Uilleann Pipes

The uilleann pipes developed in Ireland during the eighteenth century and are unlike the Highland pipes in almost every respect. Air comes from a bellows strapped to the elbow rather than the mouth, which means the reeds stay dry and the player can sing or talk; the chanter has a two-octave range and can be played chromatically and staccato by closing it against the knee; and three drones and up to three regulators - keyed pipes played with the wrist - allow chords beneath the melody. That makes them the most complex bagpipe in the world and among the hardest instruments to learn: the usual saying is seven years learning, seven practising and seven playing. A full set takes years to make and costs accordingly. UNESCO inscribed uilleann piping on the intangible heritage list in 2017. Na Piobairi Uilleann in Dublin teaches, archives and keeps the tradition organised.

What you actually see

• The bellows - strapped to the elbow, keeping the reeds dry.
• The regulators - keyed pipes played with the wrist to give chords.
• The seated posture - the chanter closed against the knee for staccato.
• Na Piobairi Uilleann - the pipers' centre in Dublin, teaching and archiving.

When to go

Any time. The pipers' centre in Dublin has a free exhibition and recitals. Summer festivals and the Willie Clancy week in Miltown Malbay are where most pipers gather.

Honest expectations

Pipers are not common in ordinary pub sessions - fiddle, flute and box dominate. Hearing a full set played well usually means a concert or a festival rather than chance. Sets are expensive and waiting lists for makers run years.

Nearby

Na Piobairi Uilleann is on Henrietta Street in Dublin; the Willie Clancy school is in Clare.