From the company's origins in 2000, Dermot McIlroy and team have been putting out 70-80 guitars per year. The 500th such item is an 'all Koa' model made from select Hawaiian wood.

Eight years on and the instruments have attracted cult acclaim in the hands of Donal Lunny and Declan Sinnott, the company having got off to a good start by selling their first guitar to Hollywood actress Anna Friel.

Some of those who have beaten the five month waiting list will be meeting for recitals and workshops in Marche, Italy this September, where Italian Celtic musician Franco Morone will be among the attendees.