I know you, dear wandering educators. I know you’re always on the lookout for bookshops while you travel (because, well, BOOKS). And where better to find bookshops than in Dublin, an entirely literary city (much like Paris, where we found over 20 English bookstores!).  Dublin is a UNESCO City of Literature, where writers are celebrated and people love to read. You can discover more about literary Dublin here.  And if you need a place to stay in Dublin, here are Dublin's top rated hotels (click for rates and availability).

Are you ready to read?

Here we go, in alphabetical order…

Oscar Wilde, Merrion Square, Dublin. Photo Wikimedia Commons: Bea, adapted by Wandering Educators

Alan Hanna’s Bookshop

This bookshop is over 30 years old, and is now run by the 4th generation of family. A large selection of new books, including Irish interest. Helpful staff, AND a coffee shop!

270 Lower Rathmines Road
Rathmines
Dublin 6
+353 1 4967398
http://www.alanhannas.com/

Photo courtesy and copyright Alan Hanna’s Bookshop

Archway Books

Located in Blackrock Market, this shop features used books. Also in Blackrock, you can find Kavanaugh Books and Market Books. Only open Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-5:30pm.

19a Main Street
Blackrock, Dublin
+353 1 283 3522
http://blackrockmarket.com/

Photos courtesy and copyright Blackrock Market

Book Worms

Right across the street from large chain store Eason’s, this is a small, cozy gem. Selling both new and used books, there is also a strong focus on Irish literature.

75 Middle Abbey Street
Dublin 1

+353 1 8735772

Books Upstairs

Located near Trinity College, this small bookshop has a lovely selection in a wide range of topics. Founded in 1978, this shop has an excellent staff and commitment to good books.

36 College Green Dublin 2
phone 01 6796687
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Books-Upstairs/249287641781861

Photo flickr cc: Antonio Fiol

Books on the Green

A small bookshop, with plenty of Ireland books, kids books, and more.

2 Seafort Avenue,
Sandymount Village,
Dublin 4.
01 2837909

http://www.booksonthegreen.com/

Chapters

The largest independent bookstore in Dublin, you can find just about anything here, from new to used. At 30 years old, they certainly know their way around books! Here you’ll also find the Lighthouse Cinema Bookclub, and can rent the self-guided audio walking James Joyce ‘Dubliners’ Tour.

1 Ivy Exchange,

Parnell Street, Dublin D1
+353 1 872 3297
http://chapters.ie/

Connolly Books

This is Dublin’s oldest radical bookshop, and sells books in Irish history, Marxist classics, and more.

43 East Essex Street
Dublin 2      
(01)    6708707
http://www.communistpartyofireland.ie/cbooks/

Photo Wikimedia Commons: Andrius Burlega

De Búrca Rare Books

Over 20,000 rare books are located in this posh antiquarian bookshop.

51a Dawson St
Dublin 2
+353 1 6719609
http://www.deburcararebooks.com/dawson.html

Dervish Books & Holistic Center Dublin

An alternative store that sells books and accoutrements for spirituality, healing, relaxation, and holistic living.

7 Aungier Street
Dublin
+353 1 475 9000

http://www.dervishdublinholistics.com/

Photo courtesy and copyright Dervish Books & Holistic Center

Dubray

With 6 locations in Dublin, as well as Galway, Kilkenny, and Bray, this bookshop started in Bray, and eventually expanded (as you can see). All new books, in a family-founded large independent bookstore. Readings, bookclubs, and more.

http://www.dubraybooks.ie/

Eason

Founded in 1819 (as Johnston & Co), this bookstore is now one of the biggest, selling books, magazines, and newspapers. There are more than 60 locations throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland. The flagship store is located in O’Connell Street.

http://www.easons.com/

It seems that this photo was taken at a trade exhibition, perhaps in Dublin. The Eason's "stand" is an absolute delight and certainly showcases all that this business (still thriving) had to offer, including personal and office stationery, prayer books, and its circulating libraries. Photos at the top of the stand show the size of Eason's enterprise including their Belfast premises at 17 Donegall Street; Eason's Printing Office and Bindery at Gloucester Street, Dublin; and the shop at Middle Abbey Street, Dublin. Wikimedia Commons: National Library of Ireland on The Commons.

Forbidden Planet

A large, well-known comics store with locations in 26 cities.

5-6 Crampton Quay
Dublin 2
+353 1 6710688
http://www.forbiddenplanet.co.uk/

Hodges Figgis

Ireland’s oldest bookshop! Founded in 1768, this venerable bookstore is now owned by Waterstone’s. It was mentioned in James Joyce’s Ulysses. Relaxed atmosphere, and extremely helpful and knowledgeable staff (which you’ll need, because the place is so large).

56-58 Dawson Street
Dublin 2
+353 1 6774754
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hodges-Figgis/381680888618026

Wikimedia commons: smirkybec

International Books

Known as the language specialists, this shop has everything you need to learn all sorts of languages.

18 South Frederick Street
Dublin 2
+353 1 6799375
http://www.internationalbooks.ie/

Photo courtesy and copyright International Books

Irish Film Institute Film Shop

Of course, you’ll find films here – but also plenty of amazing books about, yes, Irish Film.

6 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
+353 1 679 5744
http://www.ifi.ie/shop/

Photo courtesy and copyright IFI Film Shop

Photo Wikimedia Commons: DubhEire

Raven Books

Both new and used books; this shop is a gem.

