The Irish Rover

10/25/2026

Our favorite tourist attraction in Dublin…the tour of Kilmainham Gaol is important and also deeply affecting

10/23/2026

What a huge loss…RIP to a giant of Irish traditional music

DÓNAL LUNNY (1947–2026)
Irish music has lost one of its most influential and visionary figures with the death of Dónal Lunny, the gifted multi-instrumentalist, arranger and producer whose contribution to Irish traditional music spanned more than five decades.

A pioneering musician, Dónal helped reshape the sound of Irish music, combining a deep respect for tradition with an extraordinary openness to innovation. His distinctive bouzouki and guitar playing, musical arrangements and production work helped bring Irish music to new audiences worldwide.

A founding member of Planxty, The Bothy Band and Moving Hearts, he was at the heart of some of the most significant developments in Irish music from the 1970s onwards. Each group broke new ground, expanding the possibilities of traditional music while remaining connected to its roots.

His restless musical curiosity continued through projects including Coolfin, Mozaik, LAPD and Usher’s Island. As a producer, he worked with numerous distinguished artists, including Christy Moore, Andy Irvine and Sinéad O’Connor, bringing imagination, sensitivity and a distinctive musical vision to every collaboration.

Dónal's influence extended far beyond his own performances. His innovative approach to arrangement, rhythm and instrumentation helped shape the direction of Irish traditional music, inspiring generations of musicians to explore new possibilities without losing sight of their heritage.

Throughout his remarkable career, Dónal Lunny remained a restless creative force, always exploring, collaborating and pushing musical boundaries.

His legacy lives on in the recordings he helped create, the musicians he inspired and the evolving tradition he did so much to shape.

An appreciation of Dónal Lunny’s life and extraordinary contribution to Irish music will feature in a forthcoming edition of Irish Music Magazine.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

10/22/2026

The last night at one of our favorite hotels, and the weather has turned filthy (as expected)….nothing for it, but to head to the pub for some consolation. We 💚 Borris!

10/22/2026

Really interesting tour (and great shopping) at Cushendale Woollen Mills woolen mills, one of the last fleece to fabric to finished product mills in Ireland…it’s also the only female led mill, as Marion Cushen is the sixth generation of her family to run it

10/22/2026

A lovely lunch (including some great home baking) and a bit of history…big thanks to the O’Briens and crew at Mullichain Cafe - Best Cafe in Leinster

10/22/2026

Another visit to the talented Ledbetter family in County Kilkenny, with a demo from glassblower Rory and a peek into woodworker Eoghan’s studio….and some shopping, of course

10/22/2026

Good morning from County Carlow…hard to believe that Storm Austen is on the way

10/21/2026

Forgot to take photos of the finished product, but it was delicious…a fun chat and demo with chef Paul Flynn, followed by lunch at his restaurant The Tannery Restaurant

10/20/2026

As the saying goes, vote early and often (for us, of course)

10/20/2026

Great morning in Clonakilty learning about Irish rebellion, home rule, and eventual statehood. The collection of artefacts is excellent, and the guides are fantastic (and studiously avoid romanticizing “the big fella”)….along with our driver’s history chats, this makes for a wonderful segue to our Dublin visits to Kilmainham Gaol and Glasnevin Cemetery