Top Music Magazines in Ireland You Should Read (2025 Guide)

Ireland has always punched above its weight in the global music scene. From U2, Thin Lizzy, and The Cranberries to modern chart-toppers like Hozier, Fontaines D.C., and CMAT, the country consistently produces world-class artists. But alongside the music itself lies a tradition of sharp, passionate journalism. Music magazines in Ireland do more than review albums — they document cultural change, celebrate heritage, and spotlight the rising stars of tomorrow.

In 2025, these publications remain essential. Whether you want to follow breaking indie bands in Dublin, dive into Ireland’s folk traditions, or read bold commentary on culture and politics, here are the top music magazines in Ireland you should be reading right now.

Why Music Magazines Still Matter in Ireland

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In an age of streaming algorithms and TikTok trends, music magazines continue to offer what technology cannot: context, storytelling, and authority.

• They champion new talent, often being the first to feature artists who later break out.

• They preserve tradition, ensuring Ireland’s folk and Celtic music remains celebrated.

• They shape culture, blending music journalism with commentary on politics, society, and identity.

• They build communities, connecting fans, musicians, and writers across Ireland and beyond.

Hot Press

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Founded in 1977 and still edited by Niall Stokes, Hot Press is Ireland’s most iconic music and culture magazine. For almost five decades, it has been more than a publication — it has been a voice for music, politics, and cultural commentary.

In 2025, Hot Press remains vital. Its annual “Hot for 2025” feature showcases the next wave of Irish talent, including CMAT, Obskür, and KNEECAP. The magazine covers everything from massive events like Electric Picnic 2025 to intimate artist profiles. Its partnership with Extra.ie, launched in 2024, now ensures Hot Press content reaches more than 1.6 million readers every day.

The Hot Press Annual 2025 is a collector’s edition that captures Ireland’s music year in review, underlining why the magazine remains central to the country’s cultural heartbeat.

GoldenPlec

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What started as a student blog in 2003 has grown into one of Ireland’s most respected independent publications. GoldenPlec is entirely volunteer-run, powered by a team of 50 writers and 25 photographers who live and breathe music.

Since 2015, GoldenPlec has also released a free quarterly print magazine, distributed not only across Ireland but also in the UK, Spain, and South Korea. It is celebrated for its striking festival photography and PlecPicks series, developed with IMRO, which shines a light on emerging artists before mainstream recognition.

GoldenPlec represents the passion of Ireland’s grassroots scene — a community project that has gone global without losing its independent spirit.

Nialler9

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Created in 2005 by Dublin journalist and DJ Niall Byrne, Nialler9 is widely recognized as one of Ireland’s most influential digital music platforms. Dubbed “the granddaddy of Irish music blogs” by The Sunday Times, it continues to thrive as a tastemaker.

Nialler9 focuses on indie, electronic, and hip hop while providing Dublin’s most reliable gig guide. It curates playlists, runs podcasts, and even organizes live showcases, bridging online coverage with real-world music experiences. In 2025, it remains a go-to source for anyone seeking to discover fresh Irish talent or navigate Dublin’s buzzing live scene.

Irish Music Magazine

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For fans of fiddles, bodhráns, and Celtic storytelling, Irish Music Magazine is the definitive voice of traditional music. Established in the 1990s, it covers festivals like Fleadh Cheoil and Temple Bar TradFest, album releases, and interviews with folk artists.

It offers both print and PDF subscriptions worldwide, ensuring Irish folk culture reaches audiences far beyond the island. A recent highlight was its special coverage marking the 50th anniversary of The Chieftains’ landmark recordings, honoring one of Ireland’s most influential traditional groups.

The Last Mixed Tape

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Founded in 2014 by critic Stephen White, The Last Mixed Tape brings a candid, opinionated edge to Irish music journalism. What began as a blog has grown into a weekly podcast and YouTube series, offering reviews, interviews, and scene commentary.

Known for its unfiltered honesty, it is particularly influential in Dublin’s underground and indie scenes. Its focus on emerging sounds — from post-punk hybrids to electronic crossovers — makes it a refreshing alternative to mainstream coverage.

International Influences

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Alongside these Irish publications, international magazines still play an important role. UK titles like NME and Mojo are popular among Irish readers, while US heavyweight Rolling Stone regularly features Irish artists such as Hozier and Fontaines D.C. These outlets complement local magazines by giving Irish music a global context.

Read Also: Popular Mechanics Magazine Subscription: Is It Still Worth It in 2025?

Comparison Table of Irish Music Magazines (2025)

Where to Find Them

Print editions of Hot Press and Irish Music Magazine are available in major Irish bookstores like Eason, while GoldenPlec distributes its quarterly issue for free across select outlets. Online, all of these magazines are accessible worldwide. Irish Music Magazine offers global PDF subscriptions, and The Last Mixed Tape publishes weekly content through podcasts and YouTube.

The Future of Irish Music Magazines

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The future is digital, cross-platform, and community-driven. Hot Press now reaches over a million daily readers online, GoldenPlec thrives as a volunteer project with global distribution, and Nialler9 continues to lead in digital discovery. Meanwhile, Irish Music Magazine ensures traditional music adapts to modern formats, and The Last Mixed Tape shows how personality-driven content can thrive across blogs, podcasts, and video.

Together, these outlets prove that Ireland’s music journalism is not just surviving — it’s evolving.

Conclusion

From the cultural authority of Hot Press to the indie spirit of GoldenPlec, the digital sharpness of Nialler9, the heritage preservation of Irish Music Magazine, and the authenticity of The Last Mixed Tape, Ireland’s music press in 2025 reflects the richness of its soundscape.

If you want to understand Ireland’s music — past, present, and future — these are the magazines you should be reading.

FAQs

1. What is the most famous music magazine in Ireland?
Hot Press, founded in 1977, is Ireland’s most iconic and influential music magazine.

2. Which Irish magazine covers traditional folk music?
Irish Music Magazine focuses exclusively on Celtic and traditional Irish music.

3. Is GoldenPlec available in print?
Yes, GoldenPlec publishes a free quarterly print magazine alongside its online platform.

4. Where can I find the best Dublin gig guide?
Nialler9 provides Dublin’s most reliable and up-to-date gig guide.

5. Which Irish music blog is best for indie and underground acts?
The Last Mixed Tape is a trusted source for Dublin’s indie and underground scene.

6. Can I access Irish music magazines outside Ireland?
Yes, most have digital editions, and Irish Music Magazine offers worldwide PDF subscriptions.