About Hodges Figgis
Ireland's oldest bookshop, Hodges Figgis on Dawson Street, sits just a stone's throw from Grafton Street's vibrant energy. Established in 1768, this iconic store at 56 Dawson Street blends historic charm with modern allure, drawing bibliophiles to its creaking wooden floors and towering shelves. Owned by Waterstones yet fiercely independent in spirit, it stocks over 200,000 titles across fiction, history, sci-fi, and rare finds, with a strong nod to Irish literature from Joyce to contemporary voices.
What to Expect
Step inside to soaring ceilings, ladders to reach high shelves, and sections dedicated to Dublin history, travel guides, and manga. The atmosphere hums with quiet reverence, punctuated by the rustle of pages and occasional author talks. Kids' corner sparkles with illustrations, while the cookbook area tempts with Irish recipes. It's a maze of discovery, perfect for unearthing forgotten classics or the latest Booker nominee amid Grafton area's buzz.
Insider Tips
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds; weekends bring families. Join free events like poetry readings or launches. Hunt the secret second-hand section upstairs for bargains. From here, wander to Trinity College Library nearby for literary synergy. Staff are goldmines of knowledge, recommending hidden gems like Paul Murray or Claire Keegan. Pair with coffee from adjacent spots. As Dublin's best bookshops go, Hodges Figgis is timeless, evoking Georgian Dublin while serving today's readers. Ideal for gifts: leather-bound sets or signed first editions. Its location makes it essential in any Grafton Street bookshop crawl.
Feel the weight of centuries in every corner; it's where history meets page-turners.