Luke Kelly Statue: A Tribute to a Dublin Musical Legend
The Luke Kelly statue is a much-loved tribute to one of Ireland’s most distinctive folk singers. A founding member of The Dubliners, Kelly helped bring traditional Irish songs and ballads to audiences around the world. The statues honour both his musical legacy and his deep connection to Dublin.
Who was Luke Kelly?
Luke Kelly was born in Dublin in 1940. Known for his powerful voice, distinctive red hair and passionate performances, he became one of the best-known members of The Dubliners. His interpretations of songs such as Raglan Road, The Wild Rover and On Raglan Road remain closely associated with Irish music.
Kelly’s performances were marked by a strong sense of storytelling and social awareness. He died in 1984, aged 43, but his recordings and influence have continued to reach new generations of listeners.
Where to find the statues
Dublin has two bronze busts of Luke Kelly, created by sculptor Vera Klute and unveiled in 2019. One stands on Guild Street, close to the area where Kelly grew up; the other is on South King Street, near the Gaiety Theatre. Together, they place his memory in two parts of the city linked to his life and legacy.
The busts offer a chance to pause and remember the person behind the celebrated voice. Their locations also make them easy to include in a walk around central Dublin, whether you are exploring the city’s music history or visiting landmarks associated with its cultural life.
A lasting Dublin tribute
The Luke Kelly statues are more than public artworks: they are reminders of the role music plays in a city’s identity. Kelly’s voice carried Irish songs far beyond Dublin, while his life and music remained rooted in the people and places he knew.
For visitors, the statues provide a fitting reason to discover more about Luke Kelly and The Dubliners. For Dubliners, they are a familiar tribute to a remarkable performer whose music continues to be heard, sung and cherished.
Luke Kelly Statues and Dublin Landmarks: 8 Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is the floozie in the jacuzzi now?
- Who appears twice in Dublin in statue?
- Where is the Luke Kelly statue?
- What happened to Luke Kelly?
- Did the Molly Malone statue move?
- Where are the Luke Kelly statues?
- Where is Luke Kelly buried?
- Why is Luke Kelly so famous?
Where is the floozie in the jacuzzi now?
The “Floozie in the Jacuzzi” is the popular nickname for the Anna Livia monument, which once stood on O’Connell Street. It was moved in 2011 and is now in Croppies Acre Memorial Park, near Collins Barracks and the River Liffey. It is a separate Dublin landmark from the Luke Kelly statue.
Who appears twice in Dublin in statue?
Luke Kelly appears twice in Dublin in the form of two bronze busts, both created by sculptor Vera Klute. One is on Guild Street, near where he grew up, and the other stands on South King Street, close to the Gaiety Theatre. The tributes honour the Dubliners singer’s lasting contribution to Irish music and the city’s cultural life.
Where is the Luke Kelly statue?
There are two bronze busts of Luke Kelly in Dublin, both created by sculptor Vera Klute. One is on Guild Street, near the area where he grew up, and the other is on South King Street, close to the Gaiety Theatre. Both are easy to visit while exploring the city centre.
What happened to Luke Kelly?
Luke Kelly, the celebrated Dublin singer and founding member of The Dubliners, died on 30 January 1984, aged 43, after several years of illness caused by a brain tumour. Despite his declining health, he continued performing for as long as he could. His powerful voice and interpretations of Irish songs remain an important part of Ireland’s musical heritage.
Did the Molly Malone statue move?
Yes. The Molly Malone statue was moved from its original spot on Grafton Street in 2014 to make way for Luas Cross City construction. It now stands on Suffolk Street, beside St Andrew’s Church. This is separate from the Luke Kelly statues, which are located on Guild Street and South King Street.
Where are the Luke Kelly statues?
The two Luke Kelly statues are in Dublin city centre: one is on Guild Street, near the area where he grew up, and the other is on South King Street, close to the Gaiety Theatre. Both are bronze busts created by sculptor Vera Klute.
Where is Luke Kelly buried?
Luke Kelly is buried in St Fintan’s Cemetery in Sutton, north County Dublin. His grave is a place of remembrance for fans of the celebrated Dublin singer and founding member of The Dubliners.
Why is Luke Kelly so famous?
Luke Kelly is famous as a founding member of The Dubliners and one of Ireland’s most influential folk singers. Celebrated for his powerful, distinctive voice and passionate performances, he brought traditional ballads and folk songs to audiences around the world. His interpretations of songs such as “Raglan Road” and “The Wild Rover”, along with his commitment to social and political causes, helped make him an enduring figure in Irish music.
