Daniel and Majella O’Donnell exhibition to open at Museum of Style Icons in Kildare

Hundreds of fans are expected to gather at the Museum of Style Icons at Newbridge Silverware in Newbridge, Co. Kildare on Wednesday, April 22 at 11.00am to see beloved Donegal singer Daniel O'Donnell and his wife Majella O'Donnell in person.

The popular couple will open a special exhibition celebrating Daniel’s music, career, and distinctive stage style before meeting fans in the Showroom at Newbridge Silverware.

Titled “Daniel & Majella O’Donnell – Music, Style & Memories,” the free to enter exhibition will offer visitors a unique glimpse into the career of one of Ireland’s most recognisable entertainers, showcasing a carefully curated collection of stage costumes and personal memorabilia from both of their lives both on and off stage.

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A special highlight of the exhibition will be the elegant outfits worn by Daniel and Majella on their wedding day which was attended by some 550 guests, including friends, family, and neighbours.

The exhibition will also feature a fascinating selection of Daniel’s stage costumes, including some of the distinctive jackets and performance outfits that have become synonymous with his warm and engaging stage presence. These iconic pieces reflect decades of performances for loyal audiences across Ireland, the UK, the United States and beyond.

The curated display also features a number of standout garments, including a striking dress designed by Julien Macdonald and worn by Majella at her daughter’s wedding. Also on show are a leather jacket and trousers worn by Daniel on stage, a pair of leather cowboy boots, and several eye-catching stage jackets richly embellished with glitter and decorative detailing — all highlighting the flair and personality that have long defined his performances.

The exhibition further includes framed gold discs in recognition of the many thousands of records sold, along with Daniel’s very special framed Honorary MBE.

Among the most unique items on display is a remarkable ‘big red book’, which is in fact the original This Is Your Life book presented to Daniel by television presenter Michael Aspel in 2000.  This treasured piece forms an important part of the exhibition and tells the fascinating story of the much-loved performer’s life, both on and off the stage.

Speaking ahead of the opening, Daniel said he felt deeply honoured to see his career celebrated in such a unique setting.

“It’s a great privilege to have this exhibition at the Museum of Style Icons at Newbridge Silverware,” Daniel said.

“Many of the outfits and items in the exhibition hold very special memories for me, so it’s lovely to see them brought together in one place. I’m delighted that fans will have the chance to visit and hopefully enjoy looking back at some of those moments with us.”

Newbridge Silverware’s CEO, William Doyle said he was delighted that the O’Donnell’s were bringing such a personal collection to the museum and said: “the generosity of the O’Donnell’s is extraordinary, they both give so much to their fans and to their communities without a thought for themselves.  We asked the couple if there was anything we could do to support their work and they have asked us to make a special donation to a charity that is close to Majella’s heart, ‘Gemma’s Legacy of Hope’, which is a mental health charity based in Donegal. 

“We are happy to do that and want to thank them both for their time, for lending us their special garments and for agreeing to meet their many fans here in Newbridge.”

As part of the celebrations, Daniel and Majella will meet fans in The Showrooms at Newbridge Silverware from 11.00am to 12.30pm on Wednesday, 22nd April.  All are welcome to attend what promises to be a warm and memorable gathering.

The Museum of Style Icons, located within the Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre, is home to one of the most unique collections of fashion and cinema memorabilia in the world. The museum houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to design and style excellence while celebrating some of the world’s most iconic personalities. Legendary stars of film and television whose items are on display include Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Diana, The Beatles, Madonna, Victoria Beckham, Nicole Kidman and Helen Mirren among many others.

The Visitor Centre at Newbridge Silverware also showcases giftware, jewellery and cutlery and boasts a number of exclusive product ranges. The company is widely regarded as Ireland’s premier giftware brand. Visitors can enjoy free car and coach parking on site, tax-free shopping and worldwide shipping.

The Silver Restaurant at Newbridge Silverware is open seven days a week and serves breakfast, lunch and a mouth-watering afternoon tea. For further information visit www.newbridgesilverware.com