Old Music Shop

The Old Music Shop restaurant, located at the top of Parnell Sq, on North Frederick Street , is named after the landmark music store, Walton’s, which it housed for over 80 years. The store, which opened in 1924 was home to Ireland’s first music school, the Dublin College of Music, and their mantra “if you’re going to sing a song, sing an Irish song” is still remembered throughout the world.

The music store was established by Martin Walton, a talented musician, who at the age of fifteen became a volunteer in the 1916 Easter Rising and later went on to become bodyguard to General Michael Collins in the War of Independence. At that time, Collins and Walton were frequent guests in the adjoining Castle Hotel.

When Walton’s announced the closure of their store in 2013, there were fears that it was the end of an era for this landmark building. In 2014, however, Fionn MacCumhaill, owner of the adjacent Castle Hotel, re-opened the much loved music store as a restaurant, with an emphasis on pure and honest food and casual dining.

On a visit to the Old Music Shop, you will come across many of the instruments and song sheets reminiscent of the old Walton’s store. The restaurant, offers a bright space and modern setting, with tables large enough for the biggest parties and corners cosy enough for more intimate gatherings. The décor compliments the iconic status of the building and its magnificent Georgian architecture and features.

Downstairs in the original red brick vaults of the Georgian house is our fully licensed Vaults Bar and Restaurant. There is live traditional Irish music most nights with a warm welcome and excellent traditional Irish food.

At the Old Music Shop, we have a very natural, honest approach to food. Thanks to our mild climate, our clean seas, our fertile soils… and yes, the rain too… Ireland has some of the best raw ingredients in the world. And we use the very best of Irish produce, served simply and fresh as can be. All of our beef is sourced from a limousine herd in Tipperary, our chickens are sourced in Monaghan, our vegetables and potatoes are sourced from farms in North County Dublin. Our carefully selected wines complement our food and our knowledgeable staff are always on hand to offer their advice on your selection. The beer list focusses on local breweries and we offer some of the finest food-matched craft ales and stouts.