Dublin has an impressive resume in terms of literary prowess, from being the birthplace of numerous world-famous writers to its status as a UNESCO City of Literature.
Dylan Hotel, Dublin
Housed in a historic building that once served as the nurses’ home for a hospital, the Dylan Hotel offers rooms designed like Art Nouveau pieces in vibrant colors and rounded furniture.
The hotel offers a number of meeting spaces available for hire, one of which is the Library. Flush in a gentle green and occupied by an intricately carved fireplace, the interior offers a subdued, elegant beauty that creates a calming atmosphere for any small event.
Address: Eastmoreland Pl, Dublin, Ireland
Opening hours:
- Check-in time: 3PM
- Check-out time: 12PM
National Library of Ireland
Established in 1877, this massive library holds a staggering 12 million items, telling the tale of Ireland’s long history and culture. That includes books, manuscripts, newspapers, maps, photographs, prints, music, and digital materials.
With its rounded front building and columns, the architecture paints a distinctive picture on the landscape. Its main domed room is impressive as well, with intricate reliefs of cherubim high on the walls and a gradient paneled ceiling that gives an impression of regal airiness. A reader’s ticket is needed to access the reading rooms, which you can apply for online.
Address: 7-8, 7-8 Kildare St, Dublin 2, D02 P638, Ireland
Opening hours:
(Note: these times are for the Main Library building; individual reading room and exhibition opening hours may vary.)
- Monday, Thursday & Friday: 9:30AM - 5PM (last admission 4:30PM)
- Tuesday & Wednesday: 9:30AM - 7PM (last admission 6:30PM)
- Saturday & Sunday: 9:30AM - 5PM (last admission 4:30PM)
The Library of Trinity College Dublin
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Built between 1712 and 1732, the Old Library of Trinity College Dublin holds over 6 million volumes including rare manuscripts, maps, and early printed books. One of its most famous works is the Book of Kells, a 9th-century illuminated manuscript and Ireland’s cultural treasure.
It’s best known for its Long Room, a 65-meter chamber housing 200,000 of its oldest books and lined with marble busts of notable figures—also allegedly the inspiration for the Hogwarts library in the Harry Potter series.
Address: Old Library, College Green, South-East Inner City, Dublin 2, Ireland
Opening hours:
- Monday: 9:30AM - 4:30PM
- Tuesday to Saturday: 9:30AM - 5PM
- Sunday: 12PM - 5PM
Hodges Figgis
Spread across three floors, Hodges Figgis has been around since 1768, making it one of the oldest booksellers not just in Ireland, but the world. Not that it’s technically the oldest bookshop, given that it has actually moved from its original location.
Even so, it has had some pretty distinguished Irish writers grace its doors, like James Joyce and Sally Rooney. It also has a very extensive collection of both nonfiction and fiction, with pretty much every genre under the sun, and featuring a number of local authors.
Address: 56-58 Dawson St, Dublin 2, Ireland
Opening hours:
- Monday to Wednesday & Friday: 9AM - 7PM
- Thursday: 9AM - 8PM
- Saturday: 9AM - 6PM
- Sunday: 10:30AM - 6PM
Ulysses Rare Books
As you might guess from the name, Ulysses Rare Books specializes in rare items, particularly signed, first, and limited editions of Irish literature and poetry. It’s especially keen on more antiquarian finds, like those from the 19th and 20th centuries, but also includes children’s books among its collection.
Inside, the walls above the shelves are dyed the color of aged paper and adorned with artistic sketches that lend the shop a distinguished atmosphere.
Address: 10 Duke St, Dublin 2, Ireland
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10AM - 5:30PM
- Sunday: Closed
Royal Irish Academy Library
Here’s another one that’s been around a while—specifically, 1785. The Royal Irish Academy Library just so happens to be one of Ireland’s premier research libraries, specializing in Irish history, language, archaeology, and natural sciences. It holds around 2,000 manuscripts, including the largest collection of Irish-language manuscripts in a single repository.
The library’s collections span medieval to modern manuscripts, prints, drawings, and pamphlets, making it an invaluable resource for all sorts of in-depth cultural research.
Address: 19 Dawson St, Dublin 2, Ireland
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9AM - 5PM
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed
The Secret Book and Record Store
Sometimes, you want to pick up some music for a good book reading session. Luckily, places like this cozy, independent shop make that easy by offering a slew of vinyl records and CDs alongside both new and secondhand books.
It’s called “secret” because you have to navigate a rather long hall to reach its front doors. Fortunately, it is also Dublin’s worst-kept secret and is absolutely beloved by locals for its amazing service and eclectic selection.
Address: 15A Wicklow St, Dublin 2, Ireland
Opening hours:
- Friday to Wednesday: 11AM - 6:30PM
- Thursday: 11AM - 7:30PM
Books Upstairs
Books Upstairs has a strong focus on Irish literature, history, culture, and underrepresented genres like philosophy, feminism, and LGBTQ+ literature. Located in a preserved Georgian building, it features multiple interconnected rooms filled with carefully curated books. It even has a café with stained glass windows, serving up coffee, light meals, and sweet treats.
