From seasoned musicians to novices or collectors, Dublin has all the instruments, music shops and music culture that you could ever ask for, whether you are looking for big-name brands with top-of-the-line gear, or honest, salt-of-the-earth shops that treat you like a neighbor, Dublin has you covered. In this post, we will show you some of the places to get fresh, new instruments, musical books, vinyls, CD’s and even gifts to get for the music lovers in your life.
And even if music isn’t your thing, Dublin is home to a wide range of all kinds of hobbies and culture that you’ll find excitement in.
Instrument Shops in Dublin City Centre:
Whether you’re looking for a new instrument, an instrument repair, strings, amps, collectors items or accessories, Dublin’s music shops will have anything and everything you’re looking for.
Musicmaker, Exchequer Street:
- Musicmaker is one of Dublin’s most iconic music brands, from guitars and ukuleles to drums and keyboards, acoustic or electric, Musicmaker has one of the most expansive selections of musical instruments and paraphernalia.
- They also offer instrument repairs, they allow you to test the instruments in-store and their staff will answer any of your questions.
- Musicmaker is located just a skip away from Grafton Street if you need to buy anything else while you’re out, or you can head on over to Dublin Castle for a bit of sightseeing.
Music Minds, Lower Liffey Street:
- Music Minds is your one stop shop for all things guitars. Having been founded in 2009, they have built up years of experience, knowledge and collectables. Guitars aren’t all they do however, they also have keyboards, orchestral instruments, a plethora of professional audio equipment and a number of gifts that would be perfect for the music lovers in your life.
- They will also help you with instrument repairs or tuning if that’s what you’re looking for.
- They are a small enough shop, so you can bet that the customer service will be sublime.
Gandharva Loka, South Great George’s Street:
- Gandharva Loka is a super unique music shop, they call themselves the world music shop for a reason, if you’re looking for an instrument from abroad, Gandharva Loka is the way to go, whether that be a bouzouki, a harp, a guzheng or even a gong, Gandharva Loka have all kinds of items.
- They also sell a number of tutor books, both from RIAM and independent music teachers. As well as offering incense, accessories and repairs.
- They are located right across the road from George’s Street Arcade and only a 10 minute walk from the Stephen’s Green Luas stop or the Jervis Street Luas stop.
Sounds Around:
- If you’re looking for any and all electronic musical equipment, Sounds Around is the place to go, with DJ equipment, production and studio equipment, as well as tech from Pioneer DJ and Alpha Theta, if you’re looking to make music your career, you can’t go wrong with Sounds Around.
- They are also experts in audio, so they offer free, impartial advice on what audio eqipment would be best for you and how to go about setting it up.
- They are located on Capel Street, so when you’re done shopping, you can grab a bite from some of the delicious restaurants nearby. They are also right next to Grattan Bridge, if you want to soak up some of the beauty of Dublin’s city centre.
Vinyl & Record Stores
Dublin has a plethora of amazing record shops, so you are spoiled for choice if you’re looking for your next liquorice pizza.
Golden Discs, Jervis Shopping Centre:
- Golden Discs is one of the biggest names in Irish music retail, and rightfully so. They have been leading the vinyl, CD and hardware market for 6 decades, and to this day, they are a phenomenal choice for all things music.
- They also have a sizable collection of DVDs, box sets, turntables, pop culture merchandise and posible gifts.
- They have two locations in the city centre, one is located in Jervis Shopping Centre on the North Side, and the other is located in Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre on the South Side, so no matter where you are in town, you won’t be too far from a Golden Discs.
Tower Records:
- From humble beginnings as a pharmacy in Sacramento, California, Tower Records is now an icon of the Dublin music scene, selling everything from vinyls to CDs to gifts and a plethora of audio equipment (headphones, ears buds, speakers, record players etc.).
- Tower Records also frequently host live music events in store with various artists, both international and Ireland raised.
- Tower Records is located on Dawson, quite literally on the Dawson Street Luas platform, which is great if you’re in a rush and in need of a new LP.
Spindizzy Records:
- Spindizzy is a haven for any and all things records, from the classics of Frank Sinatra to the modern hits of Post Malone, Spindizzy has a jaw-dropping collection of vinyl.
- Spindizzy has been open in George’s Street Arcade since 1996. They have built a tight knit community of music lovers that’s open for all, with notable quirky regulars like the customer who buys strictly comedy LPs or the customer who is determined to mark every A-side of the records.
