We have found a fabulously diverse and exciting bunch of independent retailers – scroll through the list below to discover the best book shops in Ireland …
Following the success of THE GLOSS X TheShopkeepers.com collaboration in 2022, when we found and celebrated unique, creative and inspiring independent shops in cities, towns and villages all over Ireland THE GLOSS X TheShopkeepers.com Best Shops Ireland 2023 list is here with over 200 shops included!
THE GLOSS team, led by Sarah McDonnell, Editor, and Síomha Connolly, Digital Editor, and Paula Flynn of TheShopkeepers.com, have been sifting through nominations for our Best Shops Ireland 2023. With your help, readers and followers, we have found a fabulously diverse and exciting bunch of independent retailers. And now we want you to vote for the best of the best: those truly special shops that really stand out. Only one shop can win the title of Best Shop in each category, so be sure to get your vote in and tell us what you love about your favourite stores around Ireland. The Best of The Best Shops in Ireland will be announced in January 2024.
Below discover the best Book Shops in Ireland. Click here to discover the best Children’s Shops, Interiors Shops + Studios and Womenswear Shops.
While every effort has been made to ensure the information reflected in the list below is accurate, up to date and correct, please email digital@thegloss.ie with any issues, corrections or queries.
CHILDREN’S SHOPS
BARN, 21 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2
A modern kid’s lifestyle store with products for the home, books, toys, clothing, and baby equipment, owned by Marcus and Vanessa Mac Innes. There is a prominent Scandinavian influence, much like sister-store Industry Design. The colour palette of the clothing is neutral and sophisticated, and there is an emphasis on imaginative play. Spread over two floors, BARN is packed with a multitude of options, but not overwhelming as the shop is neatly organised with many goods displayed on pegboard walls. www.wearebarn.com
HALWAY UP THE STAIRS, 1 Malvern, La Touche Place, Greystones, Co Wicklow
One of the few bookshops in Ireland specialising in children’s books, HALFWAY UP THE STAIRS was opened by Trish Hennessy in 2019. The bookshop is designed with childhood imagination in mind, from the charming logo (designed by children’s illustrator Michael Emberley) to the mural-painted walls. Alongside a diverse selection of children’s and young adult books, in both English and Irish, there is a selection of wooden and plush toys, and puzzles. www.halfwayupthestairs.ie Photography by Ger Holland.
JANE CARROLL, 1 Main Street, Blackrock, Co Dublin
Textile designer Jane Carroll opened her first, petite, shop in 2004 to showcase her charming baby and children quilts that can be personalised with a name and date of birth. Based on the success of her business and growing assortment Jane moved her shop to a lovely corner store on Blackrock’s main street. As well as the quilts there is a selection of toys, children’s clothing, and gifts delightfully displayed on custom built doll houses that serve as display units. www.janecarrolldesign.com
Over The Moon, 26 Monkstown Crescent, Monkstown, Co Dublin
Having recently just celebrated its first birthday, Over The Moon in Monkstown (and online) was founded by sisters Katie Guardianelli and Hannah Corcoran in 2021. Offering a specially curated edit of childrenswear, baby gifting, interiors and considered items for new mums and mums to be, it’s a gorgeous treasure trove of gifts and goodies in a pretty pink-fronted shop. www.overthemoonmonkstown.com.
PINOCCHIO’S TOYS & GIFTS, 2 Paul Street, Cork
Behind the magic windows of Pinnochio’s traditional toy shop, there is an imaginative world of play that appeals to children of all ages. The family-run store founded in 1983 offers a range of toys designed to withstand the test of time including classic wooden toys to stuffed animals, dolls and educational games.
TALES FOR TADPOLES, 3 Albert Walk, Bray, Co Wicklow
Established in 2016, TALES FOR TADPOLES has relocated from Drury Street to Bray, Co Wicklow. The bookstore is inspired by owner Caroline Sullivan’s love of children’s literature, illustration and picture books. There are both new and secondhand illustrated books alongside a selection of goods, including prints, stationery and toys inspired by children’s books. www.talesfortadpoles.ie Photography by Jonathan Lavery.
The Little Wooden Peg, 55 George’s Street Upper, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin
A sophisticated colour palette of muted tones, and earthy neutrals is unique for childrenswear shop, The Little Wooden Peg. Shopkeeper, Ruth Cross, selects sustainably produced brands and timeless, simple styling for the clothing she stocks. There is a range of toys and books, nursery items and a small collection of womenswear, all of which are exclusive to The Little Wooden Peg. www.thelittlewoodenpeg.com. Photography by Nathalie Márquez Courtney.
WOODEN HEART, 3 Quay Street, Galway
Established in 1979 by Barbara and Nanke Ulrichs, WOODEN HEART is a family-run toy and gift shop. Housed over three floors in a building dating to 1580, the shop offers high-quality wooden toys that spark childhood imagination and creativity. Expect well-made and classic toys, puzzles, and books, many of which are sourced from traditional, family-run European makers. www.woodenheart.ie
