Music
23 Oct 26

Dónal Lunny: Legendary Irish musician dies, aged 79

Donal Lunny live at Judge Roy Beans' Summer of Music in Newbridge

"Through Planxty, The Bothy Band, Moving Hearts and a lifetime of collaboration, his imagination helped shape the sound of Irish music over more than half a century," the Irish Traditional Music Archive has stated in a tribute

Dónal Lunny, one of the most influential figures in Irish music, has died, aged 79.

Since the '70s, the multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer has been involved with some of the country's most innovative acts – including Planxty, the Bothy Band, and Moving Hearts. He also co-founded Mulligan Records, and produced 17 albums for the label.

A member of Aosdána, Dónal received an honorary doctorate from Trinity College Dublin in 2008.

Last year, Lunny was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards.

"It's only when I look back at my career that I see the road I have travelled and the wonderful friends I have made through this community and getting this award means so much to me – the recognition of a lifetime making music," Lunny told RTÉ News.

Dónal Lunny and Christy Moore during the former's acceptance of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

A feature-length documentary, In Time: Dónal Lunny, was released last year, exploring his life and career. As is noted in the documentary, he became seriously ill during the making of the film, in 2024.

Back in August, Lunny performed at Electric Picnic, alongside Máirtín O'Connor and Zoë Conway.

Responding to the news of his death, the Irish Traditional Music Archive has remembered him as "one of the most creative and influential figures in Irish traditional music."

"As a musician, arranger and producer, Dónal opened new harmonic and rhythmic possibilities in our melody tradition," the ITMA's statement continues. "Through Planxty, The Bothy Band, Moving Hearts and a lifetime of collaboration, his imagination helped shape the sound of Irish music over more than half a century."

In 2021, Dónal, alongside Andy Irvine, was interviewed by Hot Press as part of our Up Close & Personal series, to discuss Planxty's self-titled debut album. Revisit the full interview, featuring special performances from the pair, below:

Here are some more of the tributes that have been flooding in:

Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dónal Lunny - a colossus of Irish music, as a performer, songwriter and producer.

Uniquely gifted, Dónal carried traditional and folk music to new audiences through Planxty and his many other endeavours.

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) October 23, 2026

Had the pleasure of jamming with Dónal Lunny a couple of times. A gentleman and what a legacy! Made a massive contribution to the culture of our island . Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam #DonalLunny

— Fiach Moriarty (@Fiachmusic) October 23, 2026

The great musician, arranger and producer Dónal Lunny has passed away. His vision carried Irish music into new worlds while keeping its heartbeat alive. His music will echo for generations. Thank you for the music, Dónal. Rest in peace. https://t.co/WyZBIVUaHO

— Robbie Harris (@robbiebodhran) October 23, 2026

Am hearing the sad sad news that Donal Lunny has passed on. What music and legacy he leaves. Alchemy in motion. Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann https://t.co/CpzwjAqWF9

— Mark O’Brien (@obrienmark) October 23, 2026

I’m so, so sorry to hear that Donal Lunny left us today 🖤 He is, and always will be one of my biggest music influences… I saw him perform with Planxty, Bothy Band and Moving Hearts. Donal left his body aged 79, and left a huge mark on the Celtic Music world ♾️ https://t.co/bvHcoooCc8

— Lief Sorbye (@sorbye) October 23, 2026

Statement from the Bobby Sands Trust on the death of Dónal Lunny: https://t.co/hrPl45VJIk

— Danny Morrison (@molloy1916) October 23, 2026

Remembering Dónal Lunny, one of Ireland's most celebrated musicians, who has died aged 79 🤍

During his last appearance on the #LateLate in January of this year, the multi-instumentalist became the first inductee into our Trad Music Hall of Fame - a testament to his influence and the impact he had on the genre over the years.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) October 23, 2026

Rest in peace and power Dónal Lunny, a musical giant and great person. Dónal consistently stood in solidarity with the Palestinian people. He was an early signatory to our Irish Artists' Pledge to Boycott Israel, joining its launch. He will be very very missed. Go well Dónal. https://t.co/tS7vQJUTce

— IPSC (@ipsc48) October 23, 2026