chantyranger, as far as I can make out, Wheatstone started development of the concertina in 1829/30. Going by the dates, BigDaddy has given, that would explain the absence of what is such a portable instrument. Also, although the pipes are ancient, I believe the present form of Irish Pipe didn't start to emerge until the 18th century - perhaps these later additions of regulators helped re-kindle and interest in the pipes in Ireland - just a guess.

And kat "[the bodhran] is almost always played in accompaniment with Irish music" - if only it was!

Jon