Dónal Lunny, influential Irish musician and producer, dies aged 79

Renowned Irish musician, composer, and producer Dónal Lunny has died at the age of 79. He passed away peacefully on October 23, 2026, at St James’s Hospital in Dublin following a short illness.

Lunny was a central figure in the revival of Irish traditional music, known for his ability to blend heritage with innovative arrangements. He was a founding member of several highly influential groups, including Planxty, The Bothy Band, and Moving Hearts. A gifted multi-instrumentalist, he was particularly celebrated for his mastery of the bouzouki, which he helped introduce into the Irish folk genre.

Beyond his work as a performer, Lunny was a prolific producer and co-founder of Mulligan Records, through which he produced 17 albums. His collaborative work extended to international artists such as Kate Bush, Elvis Costello, Rod Stewart, and Mark Knopfler.

Following his death, Irish President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin issued tributes, describing him as a “colossus of Irish music” and a uniquely gifted artist who carried traditional folk music to new global audiences.