The Enchanting World of Ireland’s Uilleann Pipes

(Headline image: Roosebeck Uilleann Pipes)

The Uilleann pipes, also known as the Irish pipes, are a form of bagpipes that are unique to Ireland. These pipes are different from other types of bagpipes in several key ways, and they have a rich cultural history that is deeply intertwined with the music and heritage of Ireland.

The Uilleann pipes consist of a set of pipes that are played using a small set of bellows that are strapped to the player’s waist. Unlike other types of bagpipes, the Uilleann pipes do not have a drone, which is a continuous note that is played alongside the melody. Instead, the pipes produce a variety of different notes by pressing the keys on the chanter, which is the main playing component of the instrument.

One of the key features of the Uilleann pipes is their versatility. The pipes can play a wide range of musical styles, from traditional Irish music to contemporary pieces. The pipes are capable of playing fast, energetic reels and jigs, as well as slow, haunting airs and ballads. This versatility is due in part to the large number of pipes and reeds that make up the instrument, as well as the intricate system of keys and regulators that allow the player to produce a wide range of different notes and sounds.

The Uilleann pipes have a long and rich cultural history in Ireland. The instrument is thought to have evolved from an earlier form of bagpipes that were played in Ireland in the 17th and 18th centuries. The name “Uilleann” is derived from the Irish word “uille,” which means “elbow,” and refers to the way that the bellows are operated by the player’s elbow. The pipes were once a popular instrument in Ireland and were used in many musical contexts, including as an accompaniment to dancing, as well as in religious and military contexts.

Despite their long history, the Uilleann pipes experienced a period of decline in the 19th and early 20th centuries, as traditional Irish music fell out of favor and was replaced by other musical forms. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional Irish music and the Uilleann pipes, and the instrument is now played by a new generation of musicians who are preserving and promoting its cultural heritage.

Uilleann piping, Inscribed in 2017 on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

In 2017, the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity recognized the musical tradition of Uilleann piping, an art form that utilizes a specific type of bagpipe, known as the uilleann, Irish or union pipes, to perform Irish music. This practice is deeply rooted in tradition, with a lineage that extends back many generations. Practitioners of Uilleann piping are dispersed globally, with the greatest concentration residing in Ireland and Irish communities abroad.

Uilleann piping plays a crucial role in socialization and is an integral aspect of life events such as marriages and funerals, where it serves to imbue a sense of rootedness and a connection to the past. The primary method of transmission for this art form is through one-to-one, master-to-student instruction, although transmission also occurs through contemporary methods such as video and DVD tutorials and the internet.

Na Píobairí Uilleann (NPU) is the most prominent group involved in safeguarding Uilleann piping. Founded in 1968 by pipers, this organization’s mission is to halt the decline of the instrument. Through their research, publications, tuition, and training initiatives, the NPU has contributed significantly to the increased utilization and appreciation of the Uilleann pipes and its music, resulting in a flourishing of the art form in modern times, with more players than any previous era.

Uilleann pipes players

There are many talented Uilleann pipes players, each with their own unique style and contributions to the instrument. Here are a few notable instrumentalists:

Cillian Vallely

Highly accomplished traditional Irish musician who was mentored by his father and local piper Mark Donnelly. He plays the whistle and Uilleann pipes and has been a member of Lúnasa since 1999, recording seven albums with them and touring extensively. Vallely is also a sought-after studio session musician and has collaborated with many other artists, including Natalie Merchant, Bruce Springsteen, and Karan Casey. In 2016, he released his solo debut album, The Raven’s Rock, featuring a mix of traditional tunes and original compositions played with a contemporary style.

David Power

Irish uilleann piper who took lessons with various influential pipers and won several competitions in the early 90s. He was a member of Liam Clancy’s band and later toured with Gorumna. He produced a recording and biography of Tommy Kearney, and moved to the USA in 2003 where he played the pipes in many productions. Furthermore, he has released three solo uilleann piping recordings, one in collaboration with Willie Kelly, and another with the baroque ensemble Camerata Kilkenny. He has performed with various artists on many stages worldwide, including Sydney Opera House and Broadway Studio 54. He has also premiered new works for the uilleann pipes.

Davy Spillane

Influential Irish musician who plays uilleann pipes and low whistle. He started playing at the age of 12 and met many famous Irish musicians. He co-founded Moving Hearts, a band that played mostly original compositions with a folk-rock sound. Likewise, he then pursued a solo career and collaborated with various artists such as Enya, Bryan Adams, and Celine Dion. Spillane also composed music for films such as Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights and Rob Roy. He makes his own instruments and recorded a traditional tunes album with Kevin Glackin called Forgotten Days in 2000.

