“Independent booksellers – it’s not exaggerating to say that they are lantern bearers of civilisation” Sir Philip Pullman
Books Papers Scissors, Belfast
Books Papers Scissors stock a curated selection of new fiction and non-fiction, plus Irish writing, gift books and poetry. They also have a children’s room, with choices from newborn to teenager, and can order in most books you want, if they don’t have it. They also stock cards, stationery, and gifts.
An Ceathrú Póilí, Belfast
Trading since 1983, An Ceathrú Póilí is Belfast’s independent Irish language bookshop, selling fiction, children and young adult books, school books, biography, essays, political, historical, religious, and travel books, all in the Irish language.
No Alibis, Belfast
Selling books for over 25 years, No Alibis is a community bookshop with a particular interest in children’s books, Irish literature, history, politics, humanities, and mystery fiction. They also provide a hub for the creative arts, host concerts, poetry readings, and lectures, and hold book launches.
Little Acorns Bookstore, Londonderry
Established in 2011, Little Acorns Bookstore stocks over 25,000 books, from general fiction to children’s books, with a particular interest in Irish-related subjects, authors, and publishers. They also sell a range of gifts and stationery, invite authors in to talk, and even have their own tourist attraction – the chairs signed by popular authors, artists, and playwrights.
Bridge Books, County Down
Established in 1995, Bridge Books sees themselves as a little bookshop with a big heart, with customer service at the very centre. It stocks everything from bestselling titles, new releases, fiction, children’s books, and non-fiction. A small shop, it is full of books, gifts, jigsaws, cards, and stationery, and was even on the shortlist of the An Post Bookshop of the Year Awards 2022!
The Secret Bookshelf, Carrickfergus
Set in the secret garden in The Courtyard, Carrickfergus, is a hidden gem of a shop. Now moved to the ground floor, just at the back of the path, their new premises remain quirky, with a great selection of new, pre-loved and kids books, as well as a literary-themed gift section.
Foyle Books, County Derry
Foyle Books stocks a wide range of antiquarian and second-hand books, with a particular selection on the local history of Derry and Donegal, Ireland, France, and Theology.
The Book Nook, County Antrim
Located in the heart of Main Street, The Book Nook stands as a cherished landmark in Larne town, having served the community for over three decades. This family-owned shop offers more than just books; it’s a multifaceted hub that caters to both locals and visitors alike.
*Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of bookshops. All photos sourced from each individual shop’s online presence. If you have any concerns regarding the photos, or concern regarding the text, please get in touch.
Books By Your Bedside 