The Dublin Community Blog

As Christmas is virtually around the corner, and as books always make the best presents (at least in my personal opinion), Dublinblog would like to give you an overview of the top bookstores in Dublin. And no, Eason’s will not be featured in this list. And also I think that Amazon and Co. are not comparable when it comes to browsing through dusty encyclopedias, holding a book in your hand and chatting to knowledgeable staff and with regulars while standing amongst hundreds of old and new books. Go away, Kindle. So, to help support active reading and distribution of real books, why not buy a book (or 5 – one in each store) in one of these shops instead of purchasing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 at Gamestop this Christmas.

Chapters

After the closure of the Borders-branch in the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, this is undisputedly the mother ship of all Dublin bookstores when it comes to size. On their new premises, Chapters on Parnell St. sells an extensive range of books, music and DVDs, both new and second hand, as well as thousands of bargain priced titles. Hell, they even have the whole second floor reserved for 2nd hand book. Besides the usual in-store events like readings and book signings Chapters also plays host to small shows, as seen during this year’s HWCH-festival. And they are on Twitter and have their own blog.

The Gutter Bookshop

The newest of the independent bookstores in Dublin has only recently opened its doors to customers. Conveniently situated within Temple Bar, on the corner of Cow’s Lane, this neat and tidy shop stores a wide array of books, including some great children’s books, as well as gifts and stationery. Why not drop in after you visited the Designer Mart on a Saturday? Bob Johnston and his charming staff will help you to find whatever book you are looking for, and will happily order any that is not in stock. Oh, and guess what: they are on Twitter and Facebook as well. They also have an ongoing and growing list of events, please check their website for more details.

The Secret Book & Record-Store

One of my all-time favourites. Hidden on Wicklow Street, here’s everything an old analog person like me needs. 2nd hand books and CD’s, this is a rummagers heaven. Don’t go here if you are looking for a specific title. But go if you want to browse and spend some time. The place also attracts a wide clientele. Once I chatted for an hour with an 80year old, self-claimed historian named Collin about German tank design in World War 2. Priceless.

The Winding Stairs

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The perfect combination of food and books. After you purchased your books in this Dublin literary institution, why not spend your lunch at the restaurant upstairs. Or, instead of buying dessert you may wander around the 2nd hand section of the bookshop. The only downside of this landmark is that it now belongs (together with the restaurant) to the Thomas Reads-group, which strictly speaking disqualifies it for a list of independent stores.

Temple Bar Book Market

Strictly speaking not really a bookstore, but the combination of 4 different stalls with a wide range of used and antiquarian books makes it another nice stopover while shopping on a Saturday. The perfect combination is with a visit to the Food Market in Temple Bar. And they are there on a Sunday as well.