Books Upstairs

779 reviews

17 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

www.booksupstairs.ie

+35316778566

About

Books Upstairs is a Book store located at 17 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2, Ireland. It has received 779 reviews with an average rating of 4.8 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday10AM-6PM
Tuesday10AM-6PM
Wednesday10AM-6PM
Thursday10AM-6PM
Friday1-5PM
Saturday10AM-6PM
Sunday10AM-6PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Books Upstairs: 17 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

  • Books Upstairs has 4.8 stars from 779 reviews

  • Book store

  • "ULYSSES Abridged ~ A Shorter Journey through James Joyces's Masterpiece ~ is now available worldwide through Ingram distributors"

    "Charming independent bookshop in the city center with a café hidden upstairs"

    "My favorite bookstore in Dublin"

    "Really fantastic bookshop, have been ordering from them all throughout the pandemic; their selection is excellent, their delivery prompt and packaging recyclable"

    "Book Upstairs is a beautiful building, containing a bookstore and an upstairs Cafe"

Reviews

  • Michael Fallon

ULYSSES Abridged ~ A Shorter Journey through James Joyces's Masterpiece ~ is now available worldwide through Ingram distributors. Looking for a copy at Hodges Figgis, please! Gary Eberle Review, posted on Amazon, April 2023 Fallon has created a labor of love, intended for those not ready to invest the time needed to read the unabridged original text. Not burdened with too much critical apparatus, this version of Leopold Bloom's day in Dublin has enough notation to point the reader toward the deeper levels that lie below the sometimes-confusing surface of this 20th century masterpiece. The novel's text is all Joyce, but judiciously reduced for first time readers.

  • Vy N.

Charming independent bookshop in the city center with a café hidden upstairs. From the moment you walk in the door, you’ll be greeted with a friendly and warm atmosphere. The curated collections are always worth a browse, and you’re more likely to discover some hidden gem here than in a bigger book chain that mainly focuses on the current bestseller list. The cafe is bright and airy. It’s not very big though so sometimes it can get crowded. Must visit if you’re a book lover who happens to be in Dublin. It’s one of my favourites along with The Winding Stairs and The Last Bookshop.

  • Rodrigo Portman

My favorite bookstore in Dublin. The history of this store is really special. I always tell friends visiting to check out this sweet little shop that carries such an exciting, varied collection of books. I only ONLY wish they would consider maybe starting a loyalty card system (similar to Hodges Figgis) of like every 10 books you buy offering 10 euro off or something like that... but only saying that because I've (very gladly) spent an absurd amount of money buying some of the most fantastic reads of my life in this store and will continue doing so.

  • Holly Hanlon

Really fantastic bookshop, have been ordering from them all throughout the pandemic; their selection is excellent, their delivery prompt and packaging recyclable. Just really want to shout out their mystery book bundle service - I've bought them as gifts and today received one as a gift, and the ability of the staff to pick the perfect books for someone based on a few lines of information is something else. Really beautiful giftwrapping too. Can't wait to browse in person ASAP. Support independent bookshops!

  • Austin Rock

Book Upstairs is a beautiful building, containing a bookstore and an upstairs Cafe. Situated on D'Olier Street, surrounded by coffee chain stores, this little cafe is an oasis, an oasis which operates in defiance of the clock. Quiet chat and gentle pages being turned, the clink of cutlery is the only sounds you will hear. Delicious coffee/tea and side pastries are all that is on offer. But don't underestimate the freebies, a rest, the quietness and streaming sunlight in through the awesome bay window.

  • Guinevere Smith

I enjoyed this bookstore, I think it's the best one I've been in around central Dublin. Very good selection of interesting books with variety and quality. Nice decoratively bound selection of classics. The kids section was really good and we bought a book for my son. My only disappointment was that a great majority of the older hardbound books in the upstairs room were too high on the shelves to browse through. It was hard to even read the binding at that distance to see what many of them were.

