A Love Letter to Local Legends
There’s something magical about walking into a real music shop. The creak of the wooden floorboards, the walls lined with instruments, the hum of a guitar amp in the corner. And, most importantly, the people—the shopkeepers, the techs, the local musicians who always seem to be hanging around, ready with advice, a story, or a tune.
Sure, the internet is handy. But no algorithm can match the feeling of trying a guitar in person, of chatting with someone who’s been setting up fiddles for 30 years, or of hearing the shopkeeper’s story about the time Christy Moore popped in for strings. That human connection is the beating heart of Ireland’s musical instrument shops.
At Musicmaker in Dublin, we’ve always believed in celebrating that community. So here’s our salute to some of the finest independent music shops across Ireland—the places keeping the soul of music retail alive.
Galway
Powells
Powells has been a fixture in Galway since 1918. Back in the day, it was one of those classic Irish everything-shops—walking sticks, tobacco, groceries, pints, and yes, instruments. Legend even has it that James Joyce himself would stop by for soup and creamies before heading off to see Nora Barnacle. Today, under the ever-present eye of Mr Colm Powell (who, pipe in mouth, still greets customers daily), Powells is best known as one of Ireland’s most famous trad stores. With Colm’s niece Sibeal and Antonis steering the modern side of things, Powells now carries contemporary gear too—while still selling walking sticks and sweets upstairs beside a full art shop. Only in Galway.
Moloney Musical Instruments
Tucked beside the King’s Head, Moloney’s is a cosy, upstairs spot with a brilliant range of acoustic instruments. It’s run by Kieran Moloney, who’s as well-known for his service bench as his stock. For the folkie, trad head, or acoustic player wandering through Galway’s winding streets, this is a must-visit.
Ennis
Custy’s
A jewel in the trad capital of Clare. Custy’s is packed with fiddles, flutes, whistles, and a brilliant collection of music books. Owned by John O’Connor, whose solution to late-night revelers relieving themselves on his door was to install an electric fence (it worked!), Custy’s is as colourful as the town it serves. But beyond the mischief, John and his crew are encyclopaedias of the local trad scene—stepping inside is like plugging directly into the beating heart of Ennis music.
Limerick
Future Sound and Vision (FSV)
On one side: consumer electronics. Down the back: a massive music store with guitars, amps, PAs, and one of the best accessory walls in Ireland. Run by the ever-helpful Cian Nolan, FSV has everything a working musician in Limerick might need.
Savins Music Centre
The yin to FSV’s yang. Here, the music store is up front and the electronics out the back. A fixture on O’Connell Street for more than 50 years, Savins is where countless locals bought their very first instrument. Operated by Brian and Helen Tuohy, it’s a pillar of Limerick’s musical life.
Castlebar
IT Music
IT Music is one of those proper big-store experiences you don’t always find outside the cities. Proprietor Declan Cosgrave has built it into a serious destination for Mayo musicians. The shop has racks of guitars that line the walls, plenty of amps to plug into, and a wide selection of accessories so you’ll never leave without what you came for. Declan himself is part of the appeal—he’s a familiar face in the Castlebar scene, always ready to share advice or chat about the latest gear. Whether you’re a kid picking up your first acoustic or a gigging guitarist in need of cables and strings before a weekend show, IT Music is where Mayo turns.
Tralee
Culloty’s
Culloty’s is one of those wonderfully Irish “two-shops-in-one” setups. Up front you’ve got consumer electronics, but head further in and you’ll find a tidy music department stocked with instruments and accessories. It’s not the biggest shop in the country, but what it lacks in square footage it makes up for in heart. Musicians across Kerry know Culloty’s as a reliable place to grab strings, reeds, or even a new guitar when inspiration strikes. It’s a shop that has quietly served its community for decades, helping countless trad players, school bands, and local gigging musicians keep the music flowing.
Killarney
Variety Sounds
Variety Sounds lives up to its name. Owned by Pat O’Connor and run day-to-day with the help of his right-hand man, Murt Tierney, it’s the sort of place where you can lose an afternoon browsing. Their shelves are crammed with traditional Irish instruments—whistles, flutes, concertinas—as well as shelves of books and teaching materials. But it’s more than just a shop: it’s a meeting point for musicians from around Killarney and further afield. Pat and Murt are fountains of local knowledge, and they’ve fostered a place where beginners feel welcome and seasoned trad heads feel right at home.
Cork
Promusica
Run by mother-and-son team Eileen and Luke Madden, Promusica is the music shop in Cork. Spread over two floors with instruments hanging from the ceiling, it’s as vibrant and alive as the city itself. Generations of Cork musicians trace their first chord, first band, or first gig back to Promusica. It’s no exaggeration to say an entire music scene has grown from its doors.
Waterford
John Palmer Music
Ask any musician in Waterford where to go for gear, and they’ll say “John Palmer.” The shop has earned a reputation as the city’s guitar haven—packed with electrics, acoustics, and basses for every style. John himself is a well-known figure in the community, but it’s his right-hand man Keith who keeps the instruments playing their best. Keith is a master technician, trusted by pros and beginners alike to handle setups, repairs, and tricky fixes. The result is a store that isn’t just a place to buy gear, but a proper hub for the Waterford scene. Step inside on a Saturday and you’ll often find local musicians comparing riffs, trading stories, and keeping the city’s musical heartbeat strong.
Why Local Music Shops Matter
Ireland’s music shops are more than retail spaces. They’re community hubs, cultural landmarks, and living archives. They’re where beginners buy their first instrument, where seasoned players get repairs, where teachers send their students, and where strangers become friends.
Online shopping might win on speed, but it will never replace:
- The feeling of holding a guitar, playing an instrument, before you buy it.
- The advice of a shopkeeper who’s been there for decades.
- Customer service, and all important aftercare.
- The stories, banter, and local lore that come free with every visit.
Supporting these shops means supporting the very fabric of Irish music.
FAQ
What is the oldest music shop in Ireland?
Powells in Galway has been in operation since 1918, making it one of the oldest and most iconic music shops in the country.
Which is the best music shop in Cork?
Promusica in Cork is widely regarded as the city’s top music store. Run by Eileen and Luke Madden, it’s a hub for local musicians and packed with instruments.
Why shop in-store instead of online?
Local shops offer something the internet can’t—personal service, expert advice, and the chance to try instruments before you buy.
Where can I find a music shop in Limerick?
Limerick is lucky to have both Savins and Future Sound & Vision, two long-standing stores offering a wide range of instruments and accessories.
What makes Irish music shops special?
Each shop is rooted in its local community, blending instruments, stories, and decades of musical knowledge passed down through generations.
There's always your friendly, local Musicmaker too......
Final Word
At Musicmaker, we’re proud to be part of this incredible network of independent music shops across Ireland. From Galway to Waterford, these places are keeping the flame alive, one instrument at a time. So next time you’re travelling, pop in, say hello, and maybe pick up a whistle, a set of strings, or a whole new guitar. You’ll walk out with more than just gear—you’ll carry a little bit of the Irish music tradition with you.
Stay tuned for part two..........