Éanna Drury

Éanna is from Dublin and has been playing the Uilleann Pipes since the age of 15. He got his first lessons from Maitiu Ó Casaide.

Emmett Gill

Acclaimed uilleann piper and respected Archivist with Na Píobairí Uilleann (NPU), an organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music. Born into a family with a rich musical heritage, Emmett’s musical journey began at a young age, and he has since honed his craft, becoming an accomplished performer and educator of the uilleann pipes.

Eoin Ó Riabhaigh

Piper and pipemaker from Cork, Ireland. He learned to play the pipes from his father at a young age and has continued to play regularly throughout his life. Eoin is also a qualified mechanical fitter and has worked with metal and wood for most of his adult life. He has worked with sculptors, galleries, and private collections and has made several fine full sets of pipes in D. Eoin has performed and recorded with a variety of musicians and has played and taught throughout Europe and the U.S. He currently plays regularly at The Corner House in Cork with other traditional musicians. Eoin’s use of 3D modeling and CNC machining has proved useful in his pipemaking.

Finbar Furey

Well-known Irish folk musician born in Ballyfermot, Dublin in 1946. He started playing the Uilleann pipes as a child and won many awards by his teens. Finbar and his brother Eddie toured with The Clancy Brothers in the 1960s and later formed their own band, The Fureys, with their younger brothers Paul and George. The Fureys achieved success with hits like “When You Were Sweet Sixteen” and “The Lonesome Boatman” and were one of the first Irish folk groups to perform on Top of the Pops in Britain. After nearly thirty years, Finbar left the band to pursue a solo career as a singer, songwriter, producer, and writer. He also began acting, appearing in films such as Gangs of New York and television shows like Love/Hate. In 2013, he won the public vote on the Irish television show The Hit with his single “The Last Great Love Song”.

Gay McKeon

Skilled uilleann piper who learned from Leo Rowsome at the Piper’s Club in Dublin. He has toured and recorded extensively with various artists, including Christy Moore and Maddy Prior, and has released several albums, including Irish Piping Tradition and The Dusty Miller with his sons Conor and Sean. He has also been involved with Na Píobairí Uilleann since 1987 and served as Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman. Gay comes from a family with a strong connection to Irish music. His discography includes Irish Piping Tradition (1997), The Dusty Miller (2005) and The Turning of The Geese (2029).

Ivan Goff

Talented musician from Dublin, based in Brooklyn, who plays the uilleann pipes, Irish wooden flute, and pennywhistles. He has studied under renowned mentors like Dan O’Dowd and Mick O’Brien, and has performed with various traditional Irish bands and musicians. Ivan’s work spans across multiple genres, including jazz, experimental art, silent films, and theater productions. He has worked as a soloist with orchestras around the world and holds multiple degrees in music, including a current pursuit of a PhD in music at New York University.

Jerry O’Sullivan

American musician who was born in New York City. He learned Great Highland bagpipes as a youngster and later took up uilleann pipes after visiting his cousins in Dublin. He has been a member of Green Fields of America and has appeared on over 90 albums, including works by Dolly Parton, Susan McKeown, and Eileen Ivers. O’Sullivan has also recorded five solo albums, including The Invasion, The Gift, and O’Sullivan Meets O’Farrell. In 2018, he self-released The Killasser Flute / An Fheadóg Mhór Chill Lasrach, a collection of flute music.

Jimmy O’Brien-Moran

Irish musician with a passion for traditional Irish music, particularly uilleann piping. He became interested in the music of Planxty and Liam O’Flynn, which led him to discover other great pipers such as Willie Clancy and Seamus Ennis. He taught himself to play the uilleann pipes and was invited to record on the PJ Curtis produced album ‘The Piper’s Rock’ which featured several other renowned musicians. Likewise, he went on to restore and play a Colgan set of pipes, which greatly influenced his playing style. He also studied music at Waterford Institute of Technology and completed a doctoral thesis on the musical legacy of Paddy Conneely.

John McSherry

Renowned Irish/Celtic musician and one of the world’s leading Uilleann Pipers. He has won several prestigious awards and has performed on many great stages all over the world. He is a prolific composer, producer, arranger, and established studio session musician who has worked with many well-known artists. John has been a founder member of top trad bands and has produced critically acclaimed and innovative albums, both solo and collaborative. He continues to push the boundaries of Irish music with his current bands.

