Record Shops
Northern Ireland has long been home to its share of iconic record shops. From Terri Hooley’s downright legendary Good Vibrations and Dr. Robert’s to Dougie Knight’s, Bass Division, and Sick Records, these stores became vital hubs in Belfast and beyond, cementing their place in a rich musical legacy where vinyl—and much more besides—found a loyal audience.
Fast forward to 2024, and that legacy continues, carried on by a new generation of independent heroes across the country. In Belfast, now a UNESCO City of Music, shops like Sound Advice, Dragon Records, and Starr keep the spirit alive, while further afield, sanctuaries like Bending Sound, Boneyard Records, and Vanilla Records ensure that the tradition thrives right throughout Northern Ireland.
Terri Hooley at the site of original Good Vibrations store – 2023
Record shops are more than just places to buy music; they are the beating heart of communities that sustain the vibrant scenes that define Northern Irish music at its best. They provide havens for fans to gather, offering spaces to meet, share ideas, and connect beyond live venues. Often doubling as cultural hubs, these shops host showcases, pop-up events, and more, where local and international artists, collectors, and fans of all ages come together to inspire new creative directions.
In an industry often marked by uncertainty, these record shops continue to thrive against the odds. We celebrate each and every one of them, recognising their invaluable contribution to a music culture that runs deep throughout Northern Ireland. Here are some of the best—continuing the proud tradition and shaping the future of our world-class music community.
Is your favourite Northern Irish record shop not listed below?
We’d love to hear from you: news@musicconnections.com
Belfast
Sound Advice
Sound Advice, founded by DJ and lifelong vinyl collector Marion Hawkes, embodies all that’s great about Belfast’s forward-pushing music community. Located inside the bustling Banana Block—a living museum and events space at Portview Trade Centre, a former historic linen mill on the Newtownards Road in East Belfast—the shop has quickly become an essential hub for the city’s music lovers.
Specialising in electronic, soul, disco, and jazz, Sound Advice stocks both new and secondhand vinyl, catering to collectors and enthusiasts alike. Marion, also one half of the queer party collective Ponyhawke, brings her experience as a DJ and deep-rooted passion for vinyl to every aspect of the store.
With regular in-store events, DJ sets, and showcases, Sound Advice has become a key space where artists, collectors, and music fans come together, continuing to shape and inspire the future of the city’s ambitious music scene.
Visit Sound Advice:
Banana Block
PortView Trade Centre
310 Newtownards Road
Belfast
BT4 1HE
Opening Hours:
Weds-Sat 11am-5pm
Sun 1-5pm
Closed Mon/Tues
Follow Sound Advice on Instagram
Starr Records
A homegrown institution run by a much-loved duo, Sinead Green and Jeff Doherty, Starr Records relocated to Belfast’s thriving music hub, the Oh Yeah Music Centre, in October 2023. Though it may have slightly downsized from its original Berry Street location, its vision has only expanded, flourishing under the expert guidance of Green and Doherty. Their world-class curation and renowned personal touch continue to make Starr a standout in Belfast’s UNESCO City of Music.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, music lovers can discover the finest new sounds across every genre, explore reissued cult classics, and delve into the best of homegrown vinyl. Spend just 15 minutes here and you’ll get a sense of how Starr’s success stems from an unshakable passion for music in all its forms, creating an authentic experience that resonates with every visitor.
Sealing the deal, Starr are unfailingly on point with their series of pop-up events throughout the year. Whether it’s hosting lively quizzes, Record Store Day celebrations, club nights, or all-day gig showcases, it’s well and truly got its ear to the ground of the scene. Drop by the ground floor of the Oh Yeah for a browse and a coffee, and you’re odds on to walk with your new favourite band on wax.
Visit Starr Records:
15-21 Gordon Street
Belfast
BT1 2LG
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat 10am-6am
Closed Sun
Follow Starr Records on Instagram
Voodoo Soup Records
Nestled in the heart of Belfast’s city centre, Voodoo Soup Records stands as a treasure trove of hidden gems for music lovers. With its roots on Winetavern Street, near the historic Smithfield Market and just behind CastleCourt, this independent record store is a must-visit for anyone passionate about vinyl.
What truly sets Voodoo Soup apart is its impeccable curation and the welcoming atmosphere cultivated by some of the friendliest record store staff you’re likely to meet. Specialising in second-hand records, their shelves are lined with rare finds, making it a goldmine for collectors and casual diggers alike. Whether you’re hunting for hard-to-find vinyl or stumbling upon a new favourite, the knowledgeable team at Voodoo Soup is always on hand to help you discover something special.
An independent shop in every sense of the word, Voodoo Soup is a vital part of Belfast’s vibrant vinyl scene. It’s the kind of place where music aficionados and newcomers alike can immerse themselves in an eclectic mix of sounds, from classic records to obscure gems. With its reasonable prices and ever-changing selection, it’s more than worth a stop to browse and soak up the atmosphere.
Visit Voodoo Soup:
17 Winetavern St
Belfast
BT1 1JQ
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat 10am-6pm
Closed Sun
Follow Voodoo Soup on Instagram
Dragon Records
Dragon Records has earned its place as Belfast’s go-to destination for vinyl enthusiasts over the last 14 years. Situated on Wellington Place, this iconic shop has consistently proven itself as the city’s best hub for new and second-hand records, boasting an eclectic selection that keeps collectors and music lovers coming back for more.
