Top places to celebrate the legacy of Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy in Dublin

Top places to celebrate the legacy of Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy in Dublin

Dublin has a rich rock history, but few artists are as deeply intertwined with the Irish capital as Phil Lynott and his legendary band Thin Lizzy (okay, U2 as well, of course!). For fans eager to immerse themselves in the story of one of Ireland’s greatest rock icons, the city offers a true musical pilgrimage.

Phil Lynott statue on Harry Street

Phil Lynott Statue, from Thin Lizzy - Rock and Roll Landmark in Dublin, Ireland - Travel 2 Concert
Phil Lynott Statue, from Thin Lizzy - Rock and Roll Landmark in Dublin, Ireland - Travel 2 Concert

The must-see starting point is the iconic Phil Lynott statue, located on Harry Street, right next to the Bruxelles pub.

Unveiled in 2005, the statue has become a shrine for fans from around the world. Holding his signature bass guitar, the sculpture perfectly captures the essence of the frontman who captivated audiences across the globe.

Known by some as the Thin Lizzy statue, this monument also symbolizes Lynott’s strong connection to Dublin culture. He often strolled along Grafton Street, chatting with local flower vendors.

The legendary Bruxelles Pub

Bruxelles - Rock Bar in Dublin, Ireland - Travel 2 Concert
Bruxelles - Rock Bar in Dublin, Ireland - Travel2Concert

Bruxelles pub on Harry Street is a temple of Dublin’s rock scene. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, this bar became a meeting spot for Thin Lizzy musicians.

The pub continues to honor them to this day. Its walls, adorned with memorabilia and photos, make it a must-visit destination.

Locations from the ‘Old Town’ music video

Locations of the Phil Lynott video 'Old Town' - Rock Landmarks in Dublin, Ireland - Travel2Concert
Locations of the Phil Lynott video 'Old Town' - Rock Landmarks in Dublin, Ireland - Travel2Concert
Locations of the Phil Lynott video 'Old Town' - Rock Landmarks in Dublin, Ireland - Travel2Concert
Ha’penny Bridge

One of the most thrilling experiences for any fan is retracing the steps – or part of the steps – of the “Old Town” music video, released in 1982 as part of The Philip Lynott Album.

The video highlights iconic Dublin locations. Start your walk at the Ha’penny Bridge, where Phil was filmed with the River Liffey in the background. Stroll down Grafton Street, picturing Lynott walking among the shops and bustling crowds, just as he did in the video. Pause for a drink at The Long Hall, a stop that Phil also made.

If you have extra time, take a bus about 15 minutes from central Dublin to Herbert Park. The park is large, so to find the bandstand where Phil filmed, head to the lake’s edge near the entrance closest to Herbert Park Hotel and Park Residence.

The video perfectly captured the essence of Dublin at the time, and many of these locations remain almost unchanged.

Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum Experience

The Irish Rock 'N' Roll Museum Experience - Museum in Dublin, Ireland - Travel 2 Concert
The Irish Rock 'N' Roll Museum Experience - Museum in Dublin, Ireland - Travel 2 Concert

Located in the Temple Bar district, the Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum offers an immersive dive into the history of Irish rock, featuring a special section dedicated to Thin Lizzy.

Among the exhibits, you’ll find instruments, stage outfits, a jukebox, and rare documents that help tell the story of the band that redefined rock with their signature twin guitar riffs. Truly inspiring!

Captain Americas and Hard Rock Cafe

Captain Americas - Rock Restaurant in Dublin, Ireland - Travel 2 Concert
Captain Americas
Hard Rock Cafe Dublin - Rock Bar in Dublin, Ireland - Travel 2 Concert
Hard Rock Cafe Dublin

Both Captain Americas and the Hard Rock Cafe Dublin boast impressive collections of memorabilia from various artists, including items and photos of Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy.

St Fintan’s Cemetery: Phil Lynott’s final resting place

Tombe Phil Lynott
His mother, Philomena Lynott, who passed away in 2019, is buried with him

For many fans, the most poignant visit is to St Fintan’s Cemetery in Sutton, Dublin, where Phil Lynott was laid to rest in 1986. His grave, often adorned with flowers and messages left by fans, has become a place of pilgrimage.

To get to St Fintan’s Cemetery, you’ll need to use public transport, as it’s quite far from central Dublin. The journey takes at least an hour.

Who was Phil Lynott?

The Irish Rock 'N' Roll Museum Experience - Museum in Dublin, Ireland - Travel 2 Concert

Philip Parris Lynott was born on August 20, 1949, in West Bromwich, near Birmingham, England. The son of Philomena Lynott and Cecil Parris, Phil spent his childhood in Moss Side, Manchester, before moving to Dublin.

It was during his teenage years in Dublin that Lynott began his musical career, becoming the lead vocalist of The Black Eagles. Later, he founded Thin Lizzy, one of Ireland’s most influential rock bands, known for hits like “The Boys Are Back in Town” and “Jailbreak.”

In addition to his work with Thin Lizzy, Lynott released two solo albums: Solo in Soho and The Philip Lynott Album.

Phil Lynott passed away on January 4, 1986, but his rebellious and poetic spirit continues to resonate in Dublin’s streets, echoing through generations.

You’re Important, RED BIRD!

Visiting a rock history hotspot armed with the best tips always makes the experience smoother and more enjoyable, doesn’t it?

So don’t forget to come back to TRAVEL2CONCERT to share your verdict on your rock itinerary with our RED BIRD community! It’s our shared perspectives that make every musical journey unique.

Together, we help preserve the history of rock and heavy metal around the world.

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