Apart from being known for its Irish bars and Guinness, Dublin has been a UNESCO City of Literature since 2010. From W.B. Yeats to Bram Stoker and from Oscar Wilde to Johnathan Swift numerous infamous writers are associated with this place.
If you are studying at Trinity College Dublin or any other university in Dublin, you have much literary exploration to do in this city. The city of Dublin offers unique places to visit and has unique bookshops, which is perfect for bookworms. So, without any further ado, let’s dive right into the blog and look at what Dublin has to offer regarding bookshops.
This Blog Includes:
Chapters Bookstore
From fiction to non-fiction, no matter the genre, think about any book and you will find it at the Chapters Bookstore. Also, this bookstore is the largest independent bookstore in Ireland and is extremely enormous. Although the shop expands up to two floors, the shelves go on and on. While the ground floor is completely dedicated to new releases and new copies, the first floor has a great collection of second-hand books.
With a vast quantity of books in every genre, the prices of the books are also very attractive. If this bookshop is near your student housing in Ireland and you decide to go there, I am pretty sure that once you enter the bookshop, you will not return empty-handed.
Also Read: Discovering The Literary World: 5 Fascinating Bookshops in Birmingham
The Winding Stair
For all the literary fans, you would understand by the name that this bookshop is inspired by the poem of W.B. Yeats. This bookshop is an amalgamation of a cosy restaurant and a bookstore. It is perfect for students as they can spend as much time as they want. Another interesting fact about this bookstore is that it is one of the oldest surviving independent bookstores near student accommodation in Dublin.
From bestsellers to general fiction and gardening to current affairs, you can find a book of any genre at the Winding Stairs. This bookstore is more of an experience as you get to have the best of the best coffees, drinks and wines along with some amazing books that are written by Irish authors. They also offer amazing literary gifts like t-shirts, mugs, notebooks and more. If you are studying in Dublin, then this bookstore is a must-visit.
Books Upstairs
This bookshop in Dublin is one of the favourites of many students and locals. Being one of the oldest independent bookstores, Books Upstairs supports the positive role of books in society as well as the Irish culture. Historically, the bookstore focused more on literature, history and politics. By displaying underrated genres like philosophy, psychology, feminism, and gay literature, this bookstore was way ahead of its time.
Excited to start your new read but can’t get enough of this bookshop? Well, head upstairs to their cosy cafe and sip a cup of coffee or tea along with your new read. Also, Books Upstairs hosts literary events which include book launches, readings and discussions.
Hodges Figgis
The third oldest bookshop in the world and Ireland’s oldest bookshop, Hodges Figgis has been in operation since 1768. Apart from this, Hodges Figgis has been mentioned in one of the most books ‘Ulysses’ by James Joyce and in ‘Conversation with Friends’ by Sally Rooney. This bookstore has a lot to offer and you can easily find many books across genres here.
Also Read: Exploring Literary Treasures: 6 Charming Bookshops in London
The Gutter Bookshop
Situated in the infamous Temple Bar District of Dublin, the Gutter Bookshop is an independent bookstore. It has a well-curated selection of non-fiction, general fiction, classics and new releases. As a student studying in Dublin, this bookshop is a must-visit. This bookshop has a great collection of children’s books and you can find a wide range of them here.
FAQs
There are around 200 bookshops in Ireland. The Booksellers Association of the United Kingdom and Ireland endeavours to maintain and grow this number through the promotion of books in Ireland.
Ireland’s oldest bookshop is Hodges Figgis and it has been in operation since 1768.
Trinity College Library, Dublin is one of the most famous libraries in Ireland.
Famous bookshops in Dublin include
-Chapters Bookstore
-The Winding Stair
-Books Upstairs
-Hodges Figgis
-The Gutter Bookshop
In Ireland, the average price of a book is around €12-€15. However, prices can vary based on the type of book and where you buy it. For example, children’s books or bestsellers might be a bit cheaper.
This was all about the bookshops in Dublin. If you happen to visit Dublin or you are already a student in Dublin, then make sure to explore these bookshops. They are a haven for all the book lovers and each bookstore has something unique to offer.
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