The Irish concertina is a free-reed musical instrument that belongs to the family of concertinas. It is typically hexagonal in shape and features buttons on both ends, which are pressed to produce sound. The instrument is played by expanding and contracting the bellows while pressing the buttons, allowing musicians to create a variety of melodies and harmonies. This instrument is commonly used in traditional Irish music, often accompanying other instruments like the fiddle or bodhrán. The Irish concertina has gained popularity for its expressive sound and versatility, making it a favorite among folk musicians and enthusiasts of Celtic music.