For example, on a standard "D"-scale instrument, the addition of these extra keys would enable the player to achieve D#/E-flat, F-natural, G#/A-flat, and A#/B-flat notes with ease.

Most Irish flute players tend to strive for a dark and "reedy" tone, in comparison to classical flautists.

Many of these original flutes had a foot joint that allowed the playing of both C# and C with the use of keys, typically pewter plugs that fit into silver plates.

Today, transverse "simple system Irish" flutes are being made for the playing of a variety of traditional musical styles.

[3] Common ornaments and articulations include: The flute is associated with several regions and distinct styles of playing in Ireland.

Other players include Eddie Cahill (born 1929 in Ballyglass, Tobercurry), John Joe Gardiner (1893-1979) who came from near Ballymote, County Sligo, Carmel Gunning, Kevin Henry, Peter Horan, Paddy Hunt, Mick Loftus, June McCormack (won the Senior All-Ireland flute title in 1998), Josie McDermott, McDonagh brothers of Ballinafad, Sonny McDonagh, James Murray (South Sligo), Colm O'Donnell (from Kilmactigue), Seamus O'Donnell, Michael J. Ryan, Roger Sherlock, Séamus Tansey.

[14][15][16] Matt Molloy (from Ballahaderreen), Patsy Hanly (Killrooskey, all-Ireland winner on flute in 1972), John P. Carty (from Knockroe, Ballinameen), Bernard Flaherty (from Boyle, author of Trip to Sligo, a book about the region's music), John Wynne (from Kilteevan, brought up in Roscommon town), Catherine McEvoy (who has released several CDs in this style of music),[17] Peg McGrath from Corrigeenroe (a founder member of the Táin Ceili Band, all-Ireland champions on several occasions),[18] Frank Jordan (of Buckhill, Fairymount, played with the Birmingham Ceili Band and the Woodlands Ceili Band), Tommy Guihan (won the Senior All-Ireland flute title in 1978), Patsy McNamara (from the village of Croghan in North Roscommon), John Kelly (of Roscommon town), John Carlos (from Castleplunkett, played with the Killina Ceili Band), Pat Finn (from Fairymount, played with the Liverpool Ceili Band before returning to Ireland), Brian Duke (from Strokestown, recorded two albums and also toured with the bands Cian and Electric Ceili).

The Leitrim style is highly rhythmic, less ornamented, and with much use of glottal stops and even tonguing, as in the music of John McKenna.

McKenna, from Tarmon, midway between Drumkeeran and Drumshanbo, is regarded as one of the most influential flute players in the history of Irish music.

[21] Contemporary players associated with this style are: Desy Adams (with Na Dórsa), Harry Bradley, Michael Clarkson, Packie Duignan, Gary Hastings, Deidre Havlin (with Déanta), The Innisfree Ceili Band, Mick Mulvey (from Carrick-on-Shannon), Conal Ó Gráda and Desi Wilkinson.

[22][23][24] This style "seems to perch geographically and musically between the plainer and more uniform approach of North-East Ulster and the more florid ornamentation characteristic of counties Sligo and Leitrim.

"[25] It is exemplified by the playing of the late Eddie Duffy, who was influenced by William Carroll and Laurence Nugent, from Lack, County Fermanagh.

Flute and tin-whistle player Laurence ("Larry") Nugent has based himself in Chicago since 1992 and has recorded several albums of traditional music.

[30][31] The Ballinakill Ceilidh Band was formed in 1927 and included, as well as Stephen and Jerry Moloney, the influential flute-player Tom Whelan (after whom a number of popular tunes are named).

Notable flautists from the county include the Russell brothers, Kevin Crawford, Jim Ward and Paddy McMahon (long-time members of the Kilfenora Céilí Band), Peadar O'Loughlin, Paddy O'Donoghue, Eamonn Cotter, PJ Crotty, Michael, Séamus and P J Hynes (West Clare style) and Garry Shannon.