About Chapters Bookstore
Just a short hop from Phibsborough Road on lively Parnell Street, Chapters Bookstore stands as a Dublin institution among the best bookshops near Phibsborough. This sprawling second-hand paradise bursts with over 100,000 titles across three floors, from dusty Penguin classics to obscure Irish history tomes. Founded decades ago, it embodies the Northside's gritty literary soul; towering shelves creak under the weight of forgotten gems, and the musty perfume of aged paper mingles with Parnell Street's street food aromas wafting from nearby kebab joints. Locals swear by it for bargains that outshine Temple Bar's glossy chains, making it a must for book lovers wandering from Phibsborough's Georgian squares.
What to Expect
Browse labyrinthine aisles crammed with fiction, non-fiction, sci-fi, and rare finds under €10. No computers here; it's old-school browsing with handwritten signs and catwalks overhead for staff to reach high shelves. Fiction dominates, but hunt for Dublin lore like James Joyce firsts or Northside memoirs. Cash only, so hit the ATM on Parnell Street first. The vibe is chaotic yet charming, with sunlight filtering through grimy windows onto battered paperbacks.
Insider Tips
Go mid-week mornings to beat the after-work crowd; weekends see queues out the door. Ask owner Ivan for hidden stock in the basement, especially Irish poetry. Pair with a pint at the adjacent John Kavanagh 'The Gravediggers' pub, a Phibsborough legend. For those searching best bookshops in Phibsborough Dublin, Chapters delivers unbeatable value and serendipity. Climb to the top floor for €1 bargains, and check the outdoor crates on sunny days. In Dublin's bookshop scene, Chapters is the authentic heartbeat of Parnell Street's cultural pulse.