Bookstores are an essential cultural atmosphere in Ireland, a green island that has nurtured many poets and writers. Studying in Ireland after immigrating to Ireland, visiting bookstores feels more like a post-meal entertainment activity. You can see elderly men sitting on couches in the bookstore, falling asleep with books in their hands, and young people sitting on the floor, browsing through a pile of reference books. Here, time seems to stand still, and everything is so harmonious and pleasant.
1) Charlie Byrne’s, Galway
Charlie Byrne’s, a celebrity in Ireland’s bookstore scene, was established in 1989 in Galway. The bookstore houses over 100,000 books, and you are sure to find a book that belongs to you.
2) The Book Centre, Waterford
The Book Centre in Waterford, Ireland, was originally a cinema, and now it has become a paradise for book lovers. Enjoying a hot drink in the café at one corner of the center while reading a good book is a great weekend choice.
3) Vibes and Scribes, Cork
Vibes & Scribes in Cork is a well-known second-hand bookstore where you can buy cheap used books, and there are also many beautifully handcrafted books for sale, making it a great place for treasure hunting.
4) Chapters, Dublin
Chapters, Ireland's largest independent bookstore, offers a wide selection of classic literature and foreign translated novels for readers, as well as second-hand book exchange services. With two floors of space, you are sure to get ‘lost’ here.
5) O’Mahony’s, Limerick
One of the oldest bookstores in Ireland, established in 1902. The new decor gives the bookstore a modern feel, but it has been welcoming readers from its owners' family for a century.
6) O’Donovan Bookshop, Skibbereen
A small bookstore located in Skibbereen, County Cork, although unassuming, it has a variety of books and is part of the local community's daily life.
7) The Gutter Bookshop, Dublin
The Gutter Bookshop located in Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is a new bookstore in the famous bar area of Temple Bar, a bold idea indeed, but the Irish have done it. The name “The Gutter” is inspired by a famous quote from Irish poet Oscar Wilde, adding a unique touch.
8) Crannóg Bookshop, Cavan
Founded in 1996, Crannóg Bookshop was awarded the title of Best Bookstore of the Year in 2011. Today it continues to serve the local residents by providing them with the best books.
9) No Alibis, Belfast
No Alibis, located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is the only bookstore in Ireland dedicated exclusively to crime literature, distinctive and unique. Mystery and detective genre enthusiasts must not miss it.
10) Dubray Books, Dublin
Located on Grafton Street, Dublin's busiest shopping street, the bookstore's existence signifies its exceptional quality due to the high rental costs.
11) Bridge Street Books, Wicklow
12) The Company of Books, Dublin
13) The Big Bang, Dundrum Town Centre
A comic bookstore located in the Dundrum Shopping Center in Dublin is a favorite among many comic book enthusiasts and geeks. Visiting here gives you a sense of the TV show “The Big Bang Theory.” Friendly reminder: new comic books arrive every Wednesday.
14) The Clifden Bookshop, Galway
Located in Galway, The Clifden Bookshop primarily offers books on Irish and local Galway history, making it a great choice if you want to learn more about Galway.
15) The Winding Stair, Dublin
16) Foyle Books, Derry
Located in Derry, this bookstore specializes in music books, and you can also find various music CDs and other music-related collectibles here.
17) Whyte Books, Schull
Considered the most famous bookstore in West County Cork, this bookstore faces the sea. Here, ordering a coffee and pastry while reading a good book truly feels like facing the sea with spring in full bloom.