Is the mandolin a melody or a rhythm instrument in Irish music?

Probably depends on who you ask or where in the world you are.
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[@eimead]

You're right in that it's typically melody in Ireland, but it's worth checking out Andy Irvine's playing with Planxty. His rhythm and countermelody playing is amazing.

[@ogsTubeYou]

In saying that you also get folks like myself who picked up the mandolin later in life and coming from rhythm guitar. We tend to start out using the mandolin as a rhythm instrument to get used to the feel and sound but try to progress to playing melody or counterpoint accompaniment

[@av3510]

What about the bodhrán?

[@chazza3670]

What do you mean