Dublin’s Best Bookshops (2026 Literary Guide)
Ar an gComhartha Seo — On this sign
- Hodges Figgis (Ireland’s Oldest Bookshop)
- The Winding Stair
- Books Upstairs
- Eason
- Waterstones
- Cathach Books (Rare and Antiquarian)
- The Gutter Bookshop
- Trinity College Library and Book of Kells
- Marsh’s Library
- Other Dublin Bookshops
- Dublin Author Events
- Dublin Literary Festivals
- Self-Guided Dublin Bookshop Walking Tour
- Dublin Bookshop Opening Hours
- Combining Bookshops with Literary Dublin
- Recommended Irish Authors to Buy in Dublin
- Cafe-Bookshops in Dublin
- Budget for Dublin Book Shopping
- Buying Signed Books in Dublin
- Second-Hand and Charity Shop Books
- Dublin Literary Atmosphere
- Dublin Bookshop Tips for Visitors
- Dublin Bookshops: FAQ
- Keep Reading
Dublin is one of the world’s great literary cities. UNESCO designated Dublin a City of Literature in 2010, recognising the city that produced four Nobel laureates (Yeats, Shaw, Beckett, Heaney), James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, Jonathan Swift, and contemporary authors including Sally Rooney and Paul Lynch. The city’s bookshops reflect this heritage with deep Irish literature sections, quality independent retailers, rare and antiquarian specialists, and the world-famous Trinity College Long Room library. This guide covers every significant Dublin bookshop with practical detail on what each offers.
It sits alongside our complete Dublin shopping guide, which covers the wider picture.
Hodges Figgis (Ireland’s Oldest Bookshop)
Hodges Figgis at 56-58 Dawson Street is Ireland’s oldest bookshop, founded 1768. The four-floor shop houses one of Ireland’s most comprehensive book collections including the strongest Irish literature section in the city. The shop appears in James Joyce’s Ulysses where Leopold Bloom passes its window. The current building has been the bookshop’s home since 1968. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm (extended Thursday hours), Sunday 12pm-6pm.
Hodges Figgis has separate floors for fiction, non-fiction, children’s, Irish interest, art and design, and a dedicated Irish literature section that’s arguably the most extensive in the country. The shop hosts regular author events and book launches. The Irish books section is the place to buy Joyce, Yeats, Beckett, Wilde, Sally Rooney, and other Irish authors in quality editions including signed copies when available.
The Winding Stair
The Winding Stair at 40 Ormond Quay Lower is Dublin’s most iconic independent bookshop. The shop overlooks the Liffey near the Halfpenny Bridge. The first floor has the bookshop with strong Irish literature and contemporary fiction; the upstairs Winding Stair Restaurant is one of Dublin’s best lunch and dinner destinations with Irish cuisine and Liffey views.
The Winding Stair has been in operation since 1982 (although the building’s literary connection goes back further). The shop hosts intimate author events and reading clubs. The Irish poetry and small press section is particularly strong. Open daily 11am-6pm with extended evening hours for the restaurant. Combine the bookshop browse with lunch upstairs for a perfect literary Dublin afternoon.
Books Upstairs
Books Upstairs at 17 D’Olier Street (College Green) is a politically-focused independent bookshop with strong literary and social science sections. The shop has been a Dublin literary institution since 1978, hosting Irish and international authors at regular evening events. Politics, philosophy, history, and Irish-focused contemporary writing are particular strengths.
The shop’s upstairs cafe (when open) provides a quiet reading space. Open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm. The shop’s annual events programme and Irish literary criticism section make it a destination for serious readers. Particularly good for academic Irish studies books and contemporary political writing.
Eason
Eason at 40 O’Connell Street is the Irish bookshop chain’s flagship and Ireland’s largest bookshop. The four-floor shop combines bestsellers, Irish literature, children’s books, magazines, newspapers, and stationery. Less specialised than Hodges Figgis but with strong stock depth across general categories. Open daily 8am-7pm (later weekends). Multiple Eason branches throughout Dublin including the Jervis Centre, Henry Street, and shopping centres.
