Do you love to lose yourself in a good book? I know I do. As a book lover, I like to visit best bookshops in Dublin whenever I can, and Dublin is full of them. Being Ireland’s “City of Literature,” this city has always inspired storytellers, from Oscar Wilde and James Joyce to Marian Keyes. Walking through Dublin, you feel that history in the air, but it is in its bookshops where you really feel at home.
These are the best spots for book lovers in Dublin. The kind of places where you can wander the shelves for hours, discover a hidden gem, and maybe even settle in with a coffee. Because let’s be honest, a good coffee and a good book make the perfect weekend.
Here are some of my favorite top 10 best bookshops in Dublin that every reader should visit at least once.
Dublin’s Top Bookshops for Bookworms
Hodges Figgis – most iconic bookstores on Dawson Street
Hodges Figgis is one of Dublin’s oldest and best bookshops, a place every reader quickly falls in love with. This hodges figgis bookshop Dublin spot sits right on Dawson Street in Dublin 2, just a short walk from Grafton Street.
The atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, and there are four levels waiting for you to explore. Each floor has something special, from classic literature and contemporary fiction to philosophy, art, and travel. My favorite part is the Irish Writing Room, filled with poetry, essays, and novels that capture Ireland’s heart and history.
This best bookstore in Dublin makes browsing easy and enjoyable. It’s wheelchair accessible, and there’s a lift to the first floor. You’ll also find quiet seating areas where you can relax or skim through a book before you buy.
There isn’t a café inside, but plenty are just around the corner. After picking your book, why not slip into one of Dublin’s best coffee spots nearby and let yourself get lost in your new read for a while?
Hodges Figgis opens Monday to Wednesday and Friday from 9 am to 7 pm. They stay open until 8 pm on Thursday. On Saturday and Sunday it runs from 12 pm to 6 pm. It’s no wonder this place is one of the best bookshop in Dublin.
The Winding Stair Bookshop – Independent Bookshop Beside Ha’penny Bridge
The Winding Stair is one of Dublin’s most charming little bookshops, sitting right on Aston Quay by the River Liffey, just steps from the famous Ha’penny Bridge. It has been a favorite for locals since it opened back in 1970 and still feels like one of the best bookshops in Dublin for anyone.
The shop itself is small but so charming. Every corner feels personal, and you can tell a lot of care goes into choosing the books. It’s honestly one of the best places to find rare books in Dublin, especially if you love titles that feel unique and meaningful.
What I love most is how the displays often reflect what is going on in the world, from cultural moments to important conversations. You will also find corners just for kids, which makes this one of the best bookstores in Dublin for kids and families. It is easy to spend hours here getting lost in the stories and the atmosphere.
Upstairs, there is a lovely restaurant with views over the river. After finding your next read, you can sit down with a coffee or meal and enjoy the feeling of the city around you.
If you are checking out the last bookshop Dublin scene, The Winding Stair should definitely be on your list. It is open every day from 10:30 AM to 6 PM and is easy to reach on foot or by bus from the city center.
Chapters – A Secondhand Heaven on Parnell Street
Chapters is Dublin’s most loved and one of the best bookshop, a true legend that almost closed its doors but made an incredible comeback. You’ll find it at the Ivy Exchange on Parnell Street, just a short walk from O’Connell Street. From the moment you walk in, it feels warm and special.
The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, with two levels to explore. Half of the shop is filled with secondhand books, making it one of the best secondhand bookshop in Dublin. Every corner has something new, from Irish poetry and sports to music, manga, and fantasy. You can even spot rare editions by authors like Brandon Sanderson and Murakami.
One of the coolest parts is the book trade-in system. You can bring your old books and get store credit, which is a fun way to shop. Everything is also listed online, and they offer same-day delivery, which makes it super easy if you already know where to buy books in Dublin.
Upstairs, there’s a small café with a garden area where you can sit with a coffee and enjoy your new reading. Between the great staff, huge selection, and relaxed atmosphere, this place truly stands out as one of the best book cafés and reading spots in Dublin, making every visit feel like a treat for book lovers.
If you’re searching for one of the best bookshops in Dublin, Chapters should be high on your list. It’s open Monday to Wednesday from 9 AM to 6 PM, stays open until 7 PM on Thursday and Friday, opens at 9 AM on Saturday and 10 AM on Sunday, and closes at 6 PM every day.
The Secret Book & Record Store – Hidden Gem on Wicklow Street
Ever come across a place that feels like a secret only locals know about? That’s The Secret Book & Record Store on Wicklow Street. The entrance is so tucked away you might walk right past it, but once you step inside, you’ll be hooked. Since 1994, this cozy little best bookshop in Dublin has been a go-to spot for anyone who loves stories, music, and the fun of finding something unexpected.
