The Continued Love Letter to Local Legends
Of which, we are one....
Our first guide to Ireland’s best music shops covered a lot of ground. But there were/are too many brilliant independent shops across the country to stop there. From Dublin to Longford, here’s Part Two of our love letter to the people and places keeping Irish music alive—one instrument, one setup, and one story at a time.
Dublin
Jimi’s Music Store
Ask any musician driving into Dublin where their first stop is, and you’ll hear the same answer: Jimi’s. Run by husband-and-wife duo Sive and Jimi, this shop is a treasure trove of vintage instruments, amps, and pedals. You’ll find rare and jaw-dropping pieces alongside a solid range of newer offerings. Jimi’s has built an international reputation too—famous techs and touring bands regularly buy incredible gear here, both in-store and online. It’s the kind of shop where every guitar feels like it has a story waiting to be told.
Some Neck Guitars
Few Dublin shops have had a journey like Some Neck. They’ve bounced between a handful of homes over the years, but in summer 2023 they finally landed their forever spot on Francis Street. The new fit-out is stunning—warm, inviting, and packed with guitars and gear. Adding to the magic, Some Neck now houses some of Rory Gallagher’s original gear, purchased during the legendary auction. Walking into the shop feels like walking into Irish guitar history itself.
Bray
Everest Music
In Bray, Everest Music is much more than a shop. With a massive range of guitars, keyboards, amps, pedals, and ukuleles, plus one of the best accessory walls in Ireland, it’s a go-to for players of all ages. But its beating heart is the music school upstairs—one of the largest in the country. Generations of Bray musicians have learned their craft here, guided by a team led by Paul and Sinead O’Connor. For Sinead, the store has been a local fixture for her entire life, and she’s carried that sense of community into every corner of the business.
Swords
The Music Outlet
Owned and run by Niall Gilchrist (who also serves as a fireman), The Music Outlet is a hub for north Dublin musicians. The shop has a broad selection of guitars and a service bench that’s won plenty of loyal fans. Niall brings a mix of expertise, local spirit, and straight-talking friendliness that makes this shop stand out.
Dundalk
B Sharp
Head to Dundalk and you’ll find B Sharp, a spacious shop with a broad range of pianos, guitars, and ukuleles. Operated by Mark Connolly with his team Tommy and Ronan, B Sharp is known for being welcoming, knowledgeable, and well-stocked. For families starting out, gigging musicians, or anyone in need of an upgrade, it’s a solid local favourite.
Drogheda
The Sound Shop
Established by the legendary Tommy Leddy, The Sound Shop has become an institution in Drogheda. Today it’s managed by his son Adam, but the family spirit remains. It’s one of the largest shops on this list—pianos, PAs, and guitars in abundance. But what really makes it unique is its connection to the Tommy Leddy Theatre, which runs a packed programme of music and theatre productions throughout the year. Few shops blend retail and culture so seamlessly.
Portlaoise
Anthem Music
Tom Byrne’s Anthem Music packs serious punch for a Midlands shop. Inside you’ll find guitars, keyboards, drums, amps, and accessories. And then, unexpectedly, one of Ireland’s most impressive Warhammer collections. Anthem is equal parts music haven and geek’s paradise, making it one of the quirkiest and most lovable shops in the country.
Athlone
The Sound Factory
The only dedicated music shop in Athlone, The Sound Factory is owned by Benny Dermody. Compact but mighty, it stocks guitars, keyboards, and accessories. For local musicians, it’s not just the only option—it’s a reliable and friendly lifeline right in the middle of town.
Tullamore
Tullamore Sound Centre
Owned by renowned front-of-house engineer Darren Cahill, Tullamore Sound Centre is as much about service as it is about sales. Darren himself runs the shop’s excellent service bench, giving players across Offaly access to a skilled tech who knows the gigging world inside-out. It’s a place where pro expertise meets hometown friendliness.
Kilkenny
Broderick’s Music Warehouse
Owned by Rory Broderick, this warehouse-sized store is a proper Aladdin’s cave. There’s a bit of everything—guitars, keyboards, amps, drums—and beyond retail, Rory also runs one of the country’s top PA hire companies from here. Broderick’s is as much about equipping bands and events as it is about walk-in customers, making it a cornerstone of Kilkenny’s music scene.
Essaness Music
Owned by the legendary Frank Salmon, Essaness has a real old-school vibe. The shop is small but packed with guitars and accessories. Frank himself is a bit of a local hero—he also writes a series of children’s books. Stepping inside Essaness feels like stepping back in time, in the best possible way.
Longford
Denniston’s
Denniston’s is the definition of a shop with character. On one side you’ll find one of the largest ranges of fishing tackle in the country; on the other, musical instruments, records, skateboards, and outdoor gear spread over two floors. It’s owned and operated by Denise Champ, who’s as handy with a fishing rod as she is with a guitar. Denniston’s is proof that local shops can (and should) be gloriously eclectic.
Why These Shops Matter
Every shop on this list offers something you’ll never find online: human connection. It’s the chance to try before you buy, to chat with someone who’s lived music their whole life, to pick up a local story alongside a pack of strings.
Irish music shops are more than retail—they’re classrooms, meeting points, and cultural anchors. Supporting them means keeping alive the spirit of music in every town and county.
Final Notes on a Scene
From Dublin’s vintage specialists to Longford’s fishing-tackle-and-frets hybrid, Ireland’s music shops are as diverse as the musicians they serve. Each is a piece of living history, a local hub, and a place where the next generation of players find their first instruments.
At Musicmaker, we’re proud to be part of this wider family of independent retailers. Together, we keep Ireland’s music scene thriving, one instrument at a time.
