If you like to hold books in your hands before you buy them, and want to go to a bookshop to pick up your next novel, we’ve featured 10 of the best bookshops in Ireland in this post.
1. Books Upstairs
Located in Dublin, Books Upstairs is one of the oldest independent bookshops in the city. Created in 1978, this bookshop has been serving locals for over four decades, proving the team’s dedication to literature and learning. Whether you want to browse or find your new favourite, this shop can help.
Books Upstairs offer a wide range of books, book bundles, and secondhand book gifts. Book genres here cover all bases, from children’s titles to graphic novels. Alongside the extensive book collection, customers can also explore tote bags, gift cards, and other kid’s products.
Find the bookshop online here.
2. The Company Of Books
Another popular independent bookshop in Dublin, The Company Of Books, is here to help you shop small with local business owners. This bookshop has been active in the city since 2009, and today the team are still stocking the store’s shelves with new and exciting titles.
Popular genres here include biographies, history, art, pop science, sports, culture, travel, and more. Alongside common genres, The Company Of Books always stocks Irish interest books and titles by Irish authors. Books featured in the Irish Book Awards are also available.
Contact the bookshop online here.
3. Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop
Based in Galway, Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop is here to bring great literature to the west coast of Ireland. This independent bookstore is in the centre of the city, and stocks over 100K different books. From new stories to second-hand options, there’s a pick for everyone here.
Books here cover all needs. From Irish interests to non-fiction, there are hundreds of books on offer. Other options include fiction, children’s books, book bundles, rare books, collectables, and more. Gifts are also available at this store, including vouchers, merchandise, and apparel.
Visit the bookshop online here.
4. Kennys Bookshop & Art Galleries Ltd.
Ready for your next read? Kennys Bookshop & Art Galleries Ltd. is here to help. This Galway-based bookshop is here to provide a wide range of products for all literature needs. This is an independent shop that offers in-store and online ordering.
Here, visitors can explore popular genres, fiction, and the latest releases. Popular options include bestsellers on TikTok, affordable novels, and Irish book award titles. Shoppers can also explore first editions, signed books, and rare books too. Gift vouchers are available, ideal for your literature-loving friends.
Find the bookshop online here.
5. Vibes & Scribes Bookshop
Situated in Cork, Vibes & Scribes Bookshop is an independent bookshop with used, new, and affordable books. If you’re looking to buy new books without breaking your budget, this team is here to help. Plus, this bookshop offers an extensive range of crafting materials for your hobbies.
In the Vibes & Scribes Bookshop, guests can explore fiction, non-fiction, Irish books, second-hand books, children’s books, comics, novels, and more. The team here also offers ‘Blind Date Books’, where you can purchase a book without knowing the plot. Perfect for anyone who enjoys a surprise!
Contact the bookshop online here.
6. Rebel Reads Bookshop
Rebel Reads Bookshop is a Cork-based bookshop that’s here to impress all readers. With a focus on community, education, and creativity, Rebel Reads Bookshop is perfect for anyone looking to broaden their horizon through reading. This bookshop can be found in the Marina Commercial Park.
This bookshop is a non-profit organisation, and to access books, members simply pay a 5 euro per month membership. Alongside books, this bookshop also hosts frequent events, including film nights and community events. Visitors can even rent the space for private events. Book online or in-store to get started.
Visit the bookshop online here.
7. The Kilkenny Book Centre
If you’re looking for a Kilkenny-based bookshop, consider visiting The Kilkenny Book Centre. This bookshop is located in the city centre, only a four-minute walk from Kilkenny Castle. Here you’ll find an extensive selection of books, genres, and more.
The Kilkenny Book Centre specialises in many different genres. From study-based books to local books, all options are on the table. Popular picks include children’s books, general books, bestselling Irish books, and more. Aside from books, this team also provides magazine subscriptions, Match Attax Cards, and stationery.
Find the bookshop online here.
8. Bargain Books Kilkenny
Based in Kilkenny, Bargain Books Kilkenny is a paradise for any keen reader. This independent bookshop offers many titles for affordable prices. Forget paying the sum of your savings for a new book. This store ensures all options are accessible and competitively priced.
A range of genres are available here, including rare and antiquarian books. Favourite selections include Irish history, general history, Irish interest, literature, biography, literature, sport, and more. Miscellaneous picks are also on offer for a unique read. Customers can explore gift vouchers too. See the shop’s collection online today.
Contact the bookshop online here.
9. The Athlone Bookshop
If you’re looking for an independent bookshop in the Athlone area, stop by The Athlone Bookshop today. This bookshop is owned and operated by a passionate team who enjoys providing thoughtful recommendations to visitors. Suggestions are always available here, ideal if you’re in need of some assistance.
The Athlone Bookshop stocks many options, including fiction books, non-fiction titles, sci-fi books, fantasy novels, young adult books, and children’s books. The team also curates unique selections, such as ‘Staff Recommendations, ‘As Seen On Social Media, and ‘New Releases. Take a sneak peek at the shop’s stock online now.
Visit the bookshop online here.
10. John’s Bookshop
John’s Bookshop is an independent shop ready to serve all Athlone-based readers. This bookshop specialises in used, rare, and antiquarian books. But that’s not all, John’s Bookshop also stocks new books and signed first editions. This bookshop has been active since 1997, and the team has been padding the shelves ever since.
A wide range of options are available at John’s Bookshop, including local history, Irish literature, and Irish language books. This shop has a particular focus on historical titles, and you can view books, documents, and signed products online now.
Find the bookshop online here.