Full Breakdown
Glen Hansard’s Public Wake Draws Thousands in Dublin
8/4/2026, 1:51:24 AM
The Wake at the Irish Museum of Modern Art
On Monday, August 3 2026, the Baroque Chapel of the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) in Kilmainham hosted a public wake for the late Oscar-winning singer-songwriter Glen Hansard. His wicker coffin lay on a wooden table draped with a Tricolour, surrounded by greenery, with two guitars at the foot of the casket. Fellow members of The Frames and other trad musicians performed “The Coolin,” “Spancil Hill,” and “The Parting Glass” under the chapel’s stained-glass window. The event ran from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and a line of mourners stretched from the 17th-century Royal Hospital Kilmainham onto the surrounding streets.
Background on Hansard
Born in Dublin on April 21 1970, Hansard began busking on Grafton Street before co-founding The Frames in 1990. He gained international fame starring in the 2007 film *Once* and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008 for “Falling Slowly.” His solo album *Didn’t He Ramble* earned a Grammy nomination in 2016, and he remained a central figure in Ireland’s music scene until his death in a motorcycle crash on July 29 2026.
Attendance Figures
The wake attracted a massive crowd. The BBC reported more than 11,000 people attended, describing the queue as “snaking around the venue.” RTE estimated the attendance in the “thousands.” These differing counts illustrate the difficulty of quantifying the exact size of the gathering.
Official Statements & Family Requests
ATC Management, representing Hansard’s estate, issued a statement expressing gratitude for the public’s support and thanking the emergency services who attended the crash scene. The family asked mourners to forgo flowers and instead donate to Dublin’s Simon Community and Ukrainian Action, charities linked to causes Hansard supported.
The funeral will be held on Tuesday at St Patrick’s Cathedral in central Dublin. Because of the expected crowds, a public address system will be installed outside the cathedral, and the service will be livestreamed by RTÉ News and RIP.ie. Music at the funeral will be provided by Hansard’s friends and family.
On-the-Ground Recollections
Attendees described the wake as both a celebration of Hansard’s music and a communal moment of mourning. Many touched the casket and his guitars, signed condolence books, and shared personal stories of how his performances had shaped their lives.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The primary discrepancy in coverage concerns the number of attendees: the BBC’s “more than 11,000,” RTE’s “thousands,” and other outlets lacking an official headcount. Additionally, while several sources mentioned Markéta Irglová’s presence at the wake, the precise role she played was not detailed.
What’s Next
The funeral on Tuesday will be open to the public, though interior capacity will be limited. A PA system will broadcast the service for those unable to enter, and live streaming will allow a wider audience to participate remotely. Donations to the Simon Community and Ukrainian Action remain the family’s preferred way for supporters to honor Hansard’s memory.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I've been to loads of his concerts and his music was fantastic. His outlook on life was brilliant,” — Ronan Buckley
- “ "It's just a massive loss to Ireland," added Rebecca.” — Rebecca Danni Rohde
- “He was a really warm, lovely man.” — Barra Donovan
- “The family is grateful for the support they have received and wishes to thank the emergency services who attended the scene,” — ATC Management
- “He was such an incredible human, an incredible force. I am grateful for the times we shared together, sending so much love to his family.” — Ed Sheeran