Eason is the most reliable mainstream bookshop for tourists wanting bestsellers, family travel books, children’s books, and stationery alongside basic Irish literature. The O’Connell Street flagship has a strong cafe and frequent book signing events. For non-fiction including biography, history, and current affairs, the flagship’s top floor has the strongest selection in central Dublin.
Waterstones
Waterstones at Dawson Street (just opposite Hodges Figgis) is the UK chain’s Dublin flagship. The three-floor shop combines bestsellers with strong fiction, children’s, and specialist sections. Waterstones’ Irish branch maintains a strong Irish literature section despite being a British chain. The cafe on the first floor is a popular Dublin meeting spot. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm.
Cathach Books (Rare and Antiquarian)
Cathach Books at 10 Duke Street specialises in rare and antiquarian Irish books. The small shop carries first editions of Joyce, Yeats, Beckett, Wilde, and other major Irish authors at premium prices reflecting collector value. The shop is run by Enda Cunningham, a respected Dublin bookseller for decades. Hours by appointment or limited posted opening times.
For serious Irish literature collectors, Cathach is the destination. A first edition Ulysses (Paris, 1922) can sell for €30,000+; signed Heaney editions €500-2000; older Irish poetry first editions €100-500. Cathach also handles estate sales of Irish book collections. Even browsing the displays is rewarding for literary visitors.
The Gutter Bookshop
The Gutter Bookshop at Cow’s Lane in Temple Bar is an independent bookshop with strong contemporary fiction and children’s sections. The shop takes its name from Oscar Wilde’s “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm. The shop hosts regular author events and runs a popular book club programme.
Trinity College Library and Book of Kells
While not a bookshop, the Trinity College Library Old Library deserves mention as Dublin’s most spectacular book space. The Long Room (1732) contains 200,000+ ancient books in floor-to-ceiling oak shelving. The Book of Kells exhibition displays the 9th-century illuminated gospel manuscript. The Trinity College gift shop sells facsimile editions, books on Irish literature, and Trinity-branded items. €25 adult, €19 student/senior, free under-12s for the Book of Kells exhibition.
Marsh’s Library
Marsh’s Library at St Patrick’s Close is Ireland’s first public library, founded 1707. The library holds 25,000 books and manuscripts, including Jonathan Swift’s personal collection with his marginal annotations. The original 18th-century reading desks (with sloping tops) and book cages are preserved. €5 admission, open Monday-Saturday 9:30am-1pm, 2pm-5pm. Allow 45-60 minutes.
Marsh’s Library is not a bookshop — books cannot be borrowed and the collection is for reference only. But for visitors interested in book history and Jonathan Swift’s Dublin, the library is essential. The atmosphere of 18th-century book scholarship is unique and preserved exceptionally well.
Other Dublin Bookshops
- Marrowbone Books — Phibsborough. Small independent with strong literary focus.
- Stoneybatter Books — Stoneybatter (when open).
- Eason Henry Street — Northside Eason branch.
- Various Eason branches — Multiple Dublin shopping centre locations.
- National Library Bookshop — Kildare Street. Yeats and Irish literature focus.
- The Irish Whiskey Museum bookshop — Whiskey and food related books.
- The Tea Room bookshop — Smithfield area independent.
- Various charity shop book sections — Camden Street, Capel Street, Drumcondra. Cheap second-hand finds.
- Trinity College Library Gift Shop — Books and gifts for visitors.
- The Hugh Lane Gallery bookshop — Art books and Dublin literature.
Dublin Author Events
Dublin’s bookshop scene is exceptionally active with author events. Hodges Figgis, Waterstones, Books Upstairs, the Winding Stair, and the Gutter Bookshop all run regular author events throughout the year. Event programmes are advertised in shop windows, on individual bookshop websites, and through the Dublin International Literature Festival (mid-May annual event).