Johnny Doran

Doran was a highly regarded uilleann piper known for his exceptional skills in traditional Irish music. He did not release any commercial recordings but influenced many other musicians through his performances as a travelling piper in rural Ireland during the 1930s and ’40s. His influence, especially on Willie Clancy, inspired others to pursue careers in uilleann pipes.

Kevin Rowsome

Skilled uilleann piper who began playing at a young age, learning from his grandfather and father. He won first prize in a uilleann pipe competition and is known as one of the best pipers today. Kevin has performed and taught at various traditional music festivals in Europe and the USA, and has recorded his own music and composed several pieces. In 2006, he won the Cuisle Ceoil an Bhlascaoid competition, gaining recognition as a composer.

Liam O’Flynn

A legendary Uilleann piper and founding member of the traditional Irish music group Planxty. He is considered one of the greatest Uilleann pipe players of all time and has inspired countless musicians with his virtuosity and musicality. O’Flynn was a central figure in the traditional music scene in Ireland for many decades.

Leo Rowsome

Leo Rowsome, a third-generation uilleann piper, was born in Dublin in 1903. As a youngster, he learned the craft of instrument-making and repair from his father and quickly developed into a skilled musician. At the tender age of sixteen, in 1919, he was bestowed with the esteemed position of a uilleann pipes instructor at the Dublin Municipal School of Music, where he imparted his wisdom for a staggering fifty years.

Notably, Leo was a prodigious performer, leading various ensembles and creating numerous recordings for different record labels. He holds the distinction of being the first Irish artist to perform on BBC TV in 1933. In 1934, he tied the knot with Helena Williams, and their union bore four children, all of whom displayed an affinity for music.

Leo’s career was brought to an abrupt halt when he passed away suddenly while serving as a judge in a competition in 1970. Nonetheless, his musical legacy perseveres through his family, with his son Leon continuing the tradition of uilleann pipe making and his grandson Kevin becoming an internationally renowned fifth-generation uilleann piper.

In honor of the centenary of Leo’s birth in 2003, his original manuscripts were collated and published in “The Leo Rowsome Collection of Irish Music,” solidifying his status as a revered figure in the world of uilleann piping.

Louise Mulcahy

Highly esteemed musician and instructor of traditional Irish music, specifically specializing in the flute and uilleann pipes. Her expertise and reputation have led her to travel extensively across the world, offering her musical talents and pedagogical prowess at various music festivals. In addition to her live performances, Louise has produced multiple albums that have garnered her widespread acclaim, having received numerous awards for her exceptional musicianship. Specifically, she has been honored with the Live Ireland Female Musician of the Year award, as well as the Tradconnect Album of the Year award. Moreover, Louise has conducted in-depth research into the history of women in uilleann piping, showcasing her commitment to promoting and celebrating the role of women in the traditional Irish music industry. As a testament to her scholarly pursuits, she was awarded the prestigious 2016 Doctoral Fellowship in Irish Music Studies at the esteemed National University of Ireland, Galway.

Máire Ní Ghráda

A highly skilled uilleann piper hailing from Cork and currently residing in Clonlara, County Clare, is a renowned educator in the domain of traditional Irish music. With her remarkable talent, she has been a regular instructor at international piping festivals and the Willie Clancy School. In addition to her musical expertise, she has also made substantial contributions to the academic sphere as a professor of Irish and Irish Folklore Studies at the University of Limerick. In recognition of her passion for promoting the Irish language and music, she has fostered a partnership between the University of Limerick and RTÉ-Raidió na Gaeltachta, a national Irish language radio service, to produce a radio program called Ar Bhruach na Sionainne. This initiative enables students to gain valuable experience in the field of Irish language and music broadcasting. Máire’s dedication to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Ireland is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the advancement of her field.

Michael (Mickey) Dunne

Renowned uilleann piper and reed maker from Ireland. He, along with his brother Christy, are known as Ireland’s Irish Music Ambassadors and have performed at various events across the country. Mickey’s father, Paddy Dunne, was a master of violin playing and a significant influence on Mickey’s music. Mickey is part of an Irish music dynasty with all his brothers being musicians as well. He is carrying on the tradition along with his two daughters and is the life president of the Thomond Pipers Club. Mickey is also a skilled pipe maker and has produced top-quality chanters, practice sets, and reeds in Caherconlish, Co Limerick. His style of piping is inspired by legendary pipers such as Johnny Doran, Finbar Furey, and Paddy Keenan.

