The Dublin-born singer was internationally renowned. Throughout her career, she performed in Italy, the UK and the United States. As well as an established performance career, Dunne was heavily involved in music education. She taught with the Dublin Institute of Technology College of Music, the Leinster School of Music and the Royal Irish College of Music. In a statement, President Michael D. Higgins paid tribute to the soprano: "The legacy she leaves lies in the talents of those scores of others whose talents and performances she unlocked with her enthusiasm, energy and commitment as a teacher and friend. "Guided by her warmth, passion and energy, she developed the Veronica Dunne Competition, from its beginnings in 1995, into one of the foremost international singing competitions in the world."