uileann

UILEANN PIPES

The Uileann (say it like "ILL-EE-UN" or "ILL-UN") pipes are another entirely unique Celtic instrument. These particular pipes belong to the same instrumental family as the bagpipes, and they even share a similar sound. However, the Uileanns are more of an "indoor" instrument, which means they don't blow you across the room when they are played. The sound, then, is much softer than in its Scottish relative.

The Uileanns get the air not from the lungs of its player, but from an air sac that is pumped by the elbow (and in Gaelic, "uileann" translates to "elbow"). As with the bagpipes, a "chanter" is played with the hands.

Uileanns have a wider range than bagpipes do, and the player can go for extended periods of time, since the production of sound is not contingent on the lung capacity of the performer.

Uileanns are never played in "pipe bands" like the bagpipes are- they are most frequently played solo or in an accompanying group of any combination of fiddle, bodhran, accordion, or tin whistle, and occasionally with more instruments. It is rarely, if ever, paired up with the harp, as it does tend to drown it out. It may be used to accompany a singer, but the Uileanns are most at home in jigs and reels or solo. One of the most stirring sounds in the world is a slow air being played on the Uileann pipes.

Uileanns have been described as being very "temperamental", indicating their challenge to the skill of the player.