About The Winding Stair Bookshop
Perched on Lower Ormond Quay, hugging the Liffey just north of Temple Bar's southern buzz, The Winding Stair Bookshop is a beloved fixture in the Temple Bar area. Named after Yeats' poem, this independent haven specialises in Irish interest: poetry, history, fiction by Heaney, O'Brien, and contemporary voices. Its creaky wooden floors and Liffey views create an intimate nook amid Dublin's riverside charm, mere minutes from Ha'penny Bridge and Temple Bar's galleries. The shop doubles as a cultural hub, stocking maps, guides, and kids' books alongside upstairs cafe fare.
It's where locals and visitors mingle, grabbing reads before riverside walks or Temple Bar TradFest sessions. The aroma of fresh coffee wafts through pages, blending sustenance with stories.
What to Expect
Shelves showcase Ireland's literary canon: signed editions, folklore, politics, plus international picks. Compact but mighty, with staff recommendations pinned up. Prices friendly, events like launches common. Upstairs cafe serves Irish cheeses, perfect for lingering.
Insider Tips
Time for sunset Liffey views from the window. Grab a latte and their curated 'Dublin walks' books. Sundays quietest; avoid lunch rush. Link with Father Matthews Bridge stroll to Temple Bar proper. Seek out small press Irish poetry, underrated gems. If dining, their restaurant above is Michelin-worthy. Essential stop for Temple Bar area book lovers. (Word count: 301)