Dublin has a surprisingly good music scene for anyone who still appreciates physical music. Whether you’re hunting for an old vinyl pressing, adding to your CD collection, discovering independent Irish artists or simply looking for somewhere that takes music seriously, the city has plenty to offer.
From long-established record shops and specialist vinyl dealers to music archives, independent cafés and legendary live venues, there are still plenty of places where music is more than just background noise.
Here are some of Dublin’s best music haunts, including a few places that deserve considerably more attention.
1. Dublin’s Best Record Shops
If you’re serious about collecting records, Dublin city centre is a good place to start. Several independent shops are within walking distance of one another, making it possible to spend an entire afternoon browsing without travelling very far.
Spindizzy Records
Location: 32 Market Arcade, South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2.
One of Dublin’s best-known independent record shops, Spindizzy has been trading since 1996. Located inside the historic George’s Street Arcade, it stocks new and second-hand vinyl across rock, pop, jazz, metal and plenty of other genres. A particularly good place to browse if you enjoy discovering something unexpected.
Freebird Records
Location: 15A Wicklow Street, Dublin 2.
Established in 1978, Freebird is a Dublin institution. Its selection includes new and second-hand vinyl, CDs and other music releases, with everything from classic rock and blues to contemporary music. It also has a strong Irish music selection.
Tower Records
Location: 7 Dawson Street, Dublin 2, and 40 Lower O’Connell Street, Dublin 1.
A must-visit for anyone who misses the days of spending hours in a proper music shop. Tower Records has multiple floors of vinyl, CDs, films and music merchandise. The Dawson Street flagship also has a dedicated hi-fi department selling turntables, amplifiers, speakers and other equipment. It regularly hosts in-store performances and artist signings.
The R.A.G.E. (Record, Art and Game Emporium)
Location: 8 Crow Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2.
Part record shop, part retro gaming destination, The R.A.G.E. is worth visiting for its collection of new and second-hand vinyl. It’s particularly appealing to collectors who enjoy rummaging through older releases, soundtracks and unusual finds.
All City Records
Location: 4 Crow Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2.
A specialist independent record shop with a strong focus on hip-hop, electronic and dance music. All City Records is also associated with the influential Irish All City label. It’s a particularly good stop for DJs and anyone interested in underground music and independent releases.
The Secret Book and Record Store
Location: Wicklow Street, Dublin 2.
A combination of second-hand books and music, this independent shop is ideal for anyone who enjoys browsing without necessarily knowing what they’re looking for. It stocks new and pre-owned vinyl and CDs, making it a good companion stop when visiting Freebird Records.
2. More Than Just Records: Music Cafés and Unusual Finds
Wavetable
Location: Drumcondra, Dublin 9.
A particularly appealing combination of specialty coffee and vinyl. Wavetable brings together independent music, coffee and a relaxed browsing experience. Its selection includes electronic, folk, jazz and Irish artists. A good excuse to head out to Drumcondra if you fancy something different.
Volume Records and Books
Location: Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin.
This independent shop combines new and pre-owned vinyl with CDs, cassettes and music-related books. It is worth investigating for anyone interested in the wider analogue music scene and the pleasure of browsing physical releases.
3. Dublin’s Music Libraries and Archives
Not every music enthusiast wants to spend money on records. Dublin also has some genuinely interesting places where music can be explored, borrowed, researched and listened to.
Central Library, ILAC Centre
Location: ILAC Centre, Henry Street, Dublin 1.
Dublin’s Central Library is an interesting stop for anyone exploring the city’s cultural resources. Its facilities include a Creative Studio with a soundproof booth for music practice and recording, available free of charge by appointment. It offers a different way to engage with music without necessarily buying another album.
Irish Traditional Music Archive
Location: 73 Merrion Square South, Dublin 2.
A fascinating resource for anyone interested in Irish music. The archive preserves recordings, photographs, manuscripts, printed music and other material documenting Irish traditional music, song and dance. Its public reading room is open on weekdays, and visitors can explore an important part of the country’s musical heritage.
Visit the Irish Traditional Music Archive
4. Where to Hear Live Music
Buying records is only half the experience. Dublin also has some excellent venues where you can hear everything from emerging Irish bands to established international performers.
Whelan’s
Location: 25 Wexford Street, Dublin 2.
One of Dublin’s best-known live music institutions, hosting established performers, emerging bands, gigs and club nights. Its intimate atmosphere makes it a favourite among music fans.
Vicar Street
Location: Thomas Street, Dublin 8.
A popular concert venue with a varied programme of Irish and international artists. Its size offers a more intimate experience than many of the city’s larger arenas.
National Concert Hall
Location: Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2.
The place to go for orchestral performances, classical music, jazz, contemporary music and special concerts. It is also home to the National Symphony Orchestra Ireland.
Visit the National Concert Hall
5. A Quick Guide to Dublin’s Music Haunts
| Place | Location | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Spindizzy Records | George’s Street Arcade | New and used vinyl |
| Freebird Records | Wicklow Street | Vinyl, CDs and Irish music |
| Tower Records | Dawson Street / O’Connell Street | Vinyl, CDs and hi-fi |
| The R.A.G.E. | Crow Street, Temple Bar | Second-hand records and retro gaming |
| All City Records | Crow Street, Temple Bar | Hip-hop and electronic music |
| Secret Book and Record Store | Wicklow Street | Books, vinyl and CDs |
| Wavetable | Drumcondra | Coffee and vinyl |
| Volume Records and Books | Dún Laoghaire | Records, books and cassettes |
| Central Library | Henry Street | Music practice and recording facilities |
| Irish Traditional Music Archive | Merrion Square | Irish musical heritage |
| Whelan’s | Wexford Street | Live bands and gigs |
| Vicar Street | Thomas Street | Live concerts |
| National Concert Hall | Earlsfort Terrace | Classical, jazz and contemporary music |
6. A Couple of Things Worth Knowing Before You Go
Dublin’s record-shopping scene has changed over the years. Some older guides still recommend places that are no longer operating. Claddagh Records’ former Temple Bar shop, for example, has closed, although its historic record label and catalogue remain part of Irish music history. It is best not to confuse the surviving label with a shop you can visit in Dublin.
Opening hours can change, particularly for smaller independent shops. Check individual websites or social media before making a special journey. Tower Records, for example, publishes opening hours and details of both its Dublin branches on its official website.
Finding Dublin’s Music Haunts
Dublin might not have the record-shopping culture of London or Berlin, but there is plenty here for anyone who loves music. The best part is that you can still walk into an independent shop, spend an hour flicking through records, discover an album you haven’t heard in years and leave with something you didn’t know you wanted.
And perhaps that’s the real attraction of physical music. Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you’re not looking for anything in particular.