  • Luke Corcoran

A must visit for any bibliophile. Has a brilliant and varied selection that are difficult to find in most bookstores. Is the perfect place to find a hidden gem of a book as a gift. Also one of the guaranteed spots on Dublin where you can pick up the LRB. Upstairs (like the name) is a great cafe. Really tasty treats and satisfying coffee. The staff are all enthusiastic and perfectly happy to let you browse or read in the cafe. Can't recomend enough

  • Megan

Cutest bookshop and cafe right in the city center, tons of selection with multiple floors and rooms full of books. They even have a secondhand shop to the side of the store. I got a graphic novel and it was marked down due to it having a bit of damage. They have a ton of vintage classic editions, SO CUTE!!! I love the blind date with a book they have as well! Nice cafe upstairs to read or have a chat with beautiful windows and atmosphere.

  • Jaime A.R

Such a nice bookstore. I lived 1 year in that city and i was always happy to go there. They have many books and a cafe upstairs as well. It is the perfect plan when it is moody and rainy to just go there buy yourself a nice book and read it on their cafe. And they have many many books! Totally would recommend( already do in person) and visit every time you go to Dublin if you like books!

  • The Travelling Camera

Lovely little café upstairs which is a hidden gem in the city. Not for those who can’t negotiate stairs though as there’s used books, an additional Irish interest and the clearance books all accessed via stairs. Got a few bargains in the clearance department and all that I wanted to buy I got so I left happy. Toilets are away at the top of the house so not accessible for all.

  • Alicia MPerez

This is the must see bookstore for Dublin. I always visit bookshops when traveling and I was actually walking to a different store when I stumbled upon this one. I was so happy I did! Wonderful and diverse selection, plenty of Irish interest and authors. The cafe at the top was so amazingly cute stopping to have a coffee or tea is a must. It was hard to not buy all the books!

  • Jayne Sheldreck

Due to restrictions I can't visit this beautiful independent bookshop, but I still wanted to support local so I emailed Books Upsstairs to see if they had a particular book in stock. Mary got back to me so quickly and had it all organised. Payment online was super easy to do. Highly recommend! Another great thing they do is themed bundles great for Christmas presents!

  • Niamh Harrison

This is a lovely little bookshop with reasonable prices - check out the bargain basement! It's advertised as the oldest independent bookstore in Dublin, so a lovely stop for traveling bookworms - with a dedicated section to Irish authors, poets, history and thinkers. There's also a nice cafe upstairs to peruse your new purchases, with no WiFi to encourage reading.

  • Shiiroo Chii

I visited Books Upstairs with a couple of friends, just seeing it while walking by. We were immediately drawn into the shop, just seeing the for one gorgeous atmosphere inside and then the wide range of book genres. If you go upstairs, you are greeted with a just, lovely café. It has affordable drinks and snacks with a cosy interior feel. 10/10 visit!

  • Chris Thackaberry

More engaging to their customers, when they were located on College Green. Up their own hole at their current location. But they do have a very good poetry section.. they must be future proofing the 65% growth in poetry sales in the UK, with 60% of tourists to Dublin coming from the mainland. They are well positioned, as a sami-independent bookshop.

  • Péter Zelenák

Such a sweet bookshop. In the basement you can find the sale section, where great books can be bought for a very fair price. On the upper level there is a great coffe, which is very quiet and has a nice view on the streets. Tea was good, very cosy spot to start reading your brand new book which you bought downstairs.

  • Andrey Arutyunov

The best bookshop I've seen in Dublin. Lots of departments, books are ordered greatly so it's easy to find what you need. In the basement there is a sale area where you can grab an amazing book for few euros. And on the second floor there is a cafe where you can read the books you purchased in a nice atmosphere.

  • Noeleen Berry

I had a great visit in this park today, walking on the outer path, and then around the bike track, I am looking after my son's dog. I met some people walking their dog slso. Walking and sharing a couple of words with the locals about dogs and the weather. A lovely place and a great way to spend a morning.

  • John “Déise” Maher

Always enjoy a visit here when coming to Dublin. Usually pick up some reading off the beaten track. Irish children's nursery rhymes, a biography of Henry Joy McCracken, Eavan Boland poetry, and others. Allow yourself some time and explore the different rooms. Very good for local history also. A gem.

  • Rachel Anderson

The prices are a little steep, just like the stairs - skip bringing your stroller if you can! The selection is fantastic, however, and anything you don't see on the shelf is usually easily ordered in through the staff. Highly recommend for hard-to-find books, including graphic novels.

