Everyone: Thanks for advice.

I will try Marcus Music, hopefully tomorrow. I will probably opt for a non-tuneable one to begin with and upgrade in a year or so if I am still interested.

It seems risky buying by mail order.

It doesn't seem to make much sense timewise or financially making a special trip to Belfast or Galway to get a £50 bodhran.

I am impatient and want one now !

Hopefully I will make a good choice. If I don't then will I have to 'beat' my words !