This isn’t just another shop. You’ll see everything from graphic novels and vintage paperbacks to rare records and little treasures you didn’t even know you were looking for. The shelves stretch high with both new and secondhand books, and the soft music playing from the record section makes the whole place feel alive.
The prices are super reasonable, and the staff are always friendly. Even their online store has that same chill, welcoming vibe. It’s the kind of place where you find a rare book, an old comic, or a vinyl record you didn’t even know existed. They ship fast, the secondhand deals are solid, and honestly, it just feels like a secret you want to share with your friends.
Open every day from 11 AM, it usually closes at 6:30 PM, except on Thursdays when it stays open until 7:30 PM. This little shop definitely earns its place as one of Dublin’s best hidden gems.
Books Upstairs – Ireland’s Oldest Independent Bookstore
Books Upstairs is a Dublin landmark, proudly holding the title of Ireland’s oldest independent best bookstore in Dublin city. You’ll find it at 17 D’Olier Street in Dublin 2, and the moment you step inside, you can feel the history around you. The shop has both new and secondhand books, with shelves filled with classics, beautiful Folio Society editions, and unique finds that feel timeless.
The layout makes exploring fun. On the ground floor, children’s books and fiction are tucked into a side room with stairs leading up to a huge secondhand section. Downstairs in the basement, you’ll find nonfiction and graphic novels, while Irish fiction and non-fiction are displayed throughout the store. Everything is well-curated and the prices are fair, with fun surprises like blind date books and marked-down treasures.
You know what the best part is? Upstairs, there’s a cozy café with bright windows looking out onto the street. It’s small and peaceful, with no laptops or Wi-Fi, so people are actually reading, chatting, or just enjoying the moment. The coffee is great, the cheese toasties are tasty, and it’s easy to spend hours here without even noticing.
The staff are warm and helpful. They often recommend Irish authors or help you find something just right. Whether you’re a collector, a casual reader, or just looking for a calm break in the city, this best bookshop in Dublin really stands out among the famous bookshops in Dublin.
Books Upstairs is open Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM, and on Sundays from 12 PM to 5 PM. If you love browsing through shelves of new and old books in a place filled with stories, this is a must-visit in the heart of the city.
Ulysses Rare Books – a treasure trove on Duke Street
Ulysses Rare Books is a true gem for book lovers, quietly nestled at 10 Duke Street in the heart of Dublin 2. With a glowing 4.8 Google rating, it has earned its reputation among locals and visitors alike for its serene atmosphere and beautifully curated shelves. It’s one of the best shop to buy books in Dublin if you love rare finds and peaceful browsing.
Step inside and it feels like entering another era, where every book has a story waiting to be told. You can feel the shop’s quiet world of history and literature. The shop specialises in rare editions of 20th‑century Irish literature, featuring classics from James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, and other legendary Irish writers. There’s a delightful children’s section for younger readers.
This shop has a fascinating collection of antique‑style maps that make thoughtful souvenirs. Every shelf is thoughtfully arranged, and you’re bound to spot unique editions you won’t find anywhere else in the city. It truly stands out among the best bookshop in Dublin.
Ulysses Rare Books’ owner is a warm, welcoming, and deeply knowledgeable person. They’re always ready to chat, answer questions, and point you toward something special. The prices are fair for the quality and rarity on offer, and wandering through the shop feels like a calm escape from the busy streets outside. If you’re into best Irish bookshops in Dublin with unique collections, this place should be on your list.
Dubray Books – the heart of Dublin’s book scene on Grafton Street
If you’re exploring Dublin’s literary side, Dubray Books on 36 Grafton Street is a stop you can’t skip. Just a short walk from St. Stephen’s Green, this three-floor flagship feels like stepping into a haven for readers right in the heart of the city.
The selection is outstanding. From Irish fiction and poetry to travel, history, sci-fi, and a bright, inviting children’s section, there’s something here for every kind of reader. I love how the staff leave handwritten recommendation cards on the shelves – it makes browsing feel personal, like a friend guiding you toward your next great book. You’ll also find shelves of stationery, candles, cards, and little gifts, perfect when you want something thoughtful and unique.
The café on the third floor is one of my favorite parts. It’s calm and filled with natural light, with wide windows that look straight down onto Grafton Street. Sitting there with a coffee, hearing the soft buzz of street musicians below, is such a lovely way to unwind after browsing.
The staff are genuinely warm and deeply knowledgeable, always ready to help you find something special or suggest a new author to try. With its range of books, inviting atmosphere, and that peaceful café upstairs, Dubray Books is easily one of the best books, cafés and reading spots in Dublin. Every visit feels like time well spent.
