This may have been a reel as was the Irish Haye. The hornpipe was famous as early as 1790 when it was used as play act fillers. There is no native Gaelic word for dance. Both Dawsa and Rince are used however, they are French and German in Origin. There are references to the jig in ancient Ireland.
Dancers perform single or soft jigs in soft shoes.
Solo competitions only occur at the level of beginners, advanced beginners, and at some feisianna, Open. Competitions at all levels also occur in the treble jig which has a slower tempo, but dancers triple beats in hard shoes. Only women dance the slip jig. Reel-The reel originated around 1750 in Scotland and the Irish dance masters brought it to full development. Both men and women dance the reel.