Lifestyle Ireland: 12 Bookshops Longlisted for An Post Bookshop of the Year
There is a particular pleasure in walking into a good bookshop: the quiet rustle of pages, a recommendation from someone who knows the shelves, and the sense that you might leave with a story you never expected to find. This year, lifestyle Ireland has another reason to celebrate its bookshops, with 12 stores across the island longlisted for the An Post Bookshop of the Year award.
The award will be presented at the An Post Irish Book Awards on 1 December 2026. It recognises the work of independent bookshops and local branches of larger chains, highlighting the role they play in reading, culture and community life.
The bookshops representing Ireland’s literary communities
The 2026 longlist brings together bookshops from cities, towns and rural communities. Customers were invited to vote for their favourite stores, with those receiving the strongest support progressing to the longlist. Each nominated bookshop has now been asked to submit a written entry for consideration by the judges.
The 12 longlisted bookshops are:
- Bantry Bookshop, County Cork
- Books at One, Louisburgh, County Mayo
- Bridge Books Dromore, County Down
- Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, Galway
- Genius Juniors, County Clare
- Leaf and Bower, County Cork
- O’Mahony’s Booksellers, Limerick
- Philip’s Bookshop, Mallow, County Cork
- Tales for Tadpoles, Bray, County Wicklow
- The Book Centre, Waterford
- The Bookshelf, Newry
- Woodbine Books, Kilcullen, County Kildare
The geographical spread is one of the most encouraging aspects of this year’s list. From established literary names to specialist children’s booksellers, the selection reflects the variety of ways bookshops support their communities. Some offer author events and reading groups, while others provide carefully chosen titles, children’s activities and trusted advice that online shopping cannot easily replace.
For many readers, a local bookshop is part of an everyday Irish lifestyle. It can be a meeting point, a source of discovery and a welcoming space for people of different ages. In that sense, the award connects with wider Ireland lifestyle news: the places that help people slow down, spend time locally and take part in shared cultural life.
Read more: Discover more Irish lifestyle news and local community stories.
Why independent bookshops matter in Ireland
Sinéad McCorry, chairperson of the An Post Irish Book Awards, described bookshops as central to communities and to Ireland’s literary heritage. The category is intended to recognise that contribution, rather than simply celebrate retail success.
That contribution can be seen in small, practical moments: a bookseller finding the right novel for a reluctant reader, a child choosing a first picture book, or a local author meeting an audience in their own town. Bookshops also help maintain a visible connection between readers and writers, supporting the broader creative economy and encouraging a culture of reading.
The shortlist will be announced on 22 October. The overall winner will receive the An Post Bookshop of the Year trophy at the December ceremony, together with a prize worth €5,000 from An Post Commerce.
Previous winners include Chapters Bookstore in Dublin 1, which won in 2025; Little Acorns Bookstore in Derry, the 2024 winner; and Halfway Up The Stairs in Greystones, which took the title in 2023.
For readers hoping to support their own favourite shop, the simplest approach is to visit, browse and buy locally where possible. A bookshop’s value is not measured only by the number of books sold. It is also found in the conversations, recommendations and sense of belonging that happen between the shelves.
Explore more: Find practical Ireland lifestyle inspiration, culture coverage and modern living ideas.
Frequently asked questions
When will the An Post Bookshop of the Year shortlist be announced?
The shortlist is scheduled to be announced on 22 October 2026.
When will the winner be revealed?
The winner will be announced at the An Post Irish Book Awards ceremony on 1 December 2026.
What does the winning bookshop receive?
The winner will receive a trophy and a prize worth €5,000 from An Post Commerce.
How were the longlisted bookshops selected?
Customers voted for their favourite bookshops. The stores receiving the most votes were then longlisted and invited to submit written entries to the judging panel.
Whether your favourite is a well-known literary institution or a much-loved local shop, this year’s nominations offer a timely reminder of why bookshops remain important. For anyone interested in lifestyle Ireland, the message is simple: supporting local booksellers helps keep reading, conversation and community at the heart of Irish life.
