The best bookshops Dublin

A soft nostalgia floats between the shelves of this bookshop, famous meeting place of the great Irish writers and intellectuals in the 1970s and 1980s. Today, this bookshop has since reduced its stock. However, it still has a certain charm, with its offer of second-hand books and its superb and well-stocked children's department. You can also have a coffee in the window, facing the Liffey. The lucky ones will dine at the eponymous restaurant that now occupies most of the establishment.

Book Upstairs is an excellent independent bookshop, the oldest in the city, where you can really get a good deal. The very competent staff will advise you among a very good choice of novels that you can't necessarily find in the big bookshops nearby. On the first floor of its beautiful Georgian building, Book Upstairs has a charming café and tea room where you can read or attend literary events organised by the bookshop. An institution.

Eason is a chain of bookstores that can be found throughout Ireland. In the O'Connell Street store, the shelves of Irish literature, as well as guidebooks and numerous maps of the capital (and of the rest of the country) are located on the ground floor, next to the Gaelic language methods (notice to the amateurs!). The rest of the shop is a general store. Also many Irish and foreign newspapers and magazines. There are of course some French titles that will make you happy to find some reading material.

For those looking for rare Irish books, such as first editions of James Joyce or Yeats, this is the place to go. From 20th century Irish literature to a selection of history books, from the 17th century to the present day, you will find a wide range of books. If there are many bookshops in Dublin, this is certainly one of the best in the capital. In short, an excellent address where you can also find some old posters, old maps and superb plans. No need to warn you that these rare books have prices worthy of treasures.

This small book market - there are only four or five stalls - is held every weekend in the heart of the tourist district of Temple Bar, once the morning food stalls have given way. You can find second-hand books (novels, photo books, essays, for children), but also CDs and DVDs. Mostly in English, except for a few copies in the language of Molière if you are lucky. One thing is sure, it will be the occasion to slip an original souvenir in your suitcase when you come back home.