34 Main Street
Blackrock, Dublin 00000
+353 1 278 9509
http://www.ravenbooks.ie/

Sinn Fein Bookstore and Café

This is a must visit if you’re interested in learning about the history and politics of Ireland. They sell Irish Republican books and merchandise. There are stores in many other cities; there is also a Rebel Walking Tour you can take from here. From their facebook page: "The Rebel Walking Tour also leaves from the bookshop Mon - Fri @ 11.30am and costs €10per person and lasts approx 1 hour 45 mins. Call us on: 01-8148542"

58 Parnell Square
Dublin 1
+353 1 8148542
http://www.sinnfeinbookshop.com/

Stokes Books

Founded in 1983, you’ll find plenty of used books here – over 10,000 volumes! Stokes also focuses on Irish history and literature. Located in beautiful Georges Street Arcade, Dublin’s oldest (and only) indoor market.

19, George's Street Arcade,
South Great George's Street,
Dublin 2.
(01) 6713584
http://www.georgesstreetarcade.ie/stokes-books/

Photo courtesy and copyright Georges Street Arcade

Photo Wikimedia Commons: Peter Gerken

Sweny’s

Remember the pharmacy from James Joyce’s Ulysses? None other than Sweny’s, now a (very small) used bookstore run by volunteers. You can also find local crafts and a very famous lemon-scented soap!  I love their description from the facebook page: “Quite possibly Dublin's worst Pharmacy. Est. 1847 and immortalised in Joyce's Ulysses, we sell books, lemon soap, have readings and imbibe in all things Joycean.” Take a virtual tour here.

1 Lincoln Place
Dublin 2.
(At the top of Westland Row)
http://sweny.ie

Wikimedia Commons: Clemensfranz

Temple Bar Book Market

An outdoor book market (used books), held every Saturday and Sunday from 11am-6pm. Book traders include Alice Walsh Books, Evelyn and Peter Murray, Joe Murray, and Taney Books.

Temple Bar Square,
Temple Bar,
Dublin 2
http://www.templebar.ie/markets/article/temple-bar-book-market

Photo flickr cc: Barnacles Budget Accommodation

The Big Bang.

A well-known comic store, you’re sure to get your comic fix here. Be sure to peruse the photos on their facebook page – inspiring!

Pembroke District
Dundrum Town Center, Dublin16
+353 1 216 5093
https://www.facebook.com/TheBigBangIE/timeline

A few regulars. Photo courtesy and copyright The Big Bang.

The Company of Books

All new books. This store started in 2009, and features an online book club.

Ranelagh, Dublin 6.
T: 01 4975413
http://www.thecompanyofbooks.ie/

Photo courtesy and copyright the Company of Books

The Gutter Bookshop

Also opened in 2009, this store is named after Oscar Wilde’s epigram, ‘We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars' – a fitting name for a bookstore, indeed. Two locations mean twice the goodness. All new books, very helpful staff, and some cute gifts and stationery.

Cow’s Lane
Temple Bar
Dublin 8
Tel: (00353) 1 6799206

20 Railway Road
Dalkey
Co Dublin
Tel: (00353) 1 2859633
http://www.gutterbookshop.com/

Photo courtesy and copyright The Gutter Bookshop

The Secret Book & Record Store

Offering used books and records, this bookstore is ‘secret’ in that you have to find it! Look for the sort of hidden entrance (if you see a barber pole, you’re there!) to enter this great store full of interesting books and records.

15A Wicklow Street
Dublin 2
+353 1 6797272
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Secret-Book-and-Record-Store/124706510933587

Photo courtesy and copyright The Secret Book and Record Store

The Village Bookshop

Selling new and used books, this charming shop is family-run. On their site, they note, “You’ll also find us at Dublin weekend markets in Marlay Park, Rathfarnham (Sat), People’s Park Dun Laoghaire (Sun) and Temple Bar (Sat-Sun).”

101 Terenure Road North
Dublin 6W

+353 1 551 2291
http://thevillagebookshop.ie/

Photo courtesy and copyright the Village Bookshop

Trinity College Library Bookshop

Of COURSE we’d mention this! I’m sure you’re headed to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells (and the Long Room), but be sure to stop at the bookshop to find treasures you can take home.

Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2.
Central Switchboard: +353 1 896 1000.
http://www.tcd.ie/Library/Shop/index.php

Photo Wikimedia commons: Athena Lao

Ulysses Rare Books

Formerly known as Cathach Books, Ulysses is an antiquarian bookstore where you can find books of Irish interest, as well as rare books.

10 Duke Street
Dublin 2
+353 1 671 8676
http://www.ulyssesrarebooks.com/

Photo courtesy and copyright Ulysses Rare Books

Waterstones

This large chain first opened in London in 1982, and one of their locations is here in Dublin. A relaxed shop, filled with people who love books.

Jervis Centre Mary Street
Dublin 1
Ireland
+353 1 8781311
http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/

Photo courtesy flickr cc: Gonzalo Sanchez del Pozo

Winding Stair

Named from the Yeats poem, "My soul. I summon to the winding ancient stair/Set all your mind upon the steep ascent…" This bookstore sells both new and used books, and plenty of Irish authors, literary magazines, and gifts. Also serves coffee, tea, and wine. LOVE.

40 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1
Lunch: 12pm-5pm, Dinner: 5:30pm-10:30pm
Telephone : + 353 1 8727320
http://winding-stair.com/

Photo flickr cc: Janet McKnight, adapted by Wandering Educators

There's a bistro upstairs (be sure to make a reservation)!

Photo flickr cc: Lisa Harbin

 

And a fond farewell to classic bookshops that have closed, including Greene’s bookshop.

 

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