Not only that, the shop hosts regular literary events and book launches, supporting Irish authors and small publishers.
Address: 17 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
Opening hours:
- Monday to Wednesday & Friday: 10AM - 6PM
- Thursday & Saturday: 10AM - 7PM
- Sunday: 12PM - 5PM
Café opening hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10:30AM - 4:30PM
- Closed Monday & Sunday
Eason
Eason is Ireland’s largest and oldest bookselling chain, founded in 1886 and operating 54 locations across the country. Its flagship store is smack dab in Dublin and is known for promoting Irish literature through different programs and partnerships.
Alongside books, you can find magazines and newspapers from Ireland as well as abroad. The store also sells a decent array of cards, stationary, gifts, and various kits for arts and crafts. Honestly, one might almost mistake it for a department store with everything it’s got going on, but Eason’s dedication to literature is an enduring one.
Address: 40 O'Connell Street Lower, North City, Dublin, Ireland
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:30AM - 6:30PM
- Saturday: 9AM - 6:30PM
- Sunday: 12PM - 6PM
Winding Stair Bookshop
Named after a W.B. Yeats poem, the Winding Stair Bookshop has long been a hub for writers, artists, and literary events. The shop is cute and cozy, with a more niche and curated selection of fiction, poetry, and Irish literature you’re not likely to find in larger chains.
Upstairs is a café/restaurant serving up quality savory dishes, and it shares the peaceful and relaxed atmosphere of the bookshop below. Quick note: some reviewers recommend booking a spot at the restaurant ahead of time since there’s not a lot of space.
Address: Ormond Quay Lower, Dublin 1, Ireland
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10:30AM - 6PM
The Gutter Bookshop
The Gutter Bookshop is an independent bookstore with two locations in Dublin, the first being in the Temple Bar area, and the second in Dalkey. Its Temple Bar location is especially bright and fun, decorated with colorful art and peppered with quotes from famous literary figures—most notably one from Oscar Wilde, “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”
The shop has a great selection of children’s books, plus plenty of Irish literature and other titles suitable for all ages. It’s also quite LGBT-friendly and hosts a number of book clubs.
Address: Cow's Ln, Temple Bar, Dublin 8, Ireland
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10AM - 6:30PM
- Sunday: 12PM - 6PM
Temple Bar Book Market
Every Saturday and Sunday, booksellers gather at Temple Bar Square for a popping outdoor market. Stalls carry books of all sorts: new, used, novels, art books, comics, textbooks, rare collectibles, and more. The books sold here include both local and foreign titles, making it a popular destination for tourists, as well.
The atmosphere of the book market tends to be laid back and friendly, with many (sellers and visitors alike) chatting over literature.
Address: Temple Bar Square, Dublin, Ireland
Opening hours:
- Saturday & Sunday: 11AM - 6PM
- Monday to Friday: Closed
Marsh’s Library
This one’s a bit unique in that it’s both Ireland’s oldest public library (founded in 1707) and one of the few 18th-century buildings still used for its original purpose. Sitting pretty next to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, it houses over 25,000 rare books, manuscripts, and maps from the 16th to early 18th centuries, preserved in elegant dark oak bookcases.
Granted, a lot of these antique tombs are blocked off with a black bar since many are very delicate. Even so, it’s a beautiful building holding an enchanting piece of literary history.
Address: St Patrick's Close, Dublin 8, Ireland
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 9:30AM - 5PM
- Saturday: 10AM - 5PM
- Monday & Sunday: Closed
The Last Bookshop
Known for its vast and eclectic collection of secondhand fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama, the Last Bookshop is often described as an Aladdin’s Cave for book lovers, packed with haphazard stacks of literary treasures.
Here, you can expect to find texts on Irish history, culture, and language, with many titles arranged on shelves and (as mentioned) piled directly on the floor. There’s even a hidden door in the back that leads to a courtyard café, Cake, perfect for enjoying a leisurely bite while immersed in a good book.
Address: 61 Camden Street Lower, Saint Kevin's, Dublin, Ireland
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10AM - 5PM
- Sunday: 2PM - 5PM
The Company Of Books
Established in 2009, the Company of Books offers an eclectic mix of fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books, catering to a wide range of readers. It’s especially known for its friendly service (including a very handy delivery service), its book club, and author signings.
Not just that, it has been recognized as the Dublin winner of the An Post Bookshop of the Year Award 2021 and was shortlisted for the Top Three Independent Bookshop in Ireland in both 2021 and 2022. Talk about having credentials!
Address: 96 Ranelagh Village, Dublin 6, Ireland
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10AM - 6PM
- Sunday: Closed
