If you fancy browsing through new or used books and finding your next read, we’ve featured 10 of the best bookshops in Northern Ireland in the list below.
1. No Alibis
No Alibis is located in Belfast and is run by a team of passionate book lovers and publishers. They have been in business for over 25 years in the Queen’s Quarter of the city. They host events on a regular basis, such as poetry readings, lectures, and more.
As you would expect from their name, one of the focuses of No Alibis is mystery and crime fiction, but this isn’t the only string to their bow. They also have a good children’s section, books on Irish history and politics, and books on the humanities in general.
Say hello to No Alibis to learn more.
2. ICM Books
ICM Books is located in Craigavon. This family-owned business opened in the 1990s and specializes in selling Christian books and media. They started out just selling used books, but now they have a big warehouse dedicated to selling all sorts of publications!
You can find all manner of Bibles, alongside other categories, such as study guides, biographies, and children’s books. They cater not only to churches and Christian organizations, but anyone is welcome to visit them and see what is in stock.
Reach out to ICM Books.
3. Keats & Chapman
If you like exploring book shops that are filled to the rafters with all sorts of books, then Keats & Chapman is the place for you! Located in Belfast, they claim to be the last independent book shop in Belfast City centre!
They have over 30,000 used books for you to look through, and as you’d expect given the sheer amount of volumes, pretty much every genre and topic is covered, including those you might not expect!
Why not pay them a visit?
4. Little Acorns Bookstore
Little Acorns Bookstore in Derry is far from little as its name suggests. It’s actually North West Ireland’s biggest independent book shop, with over 45,000 titles in stock! They sell new and second-hand books in all sorts of genres.
They have been in business since 2011, and also are home to two chairs that have been signed by various authors, poets, and famous people! If that wasn’t enough, they also have plans to open a typewriter museum in the shop in the not-too-distant future!
Start a conversation with Little Acorns Bookstore.
5. The Secret Bookshelf
The Secret Bookshelf is located in Carrickfergus on the East coast of Northern Ireland. Their friendly staff are always up for a chat or to give you a book recommendation or two!
Their books are set out across themed rooms. They sell a range of new and used books in categories such as the ‘geek den’, ‘crime alley’, ‘family room’, and more. If you can’t find what you are looking for, they are also more than happy to order it for you.
Discover The Secret Bookshelf for yourself.
6. Bridge Books
Opened in 1995, Bridge Books have been in business for over 25 years. They are located in Dromore and sell new books and gifts in a range of subject matters and categories. If you are unable to visit the store, the owner is also happy to personally deliver the books to you personally if you live in the local area, ensuring you always have a good read to hand.
Topics you can find on their shelves range from the newest releases to children’s, to Irish and Northern Irish heritage books. If it is not in stock, they will order it for you. Bridge Books also have a selection of signed copies for sale, as well as literary-themed gifts.
Get in touch with Bridge Books.
7. Books Paper Scissors
Owned by husband and wife team Paul and Linda Murray, Books Paper Scissors is located in the South of Belfast. They sell a range of new books in varying genres, including a good children’s section and Irish literature.
Books Paper Scissors also have a selection of gifts and stationery for sale. They run a monthly book club, and also offer a book subscription service which is great for giving you a new read every month, or as a gift for a fellow book lover.
Drop them a message to see what else they offer.
8. The Book Well
The Book Well is a family-owned bookshop on Belmont Road in Belfast. They specialize in selling new and second-hand Christian books. Alongside books, they also have stationery and greetings cards on offer.
All proceeds from the sale of second-hand books go to a good cause, as the money goes directly to a local food bank on Mersey Street. If they don’t have what you need in stock, The Book Well will also order it for you on request.
Inquire with The Book Well today.
9. An Ceathrú Póilí
An Ceathrú Póilí was set up in 1983, meaning they have been selling books for almost 40 years! They don’t just sell any old books though, as they specialize in books that are written or printed in the Irish language.
They have a range of titles, including language dictionaries, children’s stories, poetry, folklore, and more. They’re situated in the Cultúrlann, a place for many businesses that celebrate the Irish language and culture. An Ceathrú Póilí also sells a range of gifts and stationery items too.
Say hello to An Ceathrú Póilí.
10. Linen Hall Charity Bookshop
The Linen Hall Charity Bookshop is part of the Linen Hall Library, which has been a Belfast institution since 1788. It’s located just around the corner from the main library building and sells a range of books.
All of the second-hand books on offer are used to raise money for the library itself. You’ll never know what you’ll find here as there is such a wide selection, and all for a pretty good price! They are always happy to accept donations of books to keep their service running, so a great place to stop by if you need to free up some shelf space!
If you are interested to know what they currently have available, give them a call.