Succeeded the solo business of Alexander McDonnell.

Listed in the Dublin Directories as 'harpsichord and piano forte makers'.

[Details differ according to sources: the Dublin Directories list the partnership as 'McDonnell, Alex. and J.' but Teahan refers to 'McDonnell, Alexander & James'. The Dublin Directories give 2 Church Lane at the dates above. Teahan gives 34 Anglesea Street from 1787 to 1788 (it is likely that this address refers to Alexander McDonnell's solo business), 2 Church Lane from 1790 to 1800, 12 Anglesea Street from 1801 to 1805 and 2 Church Lane from 1806 to 1810. Humphries & Smith, under 'McDonnell', give 2 Church Lane from c. 1790 to 1810 and 28 Nassau Street. Lawrence (in reference to Alexander McDonnell and with no citation) gives 34 Anglesea Street from 1787 to 1789, 2 Church Lane from 1790 to 1810 and 12 Anglesea Street from 1810 to 1815. Kerry gives the 2 Church Lane address from 1790 to 1810 for Daniel McDonnell only (no citation).]