With the rise of virtual stores, mobile-friendly subscriptions and Kindles, these stalwarts maintain that the proof is in the pages.
Ireland, for both tourists and locals alike, is something of a Book World. And despite the difficulties one might associate with trying to get people to read––attention spans chief among them––Irish people still love books; choosing them, buying them and reading them. Mercifully, we’re at no loss for finding places where all of those things can be done at once.
The vast majority of the best bookshops in this country are run by people who also love books. Which is to say that despite bigger book chains’ discount prices and huge inventories, Ireland still shines with independents. Lucky enough to have one within walking distance? Consider it your duty to use it, or lose it.
Here is a nationwide selection of Ireland’s best indies. If we’ve missed your favourite, do get in touch…
Where? 5 Ellis Workshops, Letterfrack, Connemara, Co Galway (also Louisburgh, Co Mayo)
An indie bookshop and social enterprise supporting local artists and authors, Books at One allows the customer to consume excellent coffee and cake while perusing the latest titles, gifts and cards. With cosy indoor seating and a sunny garden-patio, Books at One is perhaps what the term “hidden gem” was made for.
Located in a former Quaker workshop behind a Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (now a constituent of Atlantic Technological University) campus, Books at One’s Letterfrack location is at the scenic base of the trail leading to Connemara National Park and Diamond Hill. Consider a stroll, if only to work up your appetite.
Where? 2 The Harbour Mill, The Quay, Westport, Co Mayo
As described by the motto daubed onto the shop’s walls, Tertulia is “a bookshop like no other,” and is named for the act of gathering to discuss literature, arts or current affairs.
Focused on community and fostering artistic spaces, Tertulia is a space to relax, listen to some vinyl and discuss films and books (most preferably in the cosy reading nook under the stairs).
Where? 83 Botanic Avenue, Belfast, Co Antrim
No Alibis is a bookshop that is more than the sum of its parts. Though it specialises in crime fiction and American studies publications, its shelves are teeming with all genres, with the possibility of tea being offered at any stage of your perusal. Resplendent with coffee and a reading area, this hidden gem is just a minute’s walk from Botanic station.
Where? La Touche Place, Greystones, Co Wicklow
Named for the A.A. Milne poem “Halfway Down” featured in his classic When We Were Very Young, Halfway Up The Stairs is the kind of bookshop any book lover would dream of bringing a little one to.
An award-winning children’s bookshop with competitive prices, knowledgeable staff and a cosy vibe.
Where? Cow’s Lane, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 (and 20 Railway Road Dalkey)
Continuing with the trend of literary shop names––”We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars” appears in Oscar Wilde’s play, Lady Windermere’s Fan––Gutter Bookshop is proof that despite economic challenges, physical books will prevail.
Opened in the downturn of 2009, Bob Johnston’s entire business plan was centred around people’s tendency to buy physical books if buying them was part of the pleasure of reading them. We’re delighted to say he was exactly right.
Where? The Cornstore, Middle St, Galway
Charlie Byrne’s is one of the best-loved and most famous independent bookshops in Ireland, not to mention a Galway institution. Located in the heart of the city, it stocks over 70,000 pre-loved, new and bargain books on every imaginable subject.
As per a recent TripAdvisor review: “I simply could not live in Galway without Charlie Byrne’s. It’s a labyrinth of bookworm delights, staffed by infinitely patient elves always happy to listen to our ramblings about books.”
Where? Church Lane, Letterkenny, Co Donegal
Universal Books sells a myriad; books, records, musical instruments, antiques and various other items, all at exceptionally good deals. Run by David Faughnan since 1996, the shop boasts the kind of genuine quirkiness that tourists dream of. Few stores like this exist anymore, fewer still with Faughnan’s eye.
The Celtic Bookshop
Where? Rutland Street, Prior’s Land, Limerick
The Celtic Bookshop is a labour of love, curated over decades. Holding volumes on just about every topic you can imagine related to Ireland and other Celtic lands, it specialises in both new and out-of-print books, maps and prints.
Located directly across from the Hunt Museum, this is a treasure trove you won’t find elsewhere.
Where? 18 Great James Street, Derry
The largest independent bookstore in the north west of Ireland, Little Acorns holds Irish fiction titles of all genres, as well as both new and used books. Owner Jenni Doherty founded it 15 years ago when all she had was a book stall and a dream. Today, she boasts 60,000 books in a three-storey building. A gem specialising in secondhand and some antiquarian books – and winner of Bookshop Of The Year at the 2024 An Post Irish Book Awards.
“We’re part of the fabric of their lives…”
Congrats to @LittleAcornsBks for winning @Postvox Bookshop of the Year!
Watch Jenni’s acceptance as she highlights the importance of indie bookshops in our communities. #APIBA #StoriesMakeUs pic.twitter.com/QEIaT3rar1
— An Post Irish Book Awards (@AnPostIBAS) January 7, 2025
21 Lavitts Quay, Cork
Cork’s oldest independent and family-run bookshop, Vibes and Scribes, has been making literary dreams come true for over 30 years now. And as Cork’s last remaining independent bookstore, consider this your sign to visit. Artsy, family-run and full of both old and new, this is a space a little different to the rest. And as a regular stop-off for touring authors, you might even spot your favourite while browsing.