  • Froggy bangbang

The coffee is a bit I the expensive side and they have a no Wi-Fi policy. The staff is super friendly, the seats are comfortable, the view is nice and unless you go during the surrounding businesses' break time, when it gets flooded with customers, there's enough seat for everyone.

  • Sarah Elızabeth

A true hidden gem. I wish I would’ve discovered this book shop earlier. It has a wide selection of new and used books, along with all the old classics. I also just learned about their cafe that they have upstairs, which I’m looking forward to visiting next time I’m in the area:)

  • Tom Young

An amazing selection of books, with plenty of books downstairs on sale too. Like a Waterstones without the crazy prices, which is the biggest praise I can give. Interesting books are put on display, and the staff know their stuff when it comes to recommendations. Check it out!

  • Conor McKernan

Every visit to this bookshop has been enjoyable. I recommend those visiting to take the name literally and try their upstairs for a nice selection of second hand books. With the bottom two floors exhibiting most of their new books, there is something there for all book lovers

  • Zehra Güntay

Amazing bookstore with books for everyone. They have a large variety of all kinds of books and even have a second-hand book section. We got the cute tote bag and picked up a graphic novel as well as a “Blind Date with a Book”! Very cool and will definitely come back.

  • Liz Maguire

Great location and selection of popular new releases, indie publishers, and hard to find. Discovered today they have a great graphic novel section and the bargain basement is a nice touch. Great for people looking to support local Irish businesses when visiting.

  • Jasmin Dahn

Such a nice book shop! Great selection and variety of books! New books are on the ground level and second hand books can be found on the 1rst floor. I definitely recommend to browse through the shelves and spend some time, you might find some hidden gems! …

  • Kalle Ryan

Dublin's oldest independent bookshop. Great selection of contemporary and classic books, including several independently published Irish authors. Knowledgeable staff. Great place for browsing, even better for stocking up your library. Worth a visit

  • Alberto Gonzales

Friendliest of staffs, very good selection of books, and fantastic coffee on the second floor, makes this independent bookshop one of the best places to relax and wind down with a good read in the middle of the hustle and bustle of downtown Dublin.

  • Anna Mészáros

Lovely little bookstore with a beautiful historical facade. Great book selection, including graphic novels downstairs and an entire upper floor dedicated to vintage and second-hand books. I especially appreciated a dedicated LGBTQ+ shelf! ♥️ …

  • Emmet K

Amazing bookshop with a great selection. The staff are really helpful. I once arrived at closing time looking for a last minute gift and they fetched the book and took payment at the door while closing. Give them a visit next time you're in town

  • Mitko Georgiev

Such a lovely shop, with lovely staff as well. The Sci-fi section is pretty small but I was very impressed with the Science section. The second hand collection upstairs is also a real treasure trove. My favorite book store in Dublin so far.

  • Rebekah Berkovic

I loved this place. I walked in on a rainy day and it was so peaceful, calming and welcoming. They have a great selection of both old and new books and you can spend hours just looking around and flipping through pages. Recommended!

  • Lucky Bains

Wonderful escape in the heart of Dublin. Sophisticated clientele but not pretentious. Handmade chocolate for pure indulgence in your mocha. Light and airy. Quiet and peaceful. A WiFi free zone. A little basic, but adds to the charm.

  • emi verdiyeva

Very organised bookshop. You can probably stumble upon the little gems if you go to this book store. There's also a sales section downstairs. I haven't been to the café but there's also supposedly a café upstairs. Lovely staff.

  • David Severson

Walked in as the fourth bookstore of the day, expecting to strike out. However, i found 4 books that I couldn't leave without. They have a great selection of new books and a lovely used book room at the top of the building

  • Joan Lennon

Charming quirky collection nestled close to college green. Went there on a Sunday so the cafe was closed, but will return to try it! A wide selection of feminist, LBGT and Irish books. A good second hand section, too!

  • Finbarr Bennett

Great shop, very helpful and friendly staff and a good range of books. I even discovered today that there's a 2nd hand & special Irish interest area upstairs. And it's important to support an independent book seller.

  • Kiki Reno

Books Upstairs is an incredible bookstore! They had a basket of Blind Dates with Books. I absolutely loved the one I got. The store was so much bigger than I expected and I highly recommend it to any book lovers.

