Association for players and makers of the Irish ‘Uilleann Pipes’ – Na Píobairí Uilleann

Instructor Bill Haneman demonstrating pipe-making techniques at the NPU PipeCraft training facility in Clonshaugh, Co. Dublin, 2011. (Photograph: Gerry Lyons)

Na Píobairí Uilleann (NPU), the Society of Uilleann Pipers was founded in 1968 when there were less than 100 uilleann pipers remaining. Today NPU is a thriving arts organisation dedicated to Sharing the Sound of Ireland through Access, Education, Performance and Preservation, delivered through the organisation’s commitment to excellence in values, governance and processes.
Since unveiling its restored Georgian premises at 15 Henrietta Street, Dublin, in January 2007, NPU has been busy catering for the expanding demand for regular tuition as well as releasing a number of significant publications and recordings. With demand for pipes considerably exceeding supply, a dedicated Training Centre – Pipecraft – has been established to deliver training in the very highly skilled craft of uilleann pipemaking.

Year of accreditation: 2015

Domain(s): (a) oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage;
 (b) performing arts;
(c) social practices, rituals and festive events; (e) traditional craftsmanship.

Main Safeguarding measures: a) identification, documentation, research (including inventory-making); b) preservation, protection; c) promotion, enhancement; d) transmission, (non-) formal education; e) revitalization.

NPU is engaged in teach the playing and making of the Uilleann Pipes, and in the collection and dissemination of all available materials relating to the history of the instrument. Classes are run in Ireland and in various locations abroad.

Fionnán Mac Gabhann teaching young pipers at the Willie Clancy Summer School, in Co. Clare, July 2015. (Photograph: Ben Taylor)

NPU lobbied for, and was instrumental in securing, Irish ratification of the UNESCO Convention on ICH.

Main countries where the NGO works: Ireland

Local, national or international level of the NGO: Not-for-profit arts organisation supported by the Irish Arts Council.