Dublin's Best Bookshops
The Winding Stair Bookshop – Bachelors Walk
The Winding Stair Bookshop is one of the oldest surviving independent bookshops in Dublin. Just a stone’s throw from the famous Ha’Penny Bridge, the small, relaxed store is right in the heart of Dublin 1. The front part of the shop stocks new books, while the section at the back of the shop stocks second-hand books.
The Gutter Bookshop - Temple Bar
Strange name for a bookshop, eh? If you’re wondering, think about one of Oscar Wilde’s famous sayings… 'We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.' The store (Independent Book Store of the Year 2017 in Britain & Ireland), is located right in the heart of cultural Temple Bar. Stocking a great range of books, look out for their Staff Picks, book readings, stationary, and great section for kid’s books.
Dubray Books - Grafton Street
Right in the middle of one of Dublin’s most famous streets – you’re bound to be passing by this bookshop during your stay!
Housing one of Dublin’s biggest selection of books, you might just find it easy to spend an hour (or more) exploring Dubray’s three fabulous floors (And you can treat yourself in their café too)
Ulysses Rare Books - Off Grafton Street
Step back in time and visit Ulysses Rare Books just off Grafton Street (On Duke Street). A book lovers dream, this quaint bookshop is Dublin's one of the city’s most famous. If you have been searching for a book for a long time… you might just have success here!
Hodges Figgis - Dawson Street
It’s fair to say it’s a book lover’s paradise, and quite easy to spend hours browsing their vast array of books. Just a short distance from Trinity College, Hodges Figgis has a lovely atmosphere, a great team who will help in your book search, and books on almost every topic!
Books Upstairs – D'Olier Street
Located on the famous D'Olier Street, Books Upstairs has a great range of Irish and international books, book reviews, new books, Dublin literature, poetry books, poetry readings, and staff who know books better than anyone else! A true Dublin bookstore, this is a real Dublin literary venue, be sure to stop by and immerse yourself in a gem of Irish literature.
So why not get out and explore the best of Dublin’s literary scene… from the Phoenix Park gates to Joyce, Wilde, and Yeats, discover the stories of Dublin’s literary legends on Dublin’s No.1 bus tour.
You may know that Dublin is rich in literary history… from Brendan Behan, to Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, Doyle (Roddy, that is), Samuel Beckett, Sean O'Casey, Shaw, Synge, Yeats and many more besides. You may even notice a few Dublin writers on street corners or hidden in the city parks, so keep your eye out for George Bernard Shaw at the National Gallery, Oscar Wilde at Merrion Square, and James Joyce on North Earl Street.
DoDublin even have our very own poets and playwrights, check out this great example from one of our guides. And the famous authors have all spent time in Dublin’s most famous public houses!
So in a city brimming with literary history, you’re sure to find some great bookstores. DoDublin have compiled a list of our favourites… hop off the city tour to explore some of these amazing stores!
