About Hodges Figgis
A short hop from Portobello towards the city centre on Dawson Street, Hodges Figgis ranks high among bookshops near Portobello, Dublin, as Ireland's oldest bookshop, established in 1768. This grand dame offers four floors of literary delight, from bestsellers and hardbacks to specialist sections on Irish history, art, and travel. The wooden shelves and high ceilings evoke Georgian elegance, while the scent of polished oak and crisp pages transports you to Dublin's scholarly past. It's a cornerstone of the city's book scene, frequented by everyone from students to celebrities.
What to Expect
Expect vast choice: over 200,000 titles, including rare editions, cookbooks, and kids' corners. Knowledgeable staff guide you through events like launches by Irish authors or book clubs. Comfortable reading areas invite lingering, and the cafe upstairs serves perfect flat whites amid the stacks. Prices span budget paperbacks to premium collectibles.
Insider Tips
Time your visit for Thursday evenings when it's quieter; snag signed copies from recent launches. From Portobello, cycle via the canal path for a scenic 10-minute trip. Combine with Grafton Street shopping or a Guinness at nearby Dawson Lounge. Hunt the history section for gems on Dublin's canals and Portobello's Georgian heritage. Families love the storytelling sessions; book lovers, the annual sale. As a historic landmark, it pairs brilliantly with a Portobello return for canal vibes. No trip to Dublin's bookshops is complete without it.
Its proximity makes it a top pick for Portobello-based explorations, bridging neighbourhood charm with city grandeur.