There are so many great bookshops in Dublin that any literary lover will feel like they are in paradise when visiting the Irish capital.
Ireland has always been a land of storytellers, and as a country, it has produced many literary greats who have impacted the world with their respective works.
So, perhaps it should be no surprise that Ireland is also a haven for book lovers. From north to south and east to west, the Emerald Isle is home to many great bookshops.
Today, we will reveal the top ten bookshops in Dublin that every literary lover should check out.
10. Mojo Bookshop – a great place to explore
The Mojo Bookshop on Merchants Arch is the type of bookshop that is perfect for those looking for a book lover’s paradise to explore to find that special book.
Full of hidden gems, this is the kind of bookshop waiting to be delved into.
Address: Merchant’s Arch, Temple Bar, Dublin
9. The Secret Book and Record Store – a funky book and record store
This funky bookshop on Wicklow Street has an ample supply of books that have all been expertly organised by section by the professional staff who are friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable.
This spot is also unique as bookshops go as it also happens to be a record store.
Address: 15A Wicklow St, Dublin 2, D02 Y765
8. Stokes Books – a brilliant collection of second-hand books
If you’re looking for a brilliant collection of second-hand books, then you can’t go wrong with a visit to Stokes Books. Having been in operation since 1989, this shop has a wealth of experience in the city.
This cosy bookshop has so many books stacked from floor to ceiling that it can be overwhelming to decide where to even begin looking. Luckily, the knowledgeable owner Stephen Stokes is always on hand to help.
Address: 19 Market Arcade, South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
7. The Gutter Bookshop – an incredible independent bookshop
The Gutter Bookshop is an incredible independent bookshop located in Dublin’s infamous Temple Bar district. It boasts a giant and well-curated selection of general fiction, new releases, and classics.
This bookshop also regularly hosts events, such as readings and book clubs.
Address: Cow’s Lane, Temple Bar, Dublin 8, Ireland
6. The Library Project – a hipster’s paradise
Located in the centre of Dublin’s Temple Bar district, the Library Project is a bookshop and an absolute hipster’s paradise.
The Library Project take a unique approach to stacking and organising their books as they lay them out on tables pushed against the walls.
The establishment has been described by its owners as being for “visual culture and critical thinking”. This unique bookshop should definitely be on your itinerary when visiting Dublin.
Address: 4 Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 YK53, Ireland
5. The Winding Stair – one of the oldest surviving independent bookshops in Dublin
The Winding Stair bookshop is one of the oldest surviving independent bookshops in Dublin and, in our opinion, one of the best.
Inside this bookshop, you will find a whole host of different genres and a brilliant section dedicated purely to Irish authors.
When you are done browsing through their many books, you can enjoy tea, coffee, and wine and grab something to eat in their restaurant upstairs.
Address: 40 Ormond Quay Lower, North City, Dublin 1, D01 R9Y5, Ireland
4. Hodges Figgis – Ireland’s oldest bookshop
First opened in 1768, Hodges Figgis is Ireland’s oldest bookshop and the third oldest bookshop in the world, making it one of the best bookshops in Ireland!
This historic bookshop has been referenced by many famous Irish authors in their works. Writers such as James Joyce and Sally Rooney make this well worth a visit for anyone who happens to be in the Irish capital.
Address: 56-58 Dawson St, Dublin 2, D02 XE81
3. Books Upstairs – Dublin’s oldest independent bookshop
Founded in 1978, Books Upstairs is Dublin’s oldest independent bookshop. It has always played an essential role in supporting the role of books in Irish culture.
This extensive bookshop stocks a colossal mix of new and second-hand books; as of 2020, they also sell books online.
Upstairs there is a cosy café where you can enjoy a nice cup of tea with your new book by a lovely old fireplace.
Address: 17 D’Olier Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
2. Dubray Books – a bookshop with a wide and varied range
Dubray Books is a bookshop with a wide and varied range of books, approximately 15,000 in total!
Our favourite of the Dubray Books stores is the branch on Grafton Street, which is regarded as Dublin’s main shopping street.
With a small coffee shop upstairs and over three floors to explore, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Dubray Books.
Address: 36 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
1. Chapters Bookstore – undoubtedly one of the best bookshops in Dublin
In first place on our list of top ten best bookshops in Dublin that every literary lover should check out is Chapters Bookstore, Ireland’s largest independent bookstore.
With two floors full of shelves that seem endlessly deep and stocked with every genre, whether fiction or non-fiction, as well as many DVDs, cards, and many more gifts, this is a must-visit.
Address: Ivy Exchange, Parnell St, Dublin 1, D01 P8C2, Ireland
That concludes our list of the top ten bookshops in Dublin that every literary lover should check out. Have you explored any of them yet?
