your first slow air, preparing for a school performance, or getting ready to take your place at the session table this Paddy’s weekend, a reliable Stentor outfit is a brilliant starting point.

Because when the fiddles come in, that’s when the room really comes alive.

Browse the range HERE.



You couldn't be more session ready. The Stentor Violin Outfits.

Bodhráns That Mean Business – The Heartbeat of the Session

Let’s talk rhythm.

A session without a bodhrán is like a pint without a head — technically possible, but something’s missing.

We’ve brought in a beautiful selection of Koda bodhráns, covering everything from starter instruments to stage-ready, hand-tuned beasts:

  • 8” and 12” sizes for younger players and beginners
  • Natural wood finishes with Celtic knotwork
  • Claddagh and Shamrock designs for that extra March magic
  • Larger 14” and 16” hand-tuned models with adjustable frames
  • Options that include padded bags and beaters

The difference a well-built bodhrán makes is immediate. Better response. More controlled tone. A deeper, warmer pulse that drives the session instead of fighting it.

If you’re gigging this Paddy’s weekend, you already know: setup matters.

If you’re new? There is genuinely no better month to pick one up and learn.

The heartbeat is calling.

Check out all our current Bodhráns HERE.



Check out our sweet selection of Bodhráns in Musicmaker, while they last.

Session Essentials – The Gear You Forget Until You Need It

Trad isn’t just whistles and drums. It’s the little things that make your night run smoothly.

And we’ve restocked the bits that always disappear just before a gig:

Nothing kills session flow like a missing capo or nowhere safe to rest your instrument.

March is busy. Sessions multiply. Pub stages get tighter. Gear gets knocked about.

Now is the time to make sure your setup is sorted.



Handy Guitar or Strings Accessories to keep everything running smoothly.

Why March Matters for Irish Traditional Music

Because this is when it explodes.

Schools are rehearsing for performances. Pubs are booking trad nights. Festivals are lining up players.

People who haven’t played since last summer suddenly feel the itch again.

And we love it.

Musicmaker has deep roots in Irish traditional music. We’ve seen generations come through the doors looking for their first whistle, their first bodhrán, their first session guitar.

March is when that energy returns in force.

It’s not just retail. It’s revival.


FAQ About Traditional Irish Instruments

What is the best tin whistle for beginners?

A brass or nickel Feadóg D whistle is an excellent starting point. They’re affordable, easy to play and widely used in Irish traditional sessions.

What is the difference between a High D and a Low D whistle?

A High D whistle is brighter and commonly used in fast session tunes. A Low D whistle has a deeper, richer tone and requires more breath control but offers greater warmth and depth.

Are tunable whistles better for sessions?

Tunable whistles allow you to adjust pitch slightly to match other players, making them ideal for regular session musicians or live performance settings.

What size bodhrán should I buy?

8” or 12” bodhráns suit beginners and younger players.

14” and 16” hand-tuned bodhráns provide fuller tone and better dynamic control for experienced players.

Do bodhráns come with beaters and bags?

Many models include a beater (tipper) and padded carry bag. Always check individual product details, but starter and mid-range models often include both.

What do I need for my first trad session?

At minimum: your instrument, spare reeds or whistles if applicable, a capo for guitar, and a reliable stand. Confidence helps — but enthusiasm matters more.

Where can I buy traditional Irish instruments in Dublin?

Musicmaker stocks tin whistles, Low D whistles, bodhráns, session accessories and beginner-friendly traditional instruments in-store and online.



Let's get involved!

Trad Month Starts Now at Musicmaker

So whether you’re dusting off an old whistle, stepping into your very first session, upgrading to a tunable tenor that can finally hold its own in a crowded pub, or investing in a bodhrán that feels alive under your hands — this is your season. Trad isn’t about perfection. It’s about pulse. It’s about sitting shoulder to shoulder, trading tunes, losing track of time and remembering why this music has survived for generations. March at Musicmaker is our way of celebrating that living tradition — not as something preserved behind glass, but as something breathing, evolving and joyfully loud. Come in, pick something up, make a racket, and be part of it.


The sessions are waiting.