“Independent booksellers – it’s not exaggerating to say that they are lantern bearers of civilisation” Sir Philip Pullman
Chapters, Dublin
What makes Chapters stand out from other bookstores is that they hold books in stock for longer, giving them the space and time to charm customers. They are also very passionate about sustainability, the environment, and social responsibility, and how they can help with this. They stock a large range of new fiction and non-fiction, second-hand books, children’s books, and books specifically from Irish authors. They also provide a mystery box service, containing up to 6 books per box.
Raven Books, Dublin
Raven Books is a small independent bookshop in the heart of Blackrock Village offering a general mix of new and second hand books, including fiction, non-fiction, an children’s books, with some signed copies available too.
Books Upstairs, Dublin
First opened in 1978, they originally stocked books on literature, history, and politics, but also philosophy, literary criticism, psychology, feminism, and gay literature by absent or underrepresented authors. Now in a bigger premises, Books Upstairs stock new titles, fiction, non-fiction, children books, essays, as well as second-hand books. They also stock gift ideas such as tote bags, book bundles, and gift cards.
The Clifden Bookshop, Galway
The Clifden Bookbook was established in 1997. They realise the importance of providing an eclectic range of books in every genre, and along with their book selection, they offer gift and book vouchers, art materials, stationery, greeting cards, and gifts.
Kennys , Galway
Established in 1940, Kennys are an independent, family business, with over 200 years of bookselling experience between them. They stock nearly 1 million new, second-hand and rare books online, and particularly passionate about books written in the Irish language.
Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, Galway
Opened in 1989, Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop now occupies 6 separate rooms and stocks over 100,000 books on every subject imaginable, from new books, bargain, and second-hand titles, as well as Irish interest books.
Bantry Bookshop, County Cork
Owned and run by sisters, Bantry Bookshop offers a wide variety of reading materials, from contemporary Irish and international fiction and poetry, non fiction, history, archaeology and Irish culture, nature and science, as well as a Children’s Department, literature for teens and young adults and extensive second hand, bargain book and greeting card departments.
Woodbine Books, County Kildare
Woodbine stock a diverse range of books to suit all ages and a wide variety of tastes, from new releases, book bundles, and audiobooks. If they don’t have it in stock, they can usually order it in within a few days. They also sell greeting cards, pens, and gifts.
Banner Books, County Clare
Opened in 2019, Banner Books now hold two locations, selling new and used books for children and adults, gifts, cards, and jigsaws. They also take book donations and are open to purchase antiquarian and unusual books.
Halfway Up the Stairs, Greystones
Named the An Post Bookshop of the Year in 2023, Halfway Up The Stairs is a children’s bookshop offering books for all ages, from babies to young adult, as well as high-quality toys and gifts, and subscription services. They also hold author events.
Kenmare Bookshop, County Kerry
The beautiful Kenmare Bookshop stock a wide range of books, from Irish interest, to bestselling literature, children’s book, as well as local and general titles. They also offer marine charts, ordinance survey maps, and walking guides.
O’Mahony’s, Limerick
Opening in 1902, O’Mahony’s now has five separate shops with the Limerick branch covering a whopping 16,000 square feet! Their range of books include new releases, bestselling titles, fiction, non-fiction, and children’s stories. Previous author appearances have included the legendary Jacqueline Wilson.
Bridge Street Books, Wicklow
Winner of the An Post Bookshop of the Year 2022; Irish Times Bookshop of the Year 2014 & BGE Bookshop of the Year 2012, Bridge Street Books are a family-run shop, filled to the brim with adult and children books, fiction, and non-fiction, as well as gift vouchers and author events.
The Book Centre, Waterford
The Book Centre have several premises across Ireland and have been in business since 1971. Family owned and run, each store offers their own unique range of books, including children’s, school books, fiction, non-fiction, and Irish-written titles. They also sell cards, gifts, magazines, and stationery, and even have an in-store Café.
*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.
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