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Family run businesses & bespoke services: Bookmark Ireland’s best independent bookshops
A guide to Ireland’s beloved independent book retailers.
WHEN PEOPLE ARE looking to change habits and lifestyle choices – usually at the start of a new year – along with altering one’s diet, taking up a new hobby or making wiser decisions with money, the desire to read more is a popular activity amongst those looking to improve their day-to-day routines.
The act of dedicating an hour a couple of times a week to switch off from the busyness of a hectic day with a comforting cup of tea and a good book can be extremely restorative. This idea has become all the more attractive in the last couple of years especially given how much time we spend in front of screens be they big or small. While there are great merits to being able to carry around a library of books on a digital reading device, the feel of a book’s pages and the smell of the ink cannot be beaten.
Ireland is celebrated for its incredible lineage of literary figures from James Joyce to Sally Rooney. As well as producing some of the finest talents in this creative sphere, we also boast some of the best independent bookshops to house the works of these beloved writers.
Up and down the country, there are several independently run bookshops. Often, these businesses will be family-run and passed down through the generations. One of the most rewarding aspects of shopping at an independent business is that the staff are dedicated to helping customers and building relationships with regular faces that visit. Furthermore, there will often be a desire to offer more unique and personalised services to truly enhance the customer experience and make them feel valued by the business.
For those looking to improve your reading habits, we’ve compiled a guide to some of Ireland’s best independent bookshops to bookmark as you embark on this exciting chapter.
Books Upstairs, Co Dublin
Where: 17 D’olier Street, Dublin
What: Books Upstairs first opened its doors to the public 45 years ago in its original premises on South King St, making it Dublin’s oldest independent bookshop. While the business has moved around the city centre over the years, Books Upstairs’ shelves have always been filled with an incredible array of novels, memoirs and independent literary magazines. Moreover, its charm has remained a constant draw for customers. Amongst the many personal touches unique to Books Upstairs is their excellent Book Bundles, in which you can receive a specially curated selection of books to suit your reading style chosen carefully by the staff.
Charlie Byrne’s, Co Galway
Where: The Cornstore, Middle St, Galway
What: The story of Charlie Byrne’s begins with an archaeological excavation. Arriving in Galway in the late 1980s to work on a site in Eyre Square, Charlie Byrne was inspired to fulfil his dream of selling books in the city. Today, Charlie Byrne’s has an outstanding offering (thought to exceed 100,000) of new titles and secondhand books. A perfect spot to spend a Saturday morning perusing the packed shelves, you’re guaranteed to come away with a bag full of excellent reads.
O’Mahony’s Booksellers, Co Limerick
Where: 120 O’Connell St, Limerick, V94 H6Y8
What: O’Mahony’s Booksellers has been a family business since it opened way back in 1902 by J.P. O’Mahony. The business, now run by J.P.’s grandson Frank O’Mahony, has seen and survived many turbulent periods in history to become a thriving business which now has 5 different locations and is regarded as one of the largest independently owned bookshops in Ireland. Their extraordinary range of schoolbooks brought a significant draw to customers to O’Mahony’s, and they continue to be a leading supplier in this field. Along with their focus on educational resources, they regularly host launches in their 120 O’Connell St location and provide a welcome space for people of all ages to enjoy the magic of books.
Woodbine Books, Co Kildare
Where: Lower Main Street, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare, R56 K278
What: Nestled in the quaint town of Kilcullen, Woodbine Books is a sweet space to spend an afternoon with a good book and a delicious cup of coffee. Opened in 2016 by Aidan Cunnane and Dawn Behan, Woodbine Books was named the Regional Winners for Ireland in the category of Best Independent Bookshop at the British Book Awards in 2018. The calming environment in-store is ideal for exploring their impressive selection of titles for all levels of readers whether you love settling down with a juicy celebrity memoir or piece of classical fiction, Woodbine Books has a considered array of books.
Marrowbone Books, Co Dublin
Where: 78 The Coombe, The Liberties, Dublin, D08 RKP4
What: In the heart of The Liberties in Dublin, Marrowbone Books has become the go-to destination for pre-loved books. A pop of sunshine, thanks to its bright yellow shop-front, Marrowbone Books offers countless excellent classic titles from a number of popular genres. Its charming space has also held various events from music gigs and readings, making it a great place for like-minded individuals to come together. Given the specialised nature of Marrowbone’s offering, they developed a wonderful monthly subscription service in which they will deliver a second-hand book which has been picked by a member of staff.
Bridge Street Books, Co Wicklow
Where: Bridge St, Wicklow, Books, Co. Wicklow, A67 XN83
What: Opened by the mother and daughter team of Hilary and Joanna Hamilton, Bridge Street Books has been a firm favourite within the Wicklow community. They have been welcoming customers into their homely shop since 1999, Bridge Street Books has received numerous accolades for its excellent retail experience, most recently receiving the coveted title of An Post Bookshop of the Year in 2022. Building community and friendships through reading are one of the many endearing components of Bridge Street Books as they host monthly book clubs for adults and children. Furthermore, they’re always happy to recommend the perfect book to curl up with.
Vibes & Scribes, Co Cork
Where: 21 Lavitt’s Quay, Co Cork
What: Not only does Vibes & Scribes, Cork’s oldest family-run bookshop, cater to all types of bibliophiles, but it’s also a treasure trove of all things arts and crafts. Opened by Joan Lucey in 1991, Vibes & Scribes started out as a small independent bookshop in Cork. Today, you can browse through their range of second-hand and bargain books and then pick up some high-quality wool spun across Ireland for any knitting projects you have on the go in their different locations. Again, as we see across so many independently run businesses, the community is at the heart of Vibes & Scribes as they host weekly craft-based workshops.
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