The President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, officially opened a major new public exhibition of the life and music of iconic singer/songwriter Christy Moore at ITMA’s Merrion Square headquarters this evening. 

Christy Moore: How Do Songs Live? contains unique materials from Ireland’s most celebrated singer’s personal archive, generously donated to ITMA in 2023. The collection spans over six decades and includes lyric notebooks, correspondence, recordings, setlists, photographs, and press materials.  

As part of his exceptional donation, Christy Moore also recorded 197 songs in ITMA’s studio, often reciting personal stories and memories that went along with them. These recordings will be available to listen to as part of the exhibition.  

Speaking about the launch of Christy Moore: How Do Songs Live? President Connolly said: “For more than fifty years, Christy Moore has inspired generations of musicians and activists to stand in solidarity with those facing challenges and oppression. Even when it was not easy, Christy’s voice has been an example to so many of us.  

“Christy’s songs and music provide a vital insight and commentary on the lives of Irish people, and of the great struggles and causes of those decades. We are greatly indebted to him for all of the wonderful songs and stories he has given us, which will be treasured and learned from for decades to come.” 

ITMA Director Liam O’Connor added: “Christy Moore is cherished by lovers of Irish song at home and all over the world. His incredibly generous donation to ITMA is an important gift to the Irish people. He is still performing, composing, and learning new songs and, by giving back, he is inviting the singers of tomorrow to take inspiration from his own work and his own process.” 

ITMA’s exhibition utilises the donated materials to explore how songs are born, shaped, carried and reinterpreted across generations. It will illuminate Christy Moore’s creative process while situating his work within the broader living tradition of Irish song.  

Speaking about the donation of his personal archive to ITMA, Christy Moore said: “I love the idea of the songs being in here and some young person in Australia or America or Clare or Belfast, being able to log on here and get the words and hear the tune and hear the melody.”  

The Christy Moore: How Do Songs Live? exhibition is supported by the Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation, The Arts Council, the Office of Public Works (OPW), TG4, Anonymous Donor, the Heritage Council, Gaeilge365 Chomhairle Cathrach Bhaile Átha Cliath and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. 

Beidh an taispeántas ar fáil go hiomlán trí Ghaeilge, a bhuí le maoiniú ó Gaeilge365 de chuid Chomhairle Cathrach Bhaile Átha Cliath. 

The exhibition was compiled and managed by Ellen King and Maeve Gebruers under the executive direction of Liam O’Connor. It will open to the general public at ITMA, 73 Merion Square, Dublin on Monday October 12, 2026, at 10am. Tickets will be available from Wednesday 7th October at itma.ie