Music lovers gathered at the Limerick Milk Market as Munster’s largest record, cassette and CD fair returned for its spring edition.
As one of five annual fairs, the event held on April 12 reflects a growing interest in physical media, with traders and attendees pointing towards a revival of LP’s and other types of analogue media.
Organised by Limericks Record Fairs, people of all ages browsed the stalls that had replaced the market’s usual vendors. Sellers from around the country offered music from genres ranging from country to heavy metal, and there were options for all budgets, from €5 vintage finds to newer releases and special editions.
Traders said they have seen an increase in demand for physical music, including records, with customers seeking both nostalgia and ownership over the music they pay for.
One seller, said that these events have grown in popularity and have helped him develop a loyal customer base. “Everywhere we go, people keep returning,” he said. “People like music that they can own, hold and see.”
While LPs have remained popular among collectors, traders have noticed the younger generation showing a higher interest than before.
At the University of Limerick. students expressed mixed views on the popularity of analogue media today.
21-year-old Erasmus student from Hungary, Dániel Molnár said he prefers playing music on his phone. “It is more convenient, and it is free, I can also find a lot of different music,” he explained.
“In the modern world you need a lot of things if you want to play a CD,” he said, emphasising the accessibility of digital music. “You can only listen to albums but on the phone, you can listen to any song you want,” he continued.
Despite differing opinions among young adults in Limerick, the fair’s strong turnout highlighted the appeal of alternative sources of music today.
With free entry and a wide range of music offered, it showed how formats like LPs continue to play a role in the city’s evolving music landscape.