- Spindizzy also hosts in-store performances, signings and listening parties. You can see all of their event listings in one place.
Stores for Repairs, Try-Before-You-Buy & Casual Lessons:
- Music Minds offers repairs, trade in services and books to help you learn to play your instuments.
- Trinity College, while not offering lessons, do have a number of music courses that you can apply to be apart of.
- The Royal Irish Academy of Music is a choice that you can’t go wrong with, with lessons from the very beginner level to the more advanced musical level. They also offer classes for kids aged 2-12 if you’re interested in getting your little one into music early.
- Musicmaker offers instrument maintenance, Try-Before-You-Buy
Recommended Music Lessons in the City:
Waltons New School of Music:
Waltons New School is one of the most established music schools in Ireland. They have incredible teachers, a warm atmosphere and great facilities. But don’t take our word for it, read what some of the students have to say.
‘At Waltons, you will receive the most professional level of tuition I believe possible.’
‘A beating heart of music education in Dublin’s city centre.’
’A wonderful music school with excellent teachers and a friendly approach.
I would be happy to recommend the New School to anyone.’
Map of Music Shops in Dublin City Centre
Music Culture in Dublin:
Dublin’s music scene is so vibrant and expansive, that putting it all in one post would be impossible, but here are some our must-see activities and venues.
Live Music:
Dublin’s live music scene is a great way to see up and coming artists or established musicians, as well as being a great way to see more of Dublin’s night time culture.
The Grand Social on Liffey Street Lower hosts all kinds of acts, from high-paced EDM to slow, soft ballads. From their circus-themed ballroom to their rooftop garden, no matter what the vibe, The Grand Social is the perfect place to get your musical fix.
Whelan’s on Wexford Street has an abundance of history, not only did it help inspire Ed Sheeran’s music career, but it also played host to names like Jeff Buckley and Nick Cave.
The Academy on Abbey Street is a four-story entertainment hub , from The Main Room, which hosts major headliners and has a capacity of 850 to the Academy 2, which is a basement venue that hosts emerging names in the indie, rock and metal scene.
Busking:
Busking is a major part of the music culture in Dublin, and there’s no shortage of top-notch busking spots, such as:
Grafton Street
Not only does Grafton Street have a plethora of amazing shops, but they also have no end of buskers playing both worldwide hits and underground bangers.
Irish history and wicked tunes? what more could you ask for? The GPO area has a number of awesome musicians for you to check out.
Trad Music:
Finding trad music can be a bit of a challenge at times, so here are some of our picks for the best spots to find live trad music.
The Celt is a quaint traditional Irish pub on Talbot Street. Not only do they pour the perfect pint, but they also host live trad music seven nights a week at 9:30 pm
The venue also has a piece of strdom itself, with the shop front coming straight from the set of the iconic film Saving Private Ryan.
Pipers Corner is another traditional Irish pub. It was co-founded by Seán Potts, one of the founding members of the legendary Irish folk group ‘The Chieftains’
Live trad music is played in Pipers Corner every single night, so if you find yourself around Marlborough Street, we couldn’t recommend Pipers Corner enough.
Whether you’re browsing for vinyl, picking up a new instrument, or looking for an upgrade, Dublin’s music shops deliver with heart.
Found something special in a Dublin music shop? Tag @DublinTown and show us your latest find or musical moment!
FAQ:
-
Where can I buy a guitar in Dublin City Centre?
Shops like Music Minds, Music Maker or Gandharva Loka are all great spots to pick up a guitar.
-
Are there vinyl record shops in Dublin?
Absolutely! There are an endless amount of record shops in Dublin that sell everything from records to DVDs to sound systems.
-
Can I get my instrument repaired in Dublin?
Yes! Shops like Music Maker offer instrument repairs and servicing, as well as having excellent staff that can help you with any musical questions you have.
-
Do music stores in Dublin offer lessons?
No, finding music stores that offer also lessons is almost impossible, but if you are looking for lessons, I’m sure the staff in any of the businesses mentioned above will know where to look and who to go to for lessons in the city.
-
Are there music shops with traditional Irish instruments?
Yes, Gandharva Loka, Musicmaker, Walton’s School of Music and Musicminds all have a wide selection of traditional Irish instruments.