  • Lizzy Frykman

Always in search of a good bookstore. This one is charming, and likely to meet all your needs!! My only complaint is that the used books upstairs are quite pricey. But other than that a fantastic array of books!

  • thomas conneely

Excellent indie bookshop, strong on poetry, lit and lit crit, gender studies, politics, Irish fiction. Good cafe upstairs, excellent location overlooking D'Olier Street. Have recently expanded to a larger space.

  • James O'Connell

Ground floor tends to have new books, basement has books on sale and you can find the second-hand books section on the upper floor. Generally speaking, there's a good selection of books for a store of this size.

  • ferdia mac anna

Cool bookshop. Has everything or can get everything. Plus courtesy, efficiency, professionalism and knowledge. Add fun. Love words, love books then I'm sure you'll love Book Upstairs (which is also downstairs).

  • Anne Claffey

This shop is an Aladdin's Cave for book lovers. A really old fashioned place where you can browse for hours and not feel under pressure to buy. There's something for everyone in Books Upstairs …

  • graziella moschella

A little gem in the middle of the city. Quite and cozy, this coffee shop is perfect for enjoying a book on your own or chat the afternoon away with a friend. Good selection of teas and sweets.

  • Julianne Flynn

Easily the best bookshop in Dublin. It's the kind of place where you go in for a browse and come out with a book that will be placed among your favourites. Support this independent treasure!

  • Conan Brophy

My favourite book shop in Dublin. Staff are lovely and knowledgeable and the book selection stocking the shelves is immaculate. Never manage to leave without picking up something wonderful

  • Zuku Ariki

Great variety of books, the cashier was a super lovely gentleman. I especially loved that they had books with only a vague description and wrapped so you couldn't see the cover.

  • Frankie Bagel

Lovely selection of books, with specific areas of Irish Interest and children. Eclectic mix in their second hand too. Not sure if there's a lift but there's an up and downstairs

  • Agent Pear

A lovely, personal book shop. I love the aesthetic and vibe of this place. There are 3 floors of books here. There's even a café upstairs! The café does fantastic lattes.

  • Labhaoise Mooney

Little pricey but absolutely beautiful shop and I never leave without a book or two. They also have t-shirts and tote bags and a nice cafe upstairs. Always worth a visit.

  • Aidan Lucid

Visited this place while on vacation in Dublin in August. Staff are very friendly but the selection of books were not to my taste and it's not very wheelchair friendly.

  • Tasha Terrigno

A must see if you’re a bookie visiting. It’s such a cute space and multiple levels. Staff is very friendly, got some amazing used books to bring back to the states

  • Brenda Perez B.

A lovely and cozy coffee shop, it's small and calm, the people come to talk or read a book. If you want a peaceful place and enjoy a good coffee, it is the place.

  • Sebastian Zielinski

Amazing store with new and second - hand books which are upstairs and a very eager to help guy working there helped me with certain books, Definitely Reccommend.

  • Darren Cullen

Lovely cafe upstairs, great selection of books. The cafe's traditional window-overhang seat is great to sit and watch the city as you read and drink your coffee.

  • Jane

Lovely bookshop with all sorts of books to choose from. Lovely staff and atmosphere. Also has second hand books on one floor and books on sale in the basement.

  • Bill Murphy

Very nice book store. My son and I got books on Irish history. The books are actually on the ground floor. There is a coffee shop upstairs, which is good too.

  • Arthit Suriyawongkul

One of Dublin's independent bookstores. Find local newspapers and journals that are often printed in limited numbers here. More books upstairs and downstairs.

  • Gayoung Lee

The cozy cozy super cozy book shop in Dublin! There are tote bags by The books upstairs. So lovely tote bags ever :) I bought few bags for my sister :)

  • Diana Rodriguez Bonet

The library has a great selection of books, both new and second hand. Plus, the café upstairs is very quiet and a fantastic place to relax with a book.

  • Sian Conway

Really lovely staff, great selection of books and a gorgeous space upstairs to sit and read with a coffee. If you get the window seat, you’re golden ✨

  • Peter McC

Books Upstairs is a great place to browse. The staff are friendly and helpful. The range of books contains gems you will not find in other bookshops.

  • TheycallmeFred_

Cute bookstore with a great cafè upstairs. Just buy a book and get a nice hot chocolate from the friendly staff and read, enjoying a great view :)

  • Katy Ellerton-Verge

We were enticed into this bookshop by their LGBTQ+ themed window display for Pride and loved the selection of children's and adults books inside.

