Uilleann piping, low whistle and tin whistle lessons in the Los Angeles Area. s The Uilleann Pipes are a distinctive type of bagpipe native to Ireland. Unlike the more widely recognized Scottish Highland pipes, Uilleann pipes are known for their sweet, expressive tone and the ability to play a wider range of notes. The name “Uilleann” comes from the Irish word “uille” (elbow), highlighting a unique feature of the instrument: it is played with a bellows operated by the elbow to supply air to the bag, rather than by blowing into it. This method allows the piper to play continuously without the need for pauses to take a breath.