Major recent Dublin author event venues have included Brown Thomas (for Sally Rooney), the National Library of Ireland (for academic literary events), the Hugh Lane Gallery (for art-focused literary events), and various Trinity College venues. Most events are free or low-cost (€5-15). Booking essential for major author events especially during Dublin International Literature Festival.
Dublin Literary Festivals
- Dublin International Literature Festival (mid-May) — Largest Irish literary festival. Major international authors visit Dublin venues.
- Bloomsday (16 June) — James Joyce celebration. Readings throughout the city.
- Dublin Book Festival (mid-November) — Cultural celebration of Irish books.
- One Dublin One Book (April) — The city reads a single book together with events.
- Heritage Week (mid-August) — Free literary events at heritage sites.
- Bram Stoker Festival (late October) — Gothic literature celebration.
- International Children’s Theatre Festival — Various dates with children’s literature events.
- Dublin Writers Festival — Annual event (when running).
Self-Guided Dublin Bookshop Walking Tour
This 3-hour walking route covers Dublin’s major bookshops:
- Start: Hodges Figgis, Dawson Street — 45 minutes browsing Ireland’s oldest bookshop.
- Cross to Waterstones, Dawson Street — 30 minutes browsing the UK chain.
- Walk to Cathach Books, Duke Street — Window browse rare and antiquarian (limited hours).
- Walk south to Books Upstairs, D’Olier Street — 30 minutes politics and Irish literary focus.
- Cross to Temple Bar and The Gutter Bookshop, Cow’s Lane — 30 minutes independent contemporary.
- Walk to The Winding Stair, Ormond Quay Lower — Browse the iconic bookshop. Optional lunch at the restaurant upstairs.
- Optional final stop: Eason, O’Connell Street — The Irish flagship for bestsellers and basics.
Total walking distance about 3km. Add 60 minutes for Marsh’s Library if literary interest extends to historical libraries. Combine with the Dublin Writers Museum, the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI), or the James Joyce Centre for a full literary Dublin day.
Dublin Bookshop Opening Hours
- Hodges Figgis: Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm (8pm Thursday), Sunday 12pm-6pm.
- Waterstones: Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm.
- Eason O’Connell Street: Daily 8am-7pm (extended weekends).
- The Winding Stair: Daily 11am-6pm.
- Books Upstairs: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm.
- The Gutter Bookshop: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm.
- Cathach Books: Limited hours, mainly by appointment.
- Marsh’s Library: Monday-Saturday 9:30am-1pm, 2pm-5pm.
- Trinity College Library (Book of Kells): Daily 9:30am-5pm.
Combining Bookshops with Literary Dublin
Dublin’s bookshops combine naturally with the city’s literary heritage attractions. Hodges Figgis browsing + Trinity College Long Room and Book of Kells (both on Dawson Street area). Books Upstairs + the National Library Yeats Exhibition (free, 10 minutes walk). The Winding Stair + James Joyce Centre (5 minutes walk). Marsh’s Library + St Patrick’s Cathedral (Jonathan Swift connection). Cathach Books + a Dublin Literary Pub Crawl (8pm departure from The Duke pub, Thursday and Friday). For comprehensive literary Dublin coverage see our Dublin Writers and Landmarks guide.
Recommended Irish Authors to Buy in Dublin
For visitors wanting to buy Irish books in Dublin, the following authors are worth exploring across different periods and styles. Classic Irish literature: James Joyce (Dubliners most accessible, Ulysses challenging masterpiece), W.B. Yeats (Collected Poems), Samuel Beckett (Waiting for Godot, Endgame), Oscar Wilde (The Picture of Dorian Gray), Bram Stoker (Dracula), Jonathan Swift (Gulliver’s Travels, satirical essays).
