Anyone who’s ever wandered into a bookshop with no plan knows the magic of stumbling onto the perfect read. But finding a book shop near me in Dublin is easier—and more rewarding—than you might think, from the oldest bookshop in Ireland, Hodges Figgis (founded in 1768), to buzzy independents and second‑hand gems. This guide walks you through the city’s best stores, clears up the “bookshop vs bookstore” debate, and shares two handy rules for picking your next book.

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4 related posts

Oldest bookshop in Ireland: Hodges Figgis (established 1768) ·
Famous bookshop worldwide: Lello Bookstore in Porto, Portugal ·
Number of Dubray Books locations: Over 12 stores across Ireland ·
5‑finger rule: Helps children choose books at their reading level ·
50‑page rule: Abandon a book if not engaged by page 50

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Hodges Figgis was founded in 1768 (Wikipedia).
  • Waterstones does not operate in Ireland (Ireland.com).
  • The 5‑finger rule is commonly taught in UK primary schools. (Wikipedia)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact number of independent bookshops in Dublin city centre.
  • Which single book is the absolute #1 of all time – opinions vary.
3Timeline signal
  • 1768: Hodges Figgis founded, oldest bookshop in Ireland (Ireland.com).
  • 1906: Livraria Lello opens in Porto, now a global tourist attraction. (Ireland.com)
  • 2009: The Gutter Bookshop opens in Temple Bar (Gutter Bookshop).
4What’s next

Dublin’s bookshops vary widely in age, size, and specialty — but a few facts anchor the scene.

Fact Detail
Oldest bookshop in Ireland Hodges Figgis, Dublin (1768)
Most visited bookshop globally Livraria Lello, Porto (est. 1906)
Number of Dubray Books locations 12+ across Ireland
5‑finger rule origin Commonly taught in UK primary schools
50‑page rule creator Nancy Pearl, American librarian
Independent bookshop claim Books Upstairs says it’s Dublin’s oldest independent (Books Upstairs)
Gutter Bookshop opened 2009 (Temple Bar) and 2013 (Dalkey) (Gutter Bookshop)
The Secret Bookstore hours Mon–Sun 11:00–18:30, Thu until 19:30 (The Secret Bookstore)

The pattern: Dublin offers a rich mix of heritage shops, modern independents, and convenient online options — each with a distinct role in the city’s literary fabric.

Where Can I Find a Book Shop Near Me?

The fastest way to find a bookshop near you is to open Google Maps or Yelp and search “book shop near me.” For Dublin specifically, the official tourism body Visit Dublin (Dublin’s official tourism board) recommends Easons on O’Connell Street, Hodges Figgis on Dawson Street, Dubray Books on Grafton Street, and Chapters Bookshop on Parnell Street.

Online book shops that deliver near me

  • Bookstation – 100% Irish owned, free delivery on orders over €10 (Bookstation).
  • Dubray Books – Online ordering with click & collect and home delivery (Dubray Books).
  • The Gutter Bookshop – Can get most popular titles within 24 hours; free in‑shop pickup (Gutter Bookshop).

Book shops open near me now

Most Dublin city‑centre bookshops keep standard retail hours (9:00–18:30) and many open Sundays. The Secret Bookstore (independent shop on Wicklow Street) is open 11:00–18:30 daily, with late hours until 19:30 on Thursdays. Chains like Easons and Dubray also extend hours during peak shopping seasons.

Best book shops in Dublin city centre

  • Hodges Figgis (Dawson St) – Ireland’s oldest bookstore, 1768. Three floors of new books (Ireland.com).
  • Chapters Bookshop (Parnell St) – Go‑to for second‑hand books (Visit Dublin).
  • Dubray Books (Grafton St) – Three floors, current affairs to cookery (Ireland.com).
  • The Winding Stair (Lower Ormond Quay) – One of the oldest surviving independents, mixing new and second‑hand (Ireland.com).
  • Books Upstairs (D’Olier St) – Claims to be Dublin’s oldest independent (Books Upstairs).
  • Ulysses Rare Books (Duke St) – Specialises in 20th‑century Irish literature and rare editions (Ireland.com).
  • Stokes Books (George’s Street Arcade) – A second‑hand browsing gem (Ireland.com).
Why this matters

For Dubliners, the city centre packs a dozen distinct bookshops within a 15‑minute walk. The trade‑off: chain stores offer convenience and late hours, while independents like Books Upstairs provide curated selections and local events.

Bottom line: The implication: whether you’re browsing online or walking into a physical shop, Dublin’s bookshops cater to every taste and budget — but the strongest recommendation leans toward supporting independents for their community role.

What Is the Difference Between a Bookshop and a Bookstore?

In everyday language the terms are largely interchangeable. The difference is mostly regional: “bookstore” dominates American English, while “bookshop” is more