New Co. Antrim Hammered Dulcimer maker ~ Francie Mchugh!

I'm delighted to be able to tell you that Hammered Dulcimers are, 

once again, being made in Co. Antrim.

Here's a recent photo of Co Antrim man Francie Mchugh
by the harbour in Carnlough with his very first Dulcimer.

Francie Mchugh & his own self made Hammered Dulcimer.

* * * * * 

Here's a closer look at Francie Mchugh & his very 1st Dulcimer.

* * * * * 

Here's Francie Mchugh's 2nd Dulcimer,

 on display last weekend at the Roe Valley Folk Festival in Limavady.

This is an absolutely beautiful looking Dulcimer.

* * * * *

Hammered Dulcimer Session in Limavady, Co. Derry!

I had a cracking session with Scottish Dulcimer player / maker Jack Bethel 

last Sunday in Limavady, Co. Derry, at the Roe Valley Folk Festival.

However, I first met up with Jack on the Saturday,

when he was playing just off the main street with the group Haggerdash.

Haggerdash

* * * * * 

Jack Bethel

* * * * *

We met up with Francie Mchugh & were able to check out his own hand-made 

Co. Antrim Dulcimer,

the first to be made in Co. Antrim, the home of the Hammered Dulcimer in Ireland, 

for many a long year.

Hand Made Hammered Dulcimer by Francie Mchugh

* * * * * 

Later, we had a few tunes in a local pub, the Douglas Bar.

Jack Bethel on Dulcimer & myself on Fiddle.

* * * * * 

Jack Bethel on Dulcimer & myself on Fiddle.

* * * * * 

On the Sunday afternoon, we met up again for a few tunes, 

in the Alexander Arms Hotel.

Jack Bethel playing my Rick Thum 17/17,

while I played one of Jack's own Dulcimers,

alongside the band Haggerdash.

* * * * * 

I played one of Jack's own Dulcimers & a wee cracker it is, too.

* * * * * 

Jack Bethel playing my Rick Thum 17/17.

* * * * *

The full Team ~ Haggerdash .. & me. 

* * * * * 

In this shot, I'm playing my Rick Thum 17/17

& Jack Bethel is playing his own hand made Dulcimer.

* * * * *

Yes, playing the Dulcimer is lots of fun.

* * * * *