Published on
January 15, 2024
Category
Features
Crate-digging spots across Ireland.
We travel to Ireland to highlight the best record stores for all tastes, from record megastores to the “smallest record shop in Ireland”.
All City Records
Address: 4 Crow Street, Dublin, Ireland D02 AF84
Nestled in Dublin’s tourist centre of Temple Bar, All City Records is home to one of Ireland’s most comprehensive hip-hop and electronic offerings. Operating since 2001, All City boasts its own label and series of sub-labels including Arís, Jheri Tracks and First Second Label. A hub for local DJs, graffiti artists and vinyl enthusiasts.
Bunker Vinyl
Address: 1 Camden Pl, Shandon, Cork, T23 YTD4, Ireland
Hidden in a basement in Cork’s Camden Place, Bunker Vinyl is a treasure trove for serious crate-diggers. Owned by music fanatic John Dwyer, Bunker Vinyl is an unpretentious store with something to appeal to any demographic. If you’re looking for anything from established classics to quirky oddities, Bunker Vinyl is an ideal spot to while away an afternoon.
Dingle Record Shop
Address: 2-46 Green St, Dingle, Co. Kerry, V92 YC64, Ireland
The self-proclaimed “smallest record shop in Ireland”, Dingle Record Shop is a ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ spot with plenty of charm. Owned by Mazz O’Flaherty since the ’70s, Dingle Record Shop predominantly sells CDs, however hosts a fine collection of traditional Irish vinyl that you’ll struggle to find elsewhere. Small but vital.
Plugd Records
Address: 3 Cornmarket St, Centre, Cork, T12 X9Y9, Ireland
Cork institution Plugd Records has been serving as the epicentre of the city’s independent music scene for years. Having occupied many spaces across the city before its current location on Cornmarket Street, Plugd is fiercely independent and has a broad selection of underground, electronic and local releases. More than a record seller, Plugd is a venue for eclectic DIY events and recently started operating as a coffee shop. No visit to Cork is complete without a browse.
Rollercoaster Records
Address: St Kieran’s St, Gardens, Kilkenny, R95 F950, Ireland
Proclaiming itself as “the happiest little record shop in the world,” Kilkenny’s Rollercoaster Records started life as Top Twenty back in 1990 before transforming into its current form in 2004 under the leadership of the late Willie Meighan. Meighan sadly passed away in 2017, however, Rollercoaster continues to provide Kilkenny with niche releases and independent Irish music. Check out records by Malojian, Arborist and more from the store’s in-house label of the same name.
Sound Advice
Address: Banana Block, PortView Trade Centre, 310 Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 1HE
Founded in 2021 by local scene legend Marion Hawkes, Sound Advice offers a leftfield blend of new and used electronic, soul, jazz and more. A cosy space for casual browsers and DJs alike, Sound Advice has established itself as a cornerstone of Belfast music. Upon opening, Hawkes explained, “I wanted to create a safe, inclusive space that everyone can enjoy, even those who are just starting to get into vinyl. I never want it to feel intimidating”.
Spindizzy Records
Address: 32 The Market Arcade, South Great George’s Street, Dublin, D02 DH79, Ireland
A stone’s throw away from All City Records, Spindizzy Records has been serving Dublin vinyl lovers since 1996. Selling pop, metal, jazz and much more, Spindizzy is a one-stop shop for vinyl, music equipment, CDs and anything else a music lover could want. Surrounded by the restaurants and vintage stores of the bustling George’s Arcade, Spindizzy is a perfect destination for picking up a record or two, catching an in-store signing or joining in on a listening party.
Steamboat Records
Address: The Riverpoint Building, The Bishop’s Quay, Limerick, V94 16T2, Ireland
Selling new and used vinyl and a vast array of guitars, Steamboat Records offers outings from both major and independent labels on Limerick’s Steamboat Quay. Pop in to browse their extensive used vinyl range and catch an in-store gig.
Tower Records
Address: 7 Dawson St, Dublin, D02 X688, Ireland
Ireland’s largest independent record store, Tower Records brings together major mainstream releases with a comprehensive showing of Irish artists and more eclectic picks. While the store’s name recalls the international chain store, Dublin’s Tower Records is independently owned and is a surefire bet for anyone looking for new releases.
Read more: A guide to Lisbon’s record stores
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