Flutes have been found across the globe dating back thousands of years with only slight changes to the original anatomy. This is also the case in Ireland, but as manufacturing techniques improved it became easier to standardise musical instruments. Despite it’s name, the modern Irish flute is not native to Ireland and was introduced by the English in the 19th Century. The most common material used for Irish flutes is wood. Blackwood, rosewood and boxwood tend to be the most common material. This produces a ‘reedier’ and darker sound when compared to the silver classical flute. Modern beginner models are often made of PVC. Since its introduction to traditional music, the Irish flute has become a staple in trad sessions.

Cylindrical in shape, they have the same six hole system as the whistle but with an additional two holes at the end that are not covered but control the tone. Air is blown in across a hole at an angle and how many finger holes are covered will alter the resonance and therefore the pitch/sound.More modern flutes have anywhere between 0-13 additional sliver keys added to the flute with most preferring around 6-7 keys. This allows the musician to reach sharps and flats. The Irish flute has the same fingering as the whistle so most traditional musicians play both, starting with the whistle then moving on to the flute.

Playing techniques of the Irish flute is very similar to the whistle with the melody being decorated with ornaments such as rolls, cuts and strikes. These playing styles differ between regions in Ireland. For example, in Sligo playing is highly ornamented, flowing and quick in tempo. Whilst Leitrim, despite being geographically close to Sligo has a more relaxed and laid back style of playing.