Mid-20th century Irish writers: Brendan Behan (Borstal Boy, The Quare Fellow), Patrick Kavanagh (Collected Poems), Edna O’Brien (Country Girls Trilogy), Maeve Binchy (Circle of Friends). Contemporary Irish literature: Roddy Doyle (Barrytown Trilogy starting with The Commitments), Anne Enright (The Gathering — Booker Prize 2007), Colm Tóibín (Brooklyn, The Master), Sebastian Barry (The Secret Scripture), Eimear McBride (A Girl is a Half-formed Thing), Sally Rooney (Normal People, Beautiful World Where Are You), Paul Lynch (Prophet Song — Booker Prize 2023). Irish poetry: Seamus Heaney (Death of a Naturalist, North), Eavan Boland, Paula Meehan, Nick Laird.
Cafe-Bookshops in Dublin
Several Dublin bookshops combine books with cafe spaces for relaxed reading and book browsing. The Winding Stair has its restaurant upstairs — arguably the most beloved bookshop-restaurant in Dublin. The Gutter Bookshop has a small attached cafe space. Books Upstairs at D’Olier Street has a popular upstairs cafe (when running). Waterstones Dawson Street has a first-floor cafe. Bewley’s Café on Grafton Street is not a bookshop but maintains a literary atmosphere with daily readings and the Café Theatre programme. Many Dublin independent cafes including Brother Hubbard, Two Pups Coffee, and Wuff stock small selections of books from local authors for sale alongside coffee.
Budget for Dublin Book Shopping
Realistic Dublin book shopping budgets: Casual book shopping: €30-100 for a few paperback Irish classics and a contemporary novel. Serious literary purchases: €100-300 covering quality hardback editions, signed copies, and recent Irish award winners. Collector book purchases: €300-1000+ for first editions and rare items at Cathach Books. Premium gift sets: €100-200 for boxed Irish literature collections from major bookshops.
Books are heavy and may push luggage over weight limits if buying significant quantities. Many Dublin bookshops offer international shipping for €15-40 per package — often cheaper than airline excess baggage charges. Hodges Figgis and Waterstones both reliably ship internationally.
Buying Signed Books in Dublin
For Irish literature collectors, signed copies are widely available in Dublin. Hodges Figgis routinely stocks signed copies of major Irish authors including Sally Rooney, Anne Enright, and Paul Lynch. Books Upstairs has signed copies from author events. Waterstones runs signed copy promotions for major releases. The Dublin International Literature Festival (mid-May) provides opportunities to attend author events and get books signed in person. The Sally Rooney book launches have been particular Dublin events with signed copies selling out quickly. For older signed editions, Cathach Books holds collector-grade signed material.
Second-Hand and Charity Shop Books
Dublin’s charity shop scene offers excellent second-hand book bargains. Major Dublin charity shops with strong book sections include Oxfam (multiple locations including Drumcondra and Rathmines), Vincent de Paul (multiple locations), Enable Ireland, and the Irish Cancer Society (multiple locations). Books typically €1-5 per title with occasional rare finds among general stock. The St Vincent de Paul shop on Camden Street is particularly known for Irish literary books. The Oxfam Bookshop on South Great George’s Street is Ireland’s only dedicated charity bookshop, specialising in second-hand books with a strong selection of Irish literature. Excellent for finding older editions of Joyce, Yeats, and other classics at fractional new-book prices.
Dublin Literary Atmosphere
Beyond the bookshops themselves, Dublin’s literary atmosphere supports an active reading culture. Many Dublin cafes welcome readers spending hours over single coffees — particularly Bewley’s Café, the Winding Stair Restaurant, the IFI Cafe, Brother Hubbard, and Two Pups Coffee. The National Library Reading Room (free with simple registration) provides one of Dublin’s most beautiful free quiet reading spaces. Trinity College’s Long Room library is admired (paid entry) but cannot be used as a reading space. The Marsh’s Library reading room can be used for serious research (€5 admission). The Hugh Lane Gallery library is occasionally open for art research. For visitors wanting reading time in Dublin, the cafe-bookshop combinations and the National Library Reading Room provide the best free options.