Dubray Books is open Monday to Wednesday from 9 AM to 7 PM, Thursday and Friday until 8 PM, Saturday from 9:30 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM. It’s the kind of place where you can wander for hours, discover something new, and settle in with a coffee while the city hums below.
The Gutter Bookshop – a Little Adventure in Temple Bar and Dalkey
The Gutter is one of the best bookshop in Dublin for book lovers, and it has two lovely branches you can check out. The main one is in Temple Bar on Cow’s Lane, right in the middle of Dublin’s vibrant historic quarter. The other is in Dalkey on Railway Road, a quieter seaside town that feels like a little escape from the city.
The shops themselves are small but so well curated makes in one of the best bookshop in Dublin. Inside, everything feels thoughtful. The books are beautifully arranged, there’s a section just for Irish authors, and even a table full of staff favorites that always has something new. I loved spotting Oscar Wilde quotes on the walls – they make the shop feel personal and fun.
They host regular events like poetry nights, author talks, and lively book clubs, which makes this best bookshop in Dublin feel like a real community space rather than just a store. It’s one of the most popular bookstores near Temple Bar Dublin, and it’s easy to see why.
The Temple Bar branch is open Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 6:30 PM and on Sundays from 12 PM to 6 PM. It’s the kind of shop where you can spend ages looking through the shelves, enjoy the Oscar Wilde quotes on the walls, and leave with a book that feels special.
Whether you’re a serious reader or just browsing for fun, both locations feel personal, warm, and full of little treasures that make you want to come back again and again.
Temple Bar Bookshop is Your Weekend Book Hunt in Dublin
If second-hand books make you smile, you’ll adore this little Temple Bar shop. It’s a cozy corner on 2 Cow’s Lane with well organized shelves. The buzz of Dublin fades the moment you step inside.
The selection here is fantastic. There are €3 paperbacks as well as rare first editions in art, literature, philosophy, and Irish history, which makes it exciting for any reader. I love the outside cart with three books for €10 – it feels like searching for treasure. Step inside and you’ll find shelves packed with books from Irish libraries and private collections, always hiding something special.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. On my last visit, Tanya helped me pick out a Sherlock Holmes set for my brother, and I left with three lovely books at a great price. People often drop in just to chat or ask for book tips, and that makes the best bookshop in Dublin.
This bookshop is one of the popular bookstores near Temple Bar, Dublin, for second-hand finds. There’s no café inside, but the cozy vibe and the way time seems to slow down make every visit feel like a little adventure of its own.
You can visit the Temple Bar Bookshop on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 11 AM and 5 PM, on Fridays from 12 PM to 5 PM, on Saturdays from 11:30 AM to 5 PM, and on Sundays from 12 PM to 5 PM. It’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but whenever you go, it’s the kind of place where you can slow down, enjoy browsing, and pick up a book that makes you smile.
Bookstation is an Amazing One‑Stop Shop in Stillorgan Village
If you’re in Stillorgan and love a place that has a bit of everything, Bookstation in Stillorgan Village is such a great find. It’s not just a bookshop – it’s also a stationery store, a card shop, and a go-to spot for gifts, all under one roof.
The shelves are full of current bestsellers, great books for kids, and plenty of bargain titles that are easy on the wallet. I went in one day just to grab a birthday card and ended up leaving with a new thriller and a set of journals because the prices were so good. The stationery section is fantastic as well, with diaries, notebooks, school copies, pens, and folders all well-organized and very affordable.
Everyone working there is friendly and willing to go the extra mile. I once asked about two rare books and was so happy as they not only had them but also set them aside until I could return. That thoughtful service makes the shop feel special.
Bookstation is one of the best bookshop in Dublin for tourists, especially if you’re staying nearby and want a place with a little bit of everything. It also stands out among Dublin’s best bookstores for its diverse selection of books, unique gifts, and excellent customer service.
Bookstation is open for a nice and long period each day – Monday to Wednesday from 8 AM to 6 PM, Thursday and Friday from 8 AM to 8 PM, Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. With hours like that, you can drop in anytime, whether you’re topping up on stationery or looking for a new book to enjoy.
Few Words on Best Bookshops of Dublin
In a city that has always celebrated words and stories, Dublin’s best bookstores feel like pure magic. We can walk in, slow down, and let ourselves get lost in best bookshops in Dublin. Some of these spots even offer a coffee with your browse, turning an ordinary afternoon into the perfect weekend escape.
As a book lover, I know I will always find myself drawn back to these places, leaving each time with something new to read and a little more joy in my heart.
So why plan your visit? Wander through these bookshops, pick up a story that calls to you, and let Dublin show you just how good it feels to get lost in a good book.