  • Enikő Kiss

Such a cozy and warm place to buy a book and a coffee perhaps. They sell second-hand books, too. The staff is helpful and friendly. Recommended.

  • Hugh Conlon

A lovely little bookshop. It may not have everything you're looking for but the extensive second hand selection has something for everyone.

  • martin conneely

The oldest indie bookshop in Dublin, I think, and a pleasure to visit. The secondhand section is a new addition and is eminently browsable.

  • Manoharan Dilukshan

Found this Bookstore while waiting for the bus to the Airport. Highly recommended and helpful staff. 5 Euro Sale is happening this week.

  • Jen Quinn

Love getting a coffee in the cafe here. Glasses and cups could be cleaner but the vibes are always wonderful and I love the bookshop.

  • QQ

Such a lovely place with a great selection of books!! They also have a basket with wrapped books as a “blind date with a book” thing

  • Monica W

Cute bookshop, wish I had more time to browse. Cafe upstairs needs better ventilation but the staff are nice and the tea is good.

  • Gerry Sinnott

Love this book store. Right in the heart of Dublin and it's the longest running independent book store in Dublin. Helpful staff.

  • Joseph Hayes

One of the very best Irish bookstores. Knowledgeable, courteous, helpful staff and a vast selection to choose from. Exceptional.

  • Eric's Adventures

Me and my companion loved it! We loved the selection, the staff, and the facility. I must visit again next time I'm in Dublin.

  • Spooky Collins

A lovely bookstore with a café upstairs. The used books selection is negligible though it did contain some interesting pieces.

  • Mick McKigney

A fantastic bookshop that also sports a café and an excellent secondhand section. A favourite haunt for any visit to the city.

  • Reza

A great bookstore. The classics and essays section are definitely brilliant. Their nice collection of Ideas Series is lovely.

  • aleksandra jedziniak

Great selection of books, the cafe on the second floor serves amazing coffee but closes earlier than the bookstore.

  • C.

Favourite bookshop in Dublin, great selection of both new and second hand books, cozy atmosphere and friendly staff

  • Daniel Murphy

Lovely little bookshop. Very nice atmosphere and helpful staff. Couldn't find anything to suit my fancy though.

  • Trudie Gorman

My absolute favourite bookshop in Dublin. Such an amazing curation and the staff are so passionate and helpful.

  • Noelle Killius (Noelle Killius)

I love that there are really old books, new books, and a coffee shop to read those books, all on one place.

  • Leandro

It was my first time there and I loved it! Will surely go back there to get more books and visit the cafe

  • Aislinn Twamley

Beautiful old book shop, has a beautiful calm feel to it. A lovely place to spend an hour or two.

  • Ajay Menon

One of the nicest stores in Dublin! A great collection of old/second hand books upstairs too.

  • Pauline Fayne

Brilliant bookshop and quiet cafe . Great place to meet friends for coffee , chat and cake !

  • Barış Yılmaz

Nice lovely coffee shop. Atmosphere is great. Staff is lovely. Thank you for the service.

  • Zelal Khabir

Very small menu it’s old and chairs aren’t comfy , irs nice place to discount and read

  • Ale K

Nice bookstore, very friendly staff. On the first floor they also have used books.

  • Camellia Yang

Lovely independent bookstore with loads of Irish culture and history collections.

  • Federico Magni

Nice library but I would have expected more 'personality' in the choice of books.

  • Ceren Sahin

very cozy bookstore, couldn’t take my eyes out of shelves and great environment

  • venus

adorable, lovely to sit in and read for a while. hot chocolate was delightful.

  • Emily Rasmussen

cute bookstore near TCD with a cafe upstairs! the cafe serves tea & pastries.

  • Laura Camps

A great selection of books old and new. I could've spent hours in this store.

  • Billie Traynor

Gorgeous friendly bookshop with lots of poetry! Great children's section too

  • Miriam H

Love this cafe, great location. Cosy seating area upstairs. Lovely staff.

  • Colm Munnelly

An amazing shop with an even more amazing second hand section

  • Mike Delorey

My daughter loved the oldest independent bookshop in Dublin!

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