Whether you’re a seasoned regular or just passing by, Dragon offers an experience that captures the very essence of what makes record shops special. It’s a place where you can lose yourself in the discovery of music, from timeless classics to hidden gems. Before vinyl’s resurgence hit mainstream, Dragon was already leading the charge, setting the tone for Belfast’s modern vinyl scene.
The shop first opened its doors in April 2010, with Jeff Doherty and Kelvyn Williams at the helm, stocking records from their own personal collections alongside handpicked selections that appealed to collectors of esoteric material. Their dedication to curating unique vinyl quickly resonated with Belfast’s music community, establishing Dragon Records as a must-visit destination for anyone serious about their collection.
As the shop has evolved, weathering the combined of storm lockdown and the unpredictable vinyl market, it has cemented its standing as a deep trove for vinyl enthusiasts. As well as his work with Sinead Green at Starr Records, Jeff Doherty continues to guide Dragon with his signature taste and deep knowledge, ensuring that every visit – whether it’s him or another staff member behind the counter – offers something fresh and unexpected. The passion here runs deep.
Visit Dragon Records:
First Floor
58 Wellington Place
Belfast
BT1 6GF
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri 11am-6pm
Sat 10am-6pm
Closed Sun
Follow Dragon Records on Instagram
First Press Vinyl (Bread + Records)
The latest addition to Belfast’s record shop scene is a truly brilliant one. Opening its doors in late 2023, First Press Vinyl has quickly established itself as a vibrant new player, pushing Belfast’s vinyl culture forward in a bold new direction. Situated on the Beersbridge Road, this shop has swiftly attracted an ever-growing customer base and has become a vital destination for music lovers in East Belfast.
First Press is part of Bread + Records, the brainchild of long-time friends Paddy Baird and Jason Hawthorne. Combining two seemingly unexpected ventures under one roof, Baird runs the Assemble bakery, offering artisanal breads and pastries – and first-rate coffee – while Hawthorne manages a finely curated selection of new and vintage vinyl through First Press. Together, they’ve created a singular space that stands out on the Beersbridge Road.
Although relatively new to the scene, First Press ties into East Belfast’s rich musical history. The shop sits on the same street that once housed Caledonia Records, the record shop run by Van Morrison’s parents, Violet and George Morrison. First Press carries that spirit forward, though with a thoroughly modern approach to curation and customer experience.
Joining Sound Advice as one of East Belfast’s essential vinyl outlets, First Press stands apart with its expertly curated selection that caters to both collectors and casual listeners alike. Whether you’re dropping by for freshly baked bread or to dig through vinyl, it’s testament to East Belfast’s position as a forward-pushing hub of creativity and culture in the city.
Visit First Press/Bread + Records:
381 Beersbridge Road
Belfast
BT5 5DT
Opening Hours:
Thurs-Friday 8am-4pm
Sat 9am-5pm
Sun 9am-5pm
Closed Mon-Weds
Follow First Press on Instagram
Elsewhere in Belfast
Belfast offers a range of smaller but equally intriguing spots for vinyl enthusiasts and curious passersby alike. Though HMV on Castle Place may not be the indie trailblazer of other shops mentioned, it still holds its own for first-hand vinyl. However, we encourage you to support the city’s independent retailers—after all, their spirit of independence reflects the very artists that make Belfast a UNESCO City of Music.
For those interested in second-hand vinyl and a bit of crate-digging, we recommend checking out spots like Life’s a Riot, above, Fuzz Vintage on Rosemary Street, Time Slip on Botanic Avenue, or Andy Paraskos‘ stellar stall at St. George’s Market. Wherever you find your vinyl treasure, we always encourage you to share the support—because a truly vibrant music community thrives on mutual support and shared passion.
Rest of Northern Ireland
Across Northern Ireland, music shops are thriving, meeting the rising demand for vinyl and other formats. They not be based in Belfast, but they still proudly uphold the country’s deep passion for music—not least world-beating local talent. Here’s our curated list of the top shops from across the region.
Bending Sound, Bangor
2 Bank Lane
Bangor,
BT20 5EG
Learn more
Choons, Bangor
18 Central Avenue
Bangor
BT20 3AF
Learn more
Abbazappa, Derry/Londonderry
The Yellow Yard,
Palace St,
Derry/Londonderry,
BT48 6PS
Learn more
CoolDiscs, Derry/Londonderry
Lesley House,
6 Foyle St,
Derry/Londonderry,
BT48 6AP
Learn more
Fairhill Records, Ballymena
5 Hill St,
Ballymena,
BT43 6BH
Learn more
Boneyard Records, Omagh
Market Street,
Omagh,
BT78 1EE
Learn more
Vanilla Records, Magherafelt
4 William Street,
Cookstown,
BT80 8NB
Learn more
Number One Records, Larne
Murrayfield Shopping Centre,
Unit 6,
Larne,
BT40 1HU
Learn more
Stewart’s Music Shop, Dungannon
Stewart’s Music Shop,
9 Irish St,
Dungannon,
BT70 1DB
Learn more