Mikie Smyth

Mikie began playing pipes at the age of nine and has since become a highly regarded teacher and performer. He has taught at numerous piping organizations and traditional summer schools, including the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance. Mikie has performed as a soloist and with shows such as Riverdance and Ragus in over five countries. He has collaborated with well-known artists such as Donal Lunny, Maurice Lennon, and Sean Keane. Mikie’s influences include several musicians, including Andy Conroy, Séan Ryan, Mary Bergin, Carmel Gunning, Séamus Tansey, Catherine McGorman, and Catherine McEvoy, among others. He has also been influenced by his peers, such as Kevin O’Reilly (Caoimhin O’Rahilly) and Sarah Jane Woods.

Jarlath Henderson

Renowned uilleann piper and triple All-Ireland champion, made history by winning the prestigious BBC Young Folk Award, making him the first from Ireland and the first uilleann piper to do so. The long-awaited debut of his solo album was released in autumn 2015, over a decade since his historic win. Henderson, having been gifted in both the pipes and whistles, received critical acclaim for his 2008 release with Scottish co-instrumentalist Ross Ainslie and has also performed at international festivals worldwide, including the Transatlantic Sessions, Jack Bruce, Lau, Capercaillie, and the Earth Affair line-up. Additionally, he has qualified as a doctor, studying for five years at Aberdeen, before moving to Glasgow. His career as a junior hospital doctor has complemented his music career, providing him with diverse inspiration, different focuses, and a balanced life.

Mick O’Brien (Mícheál Ó Briain)

Acclaimed Irish musician born on March 26, 1961, in Dublin, Ireland. He learned the uilleann pipes at the Thomas Street Pipers Club in Dublin and recorded his first LP with his family at the age of 13. Mick is a member of Na Píobairí Uilleann and has played with various artists such as The Dubliners and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. He has released several solo albums and collaborated with other prominent Irish composers. Besides music, Mick has taught various subjects at St Davids C.B.S in Artane Dublin and trained the school’s hurlers. In 2011, he premiered the first-ever set of Études for Uilleann Pipes at the Masters of Tradition Festival in Bantry.

Mike McGoldrick

Well-known folk musician from Manchester, England, skilled in playing various instruments like Irish flute, uilleann pipes, low whistle, and bodhran, among others. He has been part of numerous renowned bands and has received several awards for his contributions to the folk music industry. He has also released five solo albums, featuring traditional and experimental tunes and collaborations with other celebrated musicians. McGoldrick has also performed with Transatlantic Sessions and on Mark Knopfler’s Get Lucky Tour.

Naoise Rowsome

Naoise is a 6th generation uilleann piper, daughter of piper Kevin Rowsome.

Paddy Keenan

Paddy was born into a family of Traveller heritage known for their traditional music. He began playing uilleann pipes at age ten and formed The Pavees with his family. He later traveled to England, where he developed an affinity for blues music, and returned to Ireland to play with Seachtar, which eventually became The Bothy Band. The band fused traditional Irish tunes with driving rhythms and became highly influential in the 1970s. Paddy’s virtuosity on the pipes, influenced by his father and grandfather’s open-fingered style, made a profound impact on many and led to comparisons to Jimi Hendrix and John Coltrane.

Paddy Moloney

Irish musician, composer, and record producer who co-founded and led the Irish musical group the Chieftains. He was known for his mastery of the uilleann pipes and also played the tin whistle, button accordion, and bodhrán. Moloney was the primary composer and arranger of much of the Chieftains‘ music, and composed for various films. He also did session work for several artists and founded Claddagh Records. Moloney had a successful solo career and performed at various festivals and concert tours worldwide. He received various awards for his contributions to traditional Irish music, including the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Musician of the Year award in 2002 and the Irish Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. Moloney passed away on October 12, 2021.

Pádraic Keane

Talented Uilleann piper from Maree, Co. Galway, born in 1991 into a musical family. His father Tommy is a well-known piper, and his mother Jacqueline McCarthy is a respected concertina player. Pádraic began learning the pipes at the age of eight from his father, and also received instruction from other leading pipers. He has won awards and toured extensively in the United States of America and Europe, performing with various orchestras and theater groups. He has also collaborated with different musicians and has been featured on CDs and festivals.

