Plaque unveiled to honour traditional musician John Kelly and his shop, The Horseshoe

Dublin City Council today unveiled a commemorative plaque honouring renowned traditional musician John Kelly and his influential shop, The Horseshoe.

The plaque was unveiled at 85 Capel Street by Councillor Clodagh Ní Mhuirí, who was deputising for the Lord Mayor of Dublin.

Born in Carrigaholt, County Clare, John Kelly showed exceptional musical talent from an early age, mastering the concertina and fiddle before moving to Dublin.

At the age of 33, he established a hardware shop at 85 Capel Street, which quickly evolved into a vital meeting place for musicians.

The Horseshoe became a cultural hub where traditional Irish music flourished, with artists gathering to play, share, and develop their craft.

Over the years, the shop welcomed many of the most influential figures in Irish music, including Willie Clancy, Seán Maguire, and Seán Ó Riada. In an era when Dublin offered few venues for traditional musicians, The Horseshoe provided a crucial space for creativity and collaboration.

John Kelly’s influence extended far beyond performance, as he played a key role in nurturing and documenting Irish musical traditions, contributing to the formation and development of organisations such as Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and supporting initiatives like the Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy. His efforts helped lay the foundation for the global success of Irish traditional music today.

John Kelly

Speaking at the unveiling, Councillor Ní Mhuirí expressed her personal admiration for John Kelly, describing him as both a master musician and a central figure in the development of Dublin’s traditional music scene.

“The Horseshoe was one of the wellsprings from which the revival of our music and culture flowed," said Ní Mhuirí.

"The unveiling of this plaque ensures that John Kelly’s legacy as a musician and mentor will be permanently recognised in the very space where his influence helped shape the sound of modern Irish traditional music.”

The decision to erect the plaque was made by the Dublin City Council Commemorations & Naming Committee.

“The Commemorative Plaques Scheme allows the city to formally commemorate people who have made a significant contribution to the life of Dublin," said Councillor Donna Cooney.