Willie Clancy Statue

In the centre of Miltown Malbay, County Clare, a life-size bronze statue honours Willie Clancy, one of the most celebrated figures in Irish traditional music. Clancy, who was born in the town in 1918 and died in 1973, was a virtuoso uilleann piper whose playing did much to sustain and popularise the tradition. The statue stands on Main Street, where visitors can see it freely as they explore the town.

The sculpture was created by local artist Shane Gilmore and unveiled on 9 November 2013. It was donated to the people of Clare by a private couple who wished to mark Clancy’s contribution to Irish music. Cast in bronze and set at street level, it depicts the piper with his instrument and has become a well-known landmark in the town.

Miltown Malbay’s association with Clancy continues each summer through Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy, the Willie Clancy Summer School, held in July in his memory. The week-long event draws musicians and enthusiasts from around the world for workshops, recitals, lectures and nightly set-dancing céilís, and the statue serves as a fitting focal point for the town’s musical heritage.