About The Winding Stair Bookshop
Just a short stroll from Smithfield across the Liffey on Ormond Quay Lower, The Winding Stair Bookshop captures the soul of Dublin literature in a cosy, creaky-floored haven. Named after Seamus Heaney's poem, this beloved spot has been a northside staple for decades, specialising in Irish writing from Joyce to contemporary voices. Imagine narrow stairs leading to rooms packed with poetry, fiction, history, and folklore books, the air rich with aged paper and river breeze wafting in. It's one of those authentic Dublin bookshops where time slows, perfect for Smithfield visitors craving cultural depth amid the area's industrial chic.
What to Expect
Anticipate a curated collection heavy on Irish lit: signed first editions, biographies of Yeats and Beckett, plus global picks with a Celtic twist. The attached cafe serves hearty Irish fare like soda bread and seafood chowder, ideal for reading over coffee with Ha'penny Bridge views. Staff, often poets themselves, share tales of Dublin's literary past. Upstairs, rare books whisper history; downstairs, new arrivals tempt. Events feature readings that draw locals, blending Smithfield's edgy vibe with timeless words.
Insider Tips
Visit on a sunny afternoon for rooftop terrace views if open, or pair with a Smithfield Luas ride over. Hunt the hidden poetry nook for treasures under €10; it's a bargain hunter's dream. Locals tip: arrive early for seats during launches, and ask for staff faves like Claire Keegan. After, wander to nearby Four Courts for people-watching. In the Smithfield area, it's unbeatable for immersion in Dublin's bookish heritage, outshining chains with its warmth and specificity. Essential for any literary pilgrimage over 10 days in Dublin.