Uilleann Pipes

The Uilleann Pipes are a form of the bagpipe that is uniquely distinguished to Ireland. They are probably the most complicated of bagpipes that have arisen in Europe. The name "Uilleann" is the Irish Language word for elbow. Sometimes they, and other bellows blown pipes, are called "elbow pipes". I most often call them Uilleann Pipes because it is the term most often associated with them. Although I prefer "Irish Pipes". My Irish language dictionary gives a primary definition for Uilleann as an intersection of divergent lines. Or, simply, an angle. The second definition is "elbow". That makes more sense.

The Uilleann Pipes belong to a family of bagpipes generically referred to as "parlor pipes". Parlor pipes are most often bellows blown and are no louder than, say, a fiddle. Some are even quieter than that.