About The Winding Stair Bookshop
A quick Luas ride or stroll from Phibsborough across the Liffey, The Winding Stair Bookshop on Ormond Quay captivates as one of Dublin's premier independent bookshops near Phibsborough. Housed in a creaky 18th-century building named after poet Patrick Kavanagh's collection, it stocks 20,000 new and Irish-interest titles amid Ha'penny Bridge views. The aroma of fresh ink blends with cafe coffee from upstairs, where you can sip while overlooking the river's gentle lap. Curated by passionate owners, it champions Irish writers like Sally Rooney, Colm TóibÃn, and emerging North Dublin voices, making it ideal post-Phibsborough ramble.
What to Expect
Tight, atmospheric space with precisely arranged shelves: Irish fiction, history, poetry, cookbooks, and kids' section. Prices mid-range, €15-€30 average. Upstairs cafe serves hearty Irish breakfasts amid bookshelves. Expect personal service; staff recall your last purchase. Seasonal displays feature Liffey Press editions perfect for gifting.
Insider Tips
Time your visit for 4pm tea upstairs with river sunset; book ahead on weekends. Snag signed copies during launches, announced on socials. From Phibsborough, hop the 140 bus or walk via Smithfield for Luas. Key for best bookshops in Phibsborough Dublin searches, its location bridges Northside charm with city buzz. Grab a map of literary Dublin haunts nearby, like Kavanagh's favourite pubs. This bookshop nourishes the soul like Phibsborough's community gardens.