One thing that I love about a city, town, place are the bookstores in it. And I absolutely agree with the quote below and I could not have said it better.
“What I say is, a town isn’t a town without a bookstore. It may call itself a town, but unless it’s got a bookstore, it knows it’s not foolin’ a soul.” Neil Gaiman
When I research a new place, I am going to visit or want to visit - bookstore/bookshop - is always one of the items on my search and explore list. Bookstores just make me happy; I have to admit.
Looking at the strong and famous literary heritage of this beautiful city, bookstores are a big must. Just look at those names - Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, W.B. Yeats, James Joyce, Maeve Binchy, George Bernard Shaw, Seamus Heaney, Bram Stoker, Jonathan Swift and many more. Amazing, right?
I would also say that Dubliners are avid and passionate readers. To my delight.
The bookstores in Dublin are one of the reasons why I adore this place. So, let me show you my favourite ones. Let's start exploring...
1. Hodges Figgis
This is Ireland's largest and one of the oldest bookstores. If I remember correctly, it is even one of the oldest bookstores in the world. It was founded in 1768 and is mentioned in James Joyces' novel Ulysses. Situated in the city centre, you can't miss it.
I love wandering through this bookstore, as it is filled with a mesmerizing energy of old, of knowledge, history, creativity, and life. You get the feeling that you are lost in time. It has three floors, and you can find everything your heart desires here.
Every time I visit this place, I feel inspired. It is a book enthusiasts dream.
2. Ulysses Rare Books
This one is every book lover's dream. It is a family-run business, very close to Hodges Figgis. Small, cute, but full of breath-taking old and rare book editions. They specialise in Irish Literature, but you will find great rare editions of world literature too. I saw an amazing rare edition of The Lord of the Rings there...
3. Dubray Books
Located in one of the busiest streets in Dublin, this bookstore lacks no charm. Three floors of pure enjoyment. You will find everything from your next must-read to a super specific interest book. Something will catch your eye. And, if you need a little break from the buzzing Grafton street, just pop in and breathe the bookish air.
4. Chapters Bookstore
An independent Irish bookstore established in 1983. They have the best second-hand section I have ever seen - the whole second floor is dedicated to second-hand titles. I love the atmosphere in this bookstore - intellectual and warm. It is a must go if you are visiting Baile Átha Cliath.
5. The Winding Stair
Named after the Yeats poem, it is not your regular bookstore. It is a bookstore and a restaurant. The location could not be better, overlooking the river Liffey and the Ha'penny Bridge. The bookshop is located on the ground floor and is just unbelievably charming. It contains new titles as well as a second-hand section. And, if you get hungry, just go up the stairs for a hearty Irish meal. Can it get any better?
Of course, there are many more I adore, but these ones are the ones I seek out frequently.
I would love to hear from you too - do you like exploring bookstores when you travel to new places? Do you think bookstores are an important part of the town's soul and history? What are your favourite bookstores in Dublin?
Let me know on my Instagram or Twitter.
