About Royal Kilmainham Bookshop Ltd
Royal Kilmainham Bookshop Ltd is a small independent specialising in local history, Irish politics and second hand and out of print titles that interest readers exploring Dublin 8. Often described by locals as a treasure trove for Kilmainham and Dublin collectors, the shop stocks books on the 19th and 20th century Irish experience, political memoirs, and curated selections of fiction by Irish writers. The shop has a quiet, scholarly atmosphere; shelves can be dense and you may find hand written price labels and personal recommendations from the owner.
What to Expect
The Royal Kilmainham Bookshop is best known for its selection of local history and rare finds. It is a place to browse slowly; shelves are arranged thematically rather than by strict genre, which encourages serendipitous discoveries. You will find out of print pamphlets and locally produced chapbooks with a Kilmainham angle, plus guides and old maps of Dublin. The clientele ranges from students of Irish history to genealogists and casual visitors who enjoy old books with a story.
Insider Tips
- If you are researching family history in Dublin 8, tell the owner about surnames and streets; they often have obscure pamphlets or references off the main shelves.
- Ask about trade-ins; this bookshop often buys collections if you are looking to sell a box of Dublin related books.
- Wear comfortable shoes; browsing here can be delightfully time consuming and you will want to explore every shelf.
- Call ahead for rare titles; the shop sometimes keeps higher value books in a back room and will retrieve them for serious buyers.
For readers who love the hunt, Royal Kilmainham Bookshop is a quiet local landmark in Kilmainham. It complements museum shopping and galleries in the area, and rewards slow browsing with discoveries that larger chain bookshops do not carry.