Forty years after Phil Lynott’s death, Dublin is dedicating an entire week to him. From Monday 28 September to Sunday 4 October 2026, the MusicTown festival will celebrate Thin Lizzy’s singer, bassist and songwriter with concerts, talks, a photography exhibition and a documentary screening. It is an opportunity to revisit the voice behind ‘The Boys Are Back in Town’, while discovering the poet, composer and Dubliner behind the rocker’s silhouette.
Organised by Dublin City Council and Foggy Notions, this special edition of MusicTown takes place at several venues across the capital, including the National Concert Hall, Studio 10 and the Irish Film Institute. It marks 40 years since the death of Philip Lynott in 1986. The programme aims to go beyond the traditional tribute concert, bringing together music, cinema, photography, literature and the memories of those who knew him.
Phil Lynott, far more than Thin Lizzy’s singer
For many, Phil Lynott remains inseparable from Thin Lizzy’s guitars, the success of Jailbreak and songs that have become rock classics. But MusicTown has chosen to explore other sides of the artist: his solo albums, his writing, his friendships, his identity and his Dublin roots.
Raised in Crumlin, in south Dublin, Lynott grew up in an Ireland where his identity as a young mixed-race man set him apart. His personal story, his relationship with the city and his influence on artists of later generations all take centre stage in the programme. To delve deeper, read our profile of Phil Lynott, dedicated to his life and career.
The MusicTown 2026 programme: seven days celebrating Phil Lynott
28 September: discussing identity and creativity
The week opens at the National Concert Hall with Young, Gifted, Gorm & Gaelach. Writers Emma Dabiri and Maureen Onwunali discuss Lynott’s journey, his influence and the experience of being Black and Irish. The event is scheduled for Monday 28 September at 7pm in the National Concert Hall’s Studio.
29 September: close friends recall ‘Philo’s’ early years
On Tuesday 29 September at 7pm, A Vagabond of the Western World brings together artist Jim Fitzpatrick, associated with Thin Lizzy’s visual world, and Eamon Carr, a founding member of Horslips. Joined by historian Donal Fallon, they look back on their friendship with Lynott and his emergence in 1960s Dublin. The event takes place in the Kevin Barry Recital Room at the National Concert Hall.
1 October: Lynott’s songs reinvented in concert
On Thursday 1 October at 7pm, contemporary music collective Glasshouse presents Old Town: The Songs of Philip Lynott on the National Concert Hall’s main stage. The project revisits tracks from his solo albums Solo in Soho and The Philip Lynott Album, along with a selection from Thin Lizzy’s catalogue. Guest vocalists include SexyTadhg, Iona Lynch of The Cliffords and Paddy Hanna.
Rather than reproducing the original versions note for note, the concert promises a different way of hearing Lynott’s compositions: an interesting perspective for those already familiar with his best-known songs.
1–4 October: an exhibition of portraits and personal archives
At Studio 10 on Wicklow Street, the free Lost Love of Romeo exhibition brings together iconic photographs, more intimate images, memorabilia and objects connected to the musician. The exhibition includes contributions from Jim Fitzpatrick, photographers Chalkie Davies and Eric Luke, as well as images of the Black Eagles, the band in which Lynott played before Thin Lizzy. Screenings of rare material are also planned.
2 October: unheard recordings to discover
This is one of the most distinctive events in this edition. On Friday 2 October at 7pm, Look What the Wind Just Blew In – The Lost Recordings of Philip Lynott offers a guided listening session featuring audio material rarely or never heard by the public.
Hosted by Fachtna O’Ceallaigh and Pat Neary at the National Concert Hall, it is expected to feature home recordings connected with the creation of songs from Jailbreak, previously unreleased studio tracks and sketches from Lynott’s collaboration with Junior Giscombe. It offers a glimpse into the workshop of a singer-songwriter, far beyond his released albums.
3 October: Crumlin pays tribute to its local son
On Saturday 3 October at 7pm, the celebration leaves the larger venues in the city centre for St Agnes’ Community Centre for Music & the Arts in Crumlin. St Agnes’ orchestra and choir, joined by Yalah and Kellie O’Neill among others, will perform Lynott’s work. The concert gives the tribute a local dimension: Crumlin is the neighbourhood where the musician grew up and formed his first band, the Black Eagles.
4 October: Phil Lynott on the big screen
The week concludes on Sunday 4 October at 1.30pm at the Irish Film Institute with a screening of the documentary Phil Lynott: Songs for While I’m Away. A discussion with its director, Emer Reynolds, hosted by Killian Sundermann, is due to follow the screening. The film traces Lynott’s journey through his music, his own words and the testimonies of those close to him.
Why this tribute matters to Dublin
MusicTown celebrates more than a discography: the festival also tells the story of a city. From his early musical experiences in Crumlin to the concert venues of the city centre, Lynott’s path runs through several faces of Dublin. His story also provides an opportunity to explore the diversity of Irish identity and rock’s place in the country’s popular culture.
For visitors wishing to follow in his footsteps beyond the events, the Phil Lynott statue in Dublin is an iconic stop. The Irish Rock ’N’ Roll Museum offers a way to continue exploring the capital’s musical history.
Practical information: dates, venues and bookings
- Event: MusicTown 2026 – A Celebration of Philip Lynott.
- Dates: 28 September to 4 October 2026.
- Venues: several locations in Dublin, including the National Concert Hall, Studio 10, St Agnes in Crumlin and the Irish Film Institute.
- Tickets: some talks and the exhibition are listed as free; according to the official programme, the Glasshouse concert is priced at €25. The film screening has its own ticketing arrangements. Check availability and terms before travelling.
The programme may change: visit the official MusicTown website for the latest announcements and booking links. For National Concert Hall events, free tickets are available subject to availability.
Sources: MusicTown, official 2026 programme; Dublin.ie, event overview. Information checked on 22 September 2026.
