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I’ve been retweeting some of the #shoplocal lists - in fairness I’m not a shopper generally, but there some beautiful things on the lists,even I’d be tempted. What I do buy however are books, so I thought I do a thread on my favourite book shops #shoplocalireland #buybooks
Starting really local, Woulfes bookshop in Listowel is a fav. Brenda has a wonderful, eclectic selection of books, well chosen fiction section, great history section, children’s corner, local history, & is welcoming and supremely knowledgeable #shoplocal https://writersweek.ie/woulfes-bookshop-listowel-one-of-irelands-best-loved-independent-bookshops/
I like to go to bookshops in every town I visit - on a break in south Kerry in Sept I popped into Quirkes in Cahersiveen which has a small but perfect selection of books - and Colm Quirke who does the Kerry Book Club on @radiokerry was so informative .. bought several books
Bought A Ghost in the Throat in Quirke’s ... once Colm saw me put my hand on it he was so fulsome and generous in his praise, I had to buy it ... & he was right, wonderful, engaging, thought provoking book. I do love bookshops that engage with you as a reader as well as a shopper
In Dublin my favs are Hodges Figgis (buying there since I was a student), Books Upstairs (old & new location), Chapters (hours lost in there) & the @gutterbookshop I like to pop into Lilliput in Stoneybatter. And of course @CampusBookshop bookshop @ucddublin for academic books
In Galway there is one place I make sure I visit - that’s the one & only Charlie Byrne’s - I always come away with a handful of books, usually rare Irish history and the occasional novel - new or second hand. Love it’s higgeldy piggeldy lay out https://www.charliebyrne.ie/
Last time in Westport got books in McLoughlins (great local history selection) and the lovely little Tertulia bookshop - I love book shops with comfy chairs, to sit and read and consider your selections (did I mention I love books!) https://tertuliabookshop.com/
Last time I did a talk at the Thomas MacDonagh in Cloughjordan in Tipperary I spent a lovely few hours having coffee, browsing and choosing my selection at the Sheelagh na Gig bookshop (love the name too) http://www.sheelaghnagig.com/
Here’s a list from Jennifer O’Connell - I realise I’ve been in most of these shops and purchased books in any I was in! Most operate click and collect now, so #buybooks at your local, preferably independent, book shop #shoplocalireland https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/35-of-the-best-independent-bookshops-in-ireland-1.3722920?mode=amp