Robbie Hannan

Musician from Holywood Co. Down, who became interested in Irish traditional music after listening to his parents’ record collection. He began playing the pipes in 1977 and has been influenced by pipers such as Séamus Ennis, Willie Clancy, and Tommy Reck. He has recorded several albums and has taught advanced piping classes at the Willie Clancy Summer School and Scoil Acla. Furthermore, he has performed at concerts and festivals throughout Europe and the United States.

Ronan Browne

Irish musician and composer known for playing the Irish pipes and singing. He has played with various bands such as Cran, Riverdance, and the Afro Celt Sound System. Browne has also contributed to the soundtracks of several movies and TV series. He started playing the pipes at seven and has since toured extensively around the world, giving master classes and collaborating with many traditional Irish music artists and others in different genres. Browne has released solo and group albums, including five with Cran. He also had a 40-year musical partnership with Peter O’Loughlin and played in Riverdance’s original performance. Browne was part of the Afro Celt Sound System’s first two albums.

Seamus Ennis

Pominent Irish musician, singer, and collector of Irish music. He was instrumental in reviving the uilleann pipes, a traditional Irish instrument, and co-founded the nonprofit organization Na Píobairí Uilleann to promote it. Ennis preserved almost 2,000 Irish songs and dance tunes as part of his work with the Irish Folklore Commission. He was widely recognized as one of the greatest uilleann pipers of all time. Ennis worked for the Irish Folklore Commission from 1942 to 1947, collecting songs in West Munster, Galway, Cavan, Mayo, Donegal, Kerry, the Aran Islands, and the Scottish Hebrides. He later joined the BBC and recorded traditional music in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.

Tiarnan Ó Duinnchinn

Highly skilled uilleann piper who learned to play at the Armagh Pipers Club. He has won prestigious competitions and performed as a soloist in various settings. Tiarnan has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, and is also a respected teacher who has taught several notable performers. He has been influenced by the playing of Séamus Ennis, Johnny Doran, and Johnny Doherty and has toured extensively with Maire Brennan (Clannad). Tiarnan has played and presented radio and television programs for BBC, RTE, and TG4 and features on numerous albums. He has been playing in the Compánach concert with Gerry O’Connor and Fintan Vallely since 2013.

Willie Clancy

Born on Christmas Eve in 1918, was a renowned Irish musician, known for his talents as a whistle player, flute player, singer, storyteller, philosopher, and uilleann piper. His love of music was instilled at a young age as both his parents were musicians. He began playing the whistle at five years old and was heavily influenced by his father and the legendary blind piper, Garrett Barry, whose style was passed down to him.

By the early 1940s, Clancy had mastered the basic techniques of piping and won first prize at the Oireachtas competition in 1947. However, he struggled to make a living from his music and emigrated to London where he worked as a carpenter while continuing to play music and connect with other notable players. In 1957, after the death of his father, he returned to Miltown Malbay, married Doirin Healy, and developed a highly distinctive style of piping.

From 1957 until his sudden death in January 1973 at the age of 55, Clancy was a major attraction at the summer music sessions in Miltown Malbay. His influence also extended to pipe-making, reed-making, and all things connected with the instrument. Clancy gave numerous performances on radio, television, and live sessions in his local area.

In his memory, an annual summer music school was established in Miltown Malbay to promote good music and high standards in tuition, which quickly became known for its quality. Clancy’s legacy as a gifted musician, his passion for traditional music, and his contributions to Irish culture are remembered and celebrated to this day.

These are just a few of the many talented Uilleann pipe players who have made a significant contribution to the music and culture of Ireland. Each of these musicians brings their own unique perspective and approach to the instrument, and they continue to inspire and influence new generations of Uilleann pipe players.

New Generation of Pipers

The new generation of pipers includes talented individuals from different parts of Ireland and Belfast. Tara Boyle from Co. Galway; Mark Dunleavy from Co. Sligo; Fainche Higgins from Co. Cavan; Trevor Horan from Co. Sligo; Conall Mac Thréinfhír from Co. Kerry; Kate Motherway from Co. Waterford; Sinéad Ní Chatháin from Co. Galway; Séadna O’Donnell from Co. Mayo; Anam Ó Loingseacháin also from Co. Mayo; Ronan Poots from Belfast; Keenan Smith from Co. Cavan; and Áine Teape from Co. Cork. These artists have shown exceptional skills in playing the bagpipes and have gained recognition for their mastery of the instrument.

These are just a few examples, and there are many other talented Uilleann pipes players to discover and appreciate.