Traditional music is an integral part of the Irish live music culture. It continues to be performed in concerts and Irish pubs all over the world. This folk music is often accompanied by different traditional instruments, some of which are the fiddle, harp, tin whistle, uilleann pipes, and the Irish flute.

5 Traditional Irish Instruments

1. Fiddle

The fiddle, which is the same as the violin, was the most critical instrument in traditional Irish music. Unlike the harp, the fiddle was cheaper and easier to play. As such, the Irish played the fiddle everywhere, from dances in farmhouse kitchens to weddings, fairs, and solo performances.

Irish fiddle music has regional styles: the Donegal style, Sligo Style, Galway style, Clare style, and Kerry or Cork style. It is often considered the melodic leader in traditional Irish music groups or jam sessions.

2. Irish Harp

Also called the Irish clairseach or Celtic harp, the traditional harp of medieval Ireland was made from wood and brass strings. In the past, harpers were greatly respected, and Irish chieftains even had resident harpers.

Today, the harp is most often played as a solo instrument, but a few Irish traditional bands have included harpists in their teams.

3. Tin Whistle

Tin whistles or metal whistles are also used in traditional Irish music performances. Tin whistles have six holes and a mouthpiece as well as a range of two octaves.

Invented in the 19th century by Englishman Robert Clark, the tin whistle got the nickname “penny whistle” as it used to be sold for just a penny. The first tin whistles were made of tin and wood. Today, these whistles are usually made of brass or nickel-plated brass and a plastic fipple.

4. Uilleann Pipes

Pronounced as “ill-ee-un” or “ill-in,” these instruments have a pipe bag, a bellows, drones, regulators, and additional pipes. Compared to the Scottish great highland pipes, uilleann pipes have a mellow, sweeter sound.

5. Irish Flute

This six-hole flute has been part of Irish traditional music since the 19th century. It is made of wood and has zero to 13 metal keys. Most traditional flute players use a wooden flute, though some are using modern concert flutes as well.

O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Grill is a family-friendly pub offering excellent live music, hearty meals, and superior customer service. Listen to live bands on Fridays and Saturdays, order their specials on Mondays and Tuesdays, drop by for Ladies’ Night on Wednesdays, or join their Trivia Nights on Thursdays. To learn more about upcoming events and specials, call (813) 764-8818 or check out their restaurants in Plant City and Wesley Chapel, FL. You can also visit their website to learn more about their live music, or follow them on Facebook.