That's a cool video, and towards the end she demonstrates how to do some really 'edgy' sound effects not associated with Irish music.  Thanks!

I just came across this video on some techniques, it may be of interest to the rest of you.

Yes, it has to be something you like, I do so agree with that sentiment, it's only for my own pleasure that I learn & play tunes.

I like to learn simple old folk tunes from various places- that includes from Ireland, but also Scotland, England, France, Italy, Scandinavia, Spain... wherever!  As long as the tune speaks to me in some way.

I used to play recorders, they're easy when you know how, but they lacked a certain something, to my ear.

Tried various instruments since, & am now having some fun on the whistles, they're cheap too, but that has its own drawbacks, I tend to collect things that I'm interested in, hence all my ukes, harmonicas, & now, whistles.

Irish music may be prevalent on whistle, but it's not for me either, I enjoy various genres, presently learning some Scottish folk tunes, & I'll probably learn some English & American tunes too.

Bingo on the recorder. Six hole way easier. I know from experience. 

That said, I did ponder a bit about whether I really ought to learn wooden recorder in order to get a more 'authentic' sound for playing medieval and early music.  But I cured myself of that by having a look at recorder fingering charts.     I confess the simplicity of penny whistle fingerings helped make my decision.  I do find that for now at least (as a beginner), I find the tone of slightly lower polymer whistles to feel mighty pleasing for playing simple early folk and medieval music.

I'm on board for that, Bill!  Though I think trad irish music can be incredibly beautiful and wonderful, it's not what i aspire to play.  Right now I'm practicing the whistle in mostly two very different genres of music-  medieval/Renaissance music, and also mid 1800s American minstrel era tunes.  So far I've not found any reasons why I couldn't or shouldn't be doing so.  Currently having too much fun to worry about it...maybe I'll fuss about it later on at some point...or not!  

Jan brought a whistle home from a business trip in 1998. At that time Titanic was hot. I started looking everywhere for whistles and music. Most of what I found was Irish music. No problem. I love it. Fast forward to 2006. I got interested in mountain dulcimer and joined a club. They played a lot of Old Time, some Irish type tunes and some Gospel tunes. 

My point is you can play a pennywhistle on just about any genre. For me, I started concentrating on the tunes we play at our club. So think beyond "Irish" only. Enjoy what you like in music. Have fun on the journey!