A Focus for New Music in Ireland

What do we do?

The Contemporary Music Centre is Ireland's national archive and resource centre for new music, supporting the work of composers throughout the Republic and Northern Ireland.

The Centre is used, nationally and internationally, by performers, composers, promoters and members of the public interested in finding out more about music in Ireland. Its library and sound archive, open to the public free of charge, contain the only comprehensive collection in existence of music by Irish composers. Extensive reference and advice services are available and the Centre's web site provides access to CMC's resources for those who cannot visit in person.

The Contemporary Music Centre engages in an ongoing programme of development work to promote new Irish music at home and abroad, and is a member of the International Association of Music Information Centres (IAMIC).

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Where are we?

The Contemporary Music Centre is in Fishamble Street in the west end of Dublin's cultural quarter, Temple Bar. The Centre is adjacent to Christ Church Cathedral and Dublin Castle and is a short walk from Trinity College.

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Opening hours

Open to the public Monday to Friday 10am to 5.30pm.

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The Contemporary Music Centre's historic home

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In 2000 the Contemporary Music Centre moved to a new home in Dublin's cultural quarter, Temple Bar. Number 19 Fishamble Street is the former premises of Kennan's Engineering Works, one of Dublin's oldest firms, established in the 1790s and flourishing until the late 1980s. The house, built by Thomas Kennan as a combined residence and business premises, dates from the 1820s but incorporates the remains of an earlier house of the 1790s. The columned doorcase, embellished lead fanlight, graceful windows and elegant staircase are typical of the period.

Fishamble Street is in the oldest part of the city of Dublin and takes its name from the fish market located there in mediaeval times. The street has many historical associations but is probably best known as the site of the first performance of Handel's Messiah which took place in the then recently-opened New Music Hall on 13 April 1742.

The renovation of No. 19 Fishamble Street was carried out as a joint venture by the Contemporary Music Centre and Temple Bar Properties with the assistance of capital funding provided by The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon. The official opening of the building was performed by Mary McAleese, President of Ireland, on 9 April 2001.

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