Dublin Bookshop Tips for Visitors
- Visit Hodges Figgis first — The widest selection in one place.
- Browse without pressure — Irish bookshops welcome slow browsing.
- Ask staff for Irish author recommendations — Bookshop staff are typically knowledgeable about contemporary Irish writing.
- Check author events calendar — Many bookshops run free events worth attending.
- Use the Winding Stair Restaurant — Lunch break in the iconic literary setting.
- Allow time at Marsh’s Library — Allow 45-60 minutes for the historical library visit.
- Don’t forget the Trinity Long Room — Even if you’ve seen the Book of Kells, the library itself is worth dedicated viewing time.
- Combine with the Dublin Writers Museum — Currently in transition to new premises; check status.
- Visit the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) — The contemporary Irish literature museum at Newman House.
- Ship books home if buying multiple — Cheaper than airline excess baggage.
Dublin Bookshops: FAQ
What is Ireland’s oldest bookshop?
Hodges Figgis at 56-58 Dawson Street, Dublin, founded 1768. The four-floor shop houses one of Ireland’s most comprehensive book collections including the strongest Irish literature section in the city. The shop appears in James Joyce’s Ulysses. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm.
What is the best bookshop in Dublin?
Hodges Figgis is most commonly cited for breadth of stock and historical pedigree. The Winding Stair on Ormond Quay Lower is the most beloved independent bookshop with its iconic restaurant upstairs. Books Upstairs has the strongest politics and Irish literary criticism section. Each serves different needs.
Where can I buy rare Irish books?
Cathach Books at 10 Duke Street specialises in rare and antiquarian Irish books including first editions of Joyce, Yeats, Beckett, and Wilde at premium prices. Hours are limited — often by appointment. For estate book sales and serious collector items, Cathach is the Dublin destination.
Can I attend author events at Dublin bookshops?
Yes — Hodges Figgis, Waterstones, Books Upstairs, the Winding Stair, and the Gutter Bookshop all run regular author events. Events are advertised in shop windows and on bookshop websites. Most events are free or low-cost (€5-15). Booking essential for major author events, especially during the Dublin International Literature Festival in mid-May.
Is the Trinity College Library a bookshop?
No — Trinity College Library is a working academic library, not a bookshop. However, the Long Room library (1732) with 200,000+ ancient books is one of Dublin’s most spectacular interiors. The Trinity College gift shop sells Book of Kells facsimile editions, Irish literature, and Trinity merchandise. €25 adult admission to the library and Book of Kells exhibition.
What is The Winding Stair?
The Winding Stair at 40 Ormond Quay Lower is Dublin’s most iconic independent bookshop overlooking the Liffey near the Halfpenny Bridge. The first floor has the bookshop with strong Irish literature; upstairs is the Winding Stair Restaurant — one of Dublin’s best dining destinations. The shop has been in operation since 1982. Open daily 11am-6pm.
Where do I buy Irish poetry collections?
Hodges Figgis on Dawson Street has the strongest Irish poetry section including major editions of Yeats, Heaney, Kavanagh, Boland, and contemporary poets. Books Upstairs at D’Olier Street stocks academic poetry criticism. The Winding Stair excels at smaller press and Irish poetry collections. Cathach Books has rare first edition Irish poetry for serious collectors.
Are Dublin bookshops open Sundays?
Most major Dublin bookshops open Sundays 12pm-6pm including Hodges Figgis, Waterstones, Eason, Books Upstairs, and The Gutter Bookshop. The Winding Stair opens daily. Smaller independent bookshops including Cathach Books may have limited Sunday hours. Specialist libraries including Marsh’s Library are closed Sundays.
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