Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Dublin Live
Dublin Live
Lifestyle
Brian Dillon

Best bookshops in Dublin: Where to find the best reads in the city

Dublin is home to an array of wonderful and diverse book shops for the readers among us.

From beloved institutions such as Chapters to the aptly named Secret Book Store, the bookworms of Dublin really are treated to a wonderful array of spots to find their next read.

Whether it's crime, romance, non-fiction, sport, cooking or anything in between that tickles your fancy, we decided to come up with a handy guide to the best bookshops in Dublin.

Here are the nine best bookshops in Dublin.

Read more: Kellie Harrington to release autobiography written with Roddy Doyle

Chapters

Located on Parnell Street, Chapters was almost gone forever before it opened under new management. The two-storey shop is a mecca for books of all kinds, including best sellers, history, crime, psychology and much more.

Chapters Bookstore (Collins Photo Agency)

The Secret Book and Record Store

Be careful, as you could easily miss The Secret Book and Record Store on Wicklow Street. Follow a narrow corridor to discover stacks of novels and records. It is truly one of the best places to discover great books both new and second hand.

Hodges Figgis

Hodges Figgis' journey began all the way back in 1768. Now located on Dawson Street under the Waterstones group, this shop stocks a huge selection of books relating to Ireland as well as reads of all genres including philosophy, fiction and children's books.

Books Upstairs

Another historical bookshop in Dublin comes in the form of Books Upstairs on D'Olier Street. Having been in operation since 1978, it has become a favourite for book lovers in the city.

As well as a wide range of titles, Books Upstairs also offers book bundles, allowing customers to choose a theme, write about what they enjoy reading and receive a specially curated selection of books for their specific tastes.

Oxfam Books

Oxfam Books on Parliament Street is a lovely little charity shop with quite an extensive selection of titles, with genres ranging from history to fiction.

With everything being second hand, you'll find some great bargains here.

Oxfam Books on Parliament Street (Brian Dillon)

The Gutter Bookshops

The Gutter Bookshop on Cow's Lane in Temple Bar and in Dalkey prides itself on offering readers titles that they would struggle to find somewhere else.

The shop also hosts a number of book-related events and clubs.

Connolly Books

Also located in Temple Bar is Connolly Books on Essex Street.

Self-proclaimed as Ireland's oldest radical bookshop, it has been there since 1932 specialising in titles in the genres of politics, social activism, philosophy, feminism and Irish history.

Named after James Connolly, the shop's history is as rich as its selection of titles.

Alan Hanna's Bookshop

Alan Hanna's Bookshop in Ranelagh specialises in Irish literature and history while also stocking best-sellers, drama, fiction, art and more.

Additionally, there is the opportunity to grab a treat and a coffee in the shop's cafe.

Ulysses Rare Books

You'll find Ulysses Rare Books on Duke Street. This spot specialises in antiquarian books; 20th century Irish literature in particular.

The shop has an impressive stock of editions by by James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, W.B. Yeats, Samuel Beckett, Seamus Heaney, Brendan Behan and Flann O'Brien.

Read more: New crime novel deep dives into Dublin's heroin epidemic, rave scene, and gangland world

Read more: Amy Huberman to release first children's book this year

Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletterto get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.