There are some lovely second-hand bookshops in Ireland. Learn about 10 of them by reading through the selection below.
1. Chapters Bookstore
Willie Kinsella is the founder of the original Chapters Bookstore, an expansive bookshop that has been active for over 40 years since 1982. The shop offers generous trade-in prices and is an excellent place for book club gatherings, writing group meetings, and author events. Chapters Bookstore also sells mystery boxes of books in the genre of your choice.
Chapters Bookstore sells books on Irish history, drama, photography, mythology, nature, science, sports, current affairs, philosophy, martial arts, cinematography, and fashion. It also sells puzzles, board games, activity books, DVDs, Irish biographies, children’s fiction books, and literary biographies.
Head to Chapters Bookstore.
2. The Secret Book Store
Having been active for over two decades, The Secret Book Store has become a well-respected bookshop for residents of Dublin, Ireland. The Secret Book Store has received numerous testimonials that speak for its excellent customer service, delivery speed, and diverse selection of titles.
The Secret Book Store sells antiquarian books, children’s books, spotlight magazines, comics, graphic novels, biographies, and books in categories such as journalism, media, photography, fashion, contemporary fiction, folklore, and science fiction. Customers can also purchase vouchers for themselves or as a gift.
Say hello to The Secret Book Store.
3. Eamonns Bookshop
1973 saw the establishment of Eamonns Bookshop, a second-hand bookstore serving residents of Dublin, Ireland. The shop is well-organized and has an extensive collection of books on all topics. Moreover, many of Eamonns Bookshop’s previous customers speak for the welcoming atmosphere in-store and the affordable prices of books.
Eamonns Bookshop sells numerous books on languages, Irish history, romantic fiction, royalty, romance, military history, adventure, crime, science fiction, polygamy, and more. In addition, customers of Eamonns Bookshop can even buy, sell, or trade CDs, records, and DVDs of various genres.
Reach out to Eamonns Bookshop.
4. Ulysses Rare Books
Enda Cunningham, the founder of Ulysses Rare Books, saw the establishment of the original store over 50 years ago in 1969. Ulysses Rare Books specializes in 20th-century Irish literature and, although it has since changed ownership, is still family-owned and operated. It is also a member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association.
Ulysses Rare Books sells children’s books and books on Celtic revival, history, Irish language, poetry, science fiction, drama, English & American literature, and folklore. It also sells pop-up books and historical maps dating back to the 1700s. Furthermore, it has a large inventory of unique limited edition books that make for perfect gifts.
Contact Ulysses Rare Books.
5. Vibes & Scribes Bookshop
Joan Lucey, the founder of Vibes & Scribes Bookshop, established the store in the winter of 1991. The shop is now the oldest independent bookstore in Cork, Ireland, and is well-regarded for its quality books at bargain prices. It also sells stationery and craft supplies to complement its books.
Vibes & Scribes Bookshop sells books in categories like crime, science fiction, cooking, feminism, gardening, current affairs, design, Irish history, Irish non-fiction, and historical fiction. It also sells other items such as sketchpads, spray paint, art kits, reading aids, greeting cards, journals, bookmarks, and other literary accessories.
Connect with Vibes & Scribes Bookshop.
6. Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop
100000+ books are available in Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, a bookstore in Galway, Ireland. The store has been active since 1989, and to this day, it runs under the guidance of founder Charlie Byrne. As a cultural hub, the shop also schedules regular events, including book launches, signings, and readings.
Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop sells picture books, Irish language children’s books, science fiction books, and books on genres like Irish culture, Irish mythology, mountaineering, business, economics, natural history, and philosophy. Customers can also purchase antiquarian and rare books.
Check out Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop.
7. Bargain Books Kilkenny
Specializing in high-quality second-hand books is Bargain Books Kilkenny, a well-established bookstore serving customers in Kilkenny, Ireland, and its surrounding cities. Bargain Books Kilkenny has books on all subjects, and customers can also purchase personalized gift vouchers for use in-store.
Bargain Books Kilkenny sells rare books, antiquarian books, biographies, and books on Irish history, military history, general history, sports, religion, royalty, medicine, and more. The shop also has a popular and efficient delivery service where customers can order books online to collect them in-store for free.
Send a message to a Bargain Books Kilkenny representative.
8. John’s Bookshop
John Donohoe, owner and founder of John’s Bookshop, opened the store over two decades ago in 1997. The shop is in a historical section of Athlone town, Ireland, and has 9000+ titles in its in-store inventory with a further 20000 in storage. It also has a well-defined system for categorizing books based on content and condition.
John’s Bookshop sells books on accountancy, education, architecture, geology, engineering, archaeology, antiquities, farming, agriculture, inland waterways, railways, Irish history, and Irish poetry. Customers can also order antiquarian books, journals, paintings, photographs, CDs, DVDs, and postcards.
Learn more about John’s Bookshop.
9. TheBookshop
Stocking over 75000 books at €2.50 or less is TheBookshop, an independent second-hand bookshop in Thurles, Ireland. The store has been open for over five years and offers free delivery on orders over €20 across Ireland. It also has regular giveaways where winners can receive several books in various genres.
TheBookshop sells Irish language books, science fiction books, antiquarian books, anthologies, books in European languages, manga, graphic novels, and books on subjects such as paranormal fantasy fiction, crime, espionage, fantasy, poetry, and romance. It also sells book sets on topics like historical army research and nature.
Find out more about TheBookshop.
10. BOOKS.IE
Alasdair Goold-Verschoyle is the founder of BOOKS.IE, a bookstore that has been in operation since 2015. The store is in Kildare, Ireland, and is known to actively support local publishers, UK-based publishers, and self-published authors. Worldwide shipping and gift-wrapping services for its books is available at a fixed rate.
BOOKS.IE sells graphic novels, contemporary fiction books, and books in categories such as fantasy, romance, science fiction, Irish historical fiction, Irish society, Irish humor, adventure, spirituality, and languages. Customers can even choose from its sizable collection of books on law studies, literature studies, microbiology, and other academic subjects.
Visit BOOKS.IE.