Iarnród Éireann Hits the Right Note with New Public Piano at Pearse Station

20 Lúnasa 2025

Dublin’s Pearse Station struck a high note today as Iarnród Éireann unveiled a new public piano designed by artist Sarah Edmondson. Musicians from Fab4 Hands Piano Beatles set to perform at The Beatles Weekend in Dublin this weekend, joined Musical Theatre Dublin students for the piano’s first play bringing a burst of music to the morning commute.

The new piano replaces Pearse Station’s original instrument, first installed in 2017, as part of Iarnród Éireann’s “music can take you anywhere” programme, which was designed to provide accessible live entertainment for rail users. After nearly a decade of music-making, the original piano will be restored and relocated to The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) Ozanam House Community Resource Centre, Mountjoy Square, Dublin, where it will support music and education programmes for children and families in Dublin’s North inner city.

Sarah Edmondson’s design takes inspiration from the rail journey north from Pearse to Howth, incorporating the Irish proverb Bíonn siúlach scéalach, meaning “Those who travel have tales to tell.” Set under a full moon, the artwork features patterns left by limpets on coastal rocks, drawing a visual parallel between their daily movements and commuter routines, and reflecting Iarnród Éireann’s commitment to supporting local biodiversity. Curious and attentive passengers may spot some additional figures in the seaside scene, including a subtle nod to the original Pearse Station piano in the form of a single arm from the iconic red octopus.

Waterford-born and Dublin-based, Sarah Edmondson is a visual artist, museum and gallery educator, and studio member at MART, Dublin. Her work spans staged photography, moving image, and interactive public works, often exploring how imagery from art history and media shapes our understanding of relationships and the natural world. She has a long-standing relationship with Iarnród Éireann, having previously designed public pianos for stations including Heuston Station, as well as the original piano in Pearse Station, which was inspired by the coastal journey along the south side of the DART line. 

Commenting at the first play of the new piano, artist Sarah Edmondson said; “Pearse Station was where Iarnród Éireann’s public piano journey began, so it’s a privilege to return to create a new chapter here. This design reflects the journey north to Howth, the rhythm of daily travel, and the moments of imagination that can make any journey a little more special. I hope it encourages passengers to pause, play, and add their own stories to the station’s soundtrack”

Also speaking at the event, Joanne Bissett, Iarnród Éireann Arts & Cultural Officer, said; “The Pearse Station piano has been part of daily life for thousands of commuters for nearly a decade. By bringing in a refreshing new design and giving the original piano a new lease of life in the community at The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) Ozanam House Community Resource Centre, Mountjoy Square, Dublin we’re making sure the music and the memories keep travelling.”

Reflecting on the new piano’s debut, Dublin Piano Tuner, John Murphy said; “It’s been wonderful to work with Iarnród Éireann on this initiative since 2017 and to watch the pianos become part of daily life at the stations. We’ve chosen this piano specifically for Pearse Station and we’re excited to watch the musical moments this piano will bring to the station unfold”

Iarnród Éireann’s public pianos initiative began in 2017 after Dublin piano tuner John Murphy proposed the idea. Since then, the instruments have become a much-loved feature in stations across Ireland, providing a soundtrack to countless daily journeys and weekend trips.