[1] NPU was founded in 1968 under the impetus of researcher and collector Breandán Breathnach and pipers such as Seamus Ennis, Leo Rowsome and Paddy Moloney (of the Chieftains), in order to promote the uilleann pipes and its music.
[2] A Tionól (meeting) of pipers in Bettystown Co Meath in April 1968 had been organised by Breathnach, Seán Reid and Séamus Mac Mathúna, who wrote to some 100 pipers in Ireland and abroad for a gathering to revive piping.
[3] Its headquarters are located at 15 Henrietta Street, Dublin, in a restored Georgian building with facilities for many activities.
Membership of the organisation is now spread throughout Ireland, England, Scotland, Continental Europe, North America and Australia.
The organization offers a wide range of tutorial materials including DVDs, CDs, and books.