Stream an album all you want, but nothing beats flicking through a sea of vinyls to find a brand new release or timeless classic in your local record shop. Only a few years ago these poor vinyls were sat gathering dust in record shops in Dublin like an unwanted toy forgotten on the top shelf. Cut to the present day, and vinyl sales are soaring through the roof. Not only do these spinning discs offer richer sounds and higher audio quality, but they’ve also found a new life as statement art pieces (we’ve all got that one friend with a collection of vinyls perfectly placed on their bedroom wall).
Similar to finding your favourite book shop in the city, rooting out the perfect record shop to suit all your musical needs is like choosing your wand at Olivanders – it’s not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. Some shops offer popular releases from huge stars while others lean towards selling mostly indie and alternative albums. Thanks to our eclectic list of fabulous record shops in Dublin, you’ll find the perfect spot to spend countless hours sifting through vinyls to your heart’s content. Just like we would in a bookshop, Going to a record shop is like
1. Tower Records, Temple Bar
One of the biggest and arguably most famous record shops in Dublin is Tower Records. Aside from selling a huge collection of vinyls, the record shop sells DVDs and Blu-rays for the more traditional film lovers who just haven’t taken to Netflix or don’t have time for the cinema. Ever the champion of all things music, Tower Records has hosted an array of intimate in-store performances to give superstars like Björk and Fall Out Boy as well as lesser-known local artists a stage to perform on. If you’re lucky enough, you might catch your favourite artist putting on a show the next time you take a trip to buy a record here.
7 Dawson St, Dublin, D02 X688, Ireland
2. Freebird Records, South City Centre
Looking for the new Taylor Swift or Ed Sheeran release? Well, you probably won’t find it here. Freebird Records is definitely suited to the more alternative listeners among us. Selling rare, new and used vinyls, this old-school record shop puts a spotlight on indie songbirds and other quirky singers you may never have even heard of. Sure, Freebird Records sells classic albums from well-known acts like Daft Punk and Stone Roses, but what makes this place so special is it’s mission to highlight new releases from exciting talents that you probably won’t find at the local HMV. So, pay a visit to this iconic record haven and discover up-and-coming artists that major record labels haven’t got their greedy hands on (yet).
15A Wicklow St, Dublin, D02 C924
3. All City Records, Temple Bar
Hip-hop heads and dance music lovers, this one’s for you. All City Records is the place to go when it comes to underground music. House, techno, disco, garage and rap are just some of the many genres that can be sifted through at this place. All City Records is also a base for a record label of the same name and musicians and DJs often check in to make an appearance and purchase their latest releases here. Who knows? You might even spot a famous face taking a picture outside the store with a vinyl or two in hand.
4 Crow St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 AF84
4. The R.A.G.E, Temple Bar
With rare gaming merchandise and hundreds of vinyls on sale, The R.A.G.E is truly all the rage. Dublin gamers are probably already familiar with this throwback shop selling retro games, vintage Polaroid cameras and old PlayStation consoles (talk about a blast from the past). If you’re on the hunt for a hard-to-find vinyl like a limited edition release from the late 90s, then The R.A.G.E is probably the best spot to start your search. Specialising in LPs and 7″ singles, this place is your best bet when it comes to sourcing that priceless record by a band that most people have forgotten about.
8 Crow St, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 HX78
5. Spindizzy Records, Temple Bar
Located in George’s Street Arcade, Spindizzy Records is most known for its well-regarded reggae collection. From dub to ska, rocksteady to roots, their stock covers the very best of the genre. For those vinyl spinners who are fussy about keeping their record collection in order, Spindizzy Records sells plastic sleeves, cleaning sprays and PVC covers to help keep your prized discs clean and safe. As the cherry on top, this record shop is famous for their very reasonable prices, so you can add to your vinyl shrine without having to break the bank.
32 The Market Arcade, South Great George’s Street, Dublin, D02 DH79