Wednesday 14 December 2016

Recommended Independent Irish Bookshops Part 1

Getting close to Christmas, I hope you have books on your list. There is something very special about opening the door of a bricks and mortar bookshop and wandering around the shelves, checking the recommendations and talking to the booksellers. There's the smell of books too, so delicious.


Here are some year round recommendations of lovely local independent bookshops to visit  and support. I haven't visited every bookshop in Ireland so these are just personal recommendations.
If you have a favourite bookshop I've missed, please let me know


Part 1 - Outside Dublin


Charlie Byrnes Bookshop, Cornstore Mall, Middle Street, Galway
a must visit excellent shop stacked full of books with nooks and crannys to explore, table displays of book selections with great support for local writers. Their poetry section is wide and includes my book so I like it!
They have regular readings and events.


They also have a large section of second hand books so it's impossible to leave without buying some.




Barker and Jones, Naas, Co Kildare
This is like book emporium. It has the usual selection of bestsellers, children's books, newspapers and magazines, cards etc. There's an excellent cafe with indulgent cakes and they are great at supporting local authors. I read there and was made very welcome.






website


Blackbird Books, Solstice Centre, Navan Co Meath
I was very fond of this new bookshop in Naas but I haven't had the chance to visit since they moved. They do everything with such care, a terrific selection of recommendations, support for local writers and they stock poetry including my book, and great coffee and cakes too. The owners are lovely too, what's not to like!


website


Stonehouse Books, Kilkenny.
Another trhiving local bookshop in Kilkenny down Kieran Street. Make sure you drop in and buy some books. They also stock some poetry including mine!
 


Link here


Maynooth Bookshop, Co Kildare
This shop must make its living with supplying school books but that doesn't stop them stocking lots of intriguing titles including my own. Great for stationary too.


Website


Kinsale Bookshop, Co Cork
Kinsale has an embarrassment of bookshops and must be a terribly well read town to support them all. Long may that continue.


website


Kerr's Bookshop, Clonakilty, Co Cork
Clonakilty also supports a few bookshops. I do like this one, always welcoming, great for recommending books.

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