Used Bookstores Near Me: Dublin’s Best Second Hand Shops

Anyone who has ever wandered through Dublin’s streets knows the joy of stumbling upon a creaky second-hand bookshop, and whether you’re hunting for a rare first edition or just a cheap paperback, the city’s used bookstores offer something for every reader. This guide covers the best spots to buy, sell, and donate books across Dublin and online, with practical tips to help you navigate the local scene.

Oldest bookshop in Dublin: Hodges Figgis (est. 1736) · Largest second-hand bookshop in Ireland: Chapters Bookstore (Parnell Street, Dublin) · Online used book inventory: The Bookshop.ie (500,000+ titles) · Top-rated used bookstore on Yelp: Hodges Figgis (4.5 stars) · Free book collection service: Oxfam Ireland (free collection from your door)

Here are the key facts about Dublin’s used bookstores.

Where can I find used bookstores near me?

Finding used bookstores in Dublin is surprisingly easy once you know where to look. Most are concentrated in the city centre, but a few online tools help you explore further.

Using Google Maps and Yelp

• Yelp lists the top 10 used book stores near Dublin, with Hodges Figgis rated 4.5 stars (Yelp (community review platform))
• Many independent bookshops, like Stokes Books in George’s Street Arcade, appear on Google Maps but have limited online presence (Visit Dublin (official tourism guide))

Searching local directories

• Visit Dublin maintains a curated guide to bookshops, including The Library Project in Temple Bar and Ulysses Rare Books on Duke Street (Visit Dublin (official tourism guide))
• The Temple Bar Book Market runs Saturdays from 10.30am to 5pm on Barnardo Square (Visit Dublin (official tourism guide))

Asking local book groups

• Reddit community r/Dublin recommends specific shops like The Winding Stair, which mixes new books at the front with second-hand editions in the back (Ireland.com (national tourism site))

The implication: For a quick browse, stick to the city centre; for rare finds, use online directories.

Where can I buy second hand books in Dublin?

Dublin’s physical bookshops range from historic institutions to quirky independents. Each has a distinct specialty.

Hodges Figgis

• Large Waterstones affiliate on Dawson Street with a dedicated used section (Ireland.com (national tourism site))
• Heritage dating back to 1768 – one of the oldest bookshops in Ireland (Ireland.com (national tourism site))

Chapters Bookstore

• Dublin institution on Parnell Street, stocking new titles and second-hand books (Visit Dublin (official tourism guide))
• Accepts appointments for selling old books online (Visit Dublin (official tourism guide))

Secret Book & Record Store

• Listed by Visit Dublin as a hidden gem for second-hand books and vinyl (Visit Dublin (official tourism guide))

Books Upstairs

• Independent bookshop on College Green with a curated second-hand selection

Online options: The Bookshop.ie, Vibes and Scribes

• The Bookshop.ie offers over 500,000 second-hand titles with home delivery (The Bookshop.ie (Irish online book retailer))
• Vibes and Scribes, based in Cork, provides online second-hand books with nationwide shipping

The implication: Choose based on what you value most – variety, ambiance, or convenience.

Where can I sell second hand books in Ireland online?

Selling used books online in Ireland has become easier, but knowing which platform to choose makes a difference in payout and effort.

Online marketplaces: eBay, Adverts.ie

• eBay and Adverts.ie let you list books individually – pricing depends on demand and condition (Adverts.ie (Irish classifieds platform))
• Selling on Amazon may be complicated due to seller fees and competition (Amazon (online marketplace))

Dedicated book buyers: SellYourBooks.ie, Ziffit

• SellYourBooks.ie offers free postage for bulk lots and pays via bank transfer
• Ziffit allows you to scan ISBNs for instant quotes – some services offer free postage (Ziffit (book buying service))

Local second-hand bookshops that buy

• Chapters Bookstore accepts trade-ins for a digital gift card – five or more books qualify for free postage (Chapters Bookstore (official trade-in page))
• To start a trade-in, enter the 13-digit ISBN and select condition (Chapters Bookstore (official trade-in page))
• Trade-in service is only for Republic of Ireland addresses (Chapters Bookstore (official trade-in page))

The implication: If you have a box of average-condition paperbacks, go with a bulk buyer. If you have specific or valuable books, invest the effort on a marketplace.

What can I do with unwanted books in Ireland?

Donating, recycling, or selling unwanted books – the best option depends on the condition and quantity.

Donate to charity shops (Oxfam, St Vincent de Paul)

• Oxfam Books on Parliament Street accepts donations gladly – purchases support Oxfam’s charitable work (Discover Ireland (national tourism authority))
• St Vincent de Paul shops also take book donations

Free collection services

• Oxfam Ireland offers free book collection from your door (Oxfam Ireland (charity organisation))

Sell to second-hand bookshops

• Chapters Bookstore’s trade-in gives store credit for usable books

Recycle with J&B Recycling

• J&B Recycling provides tips on reusing old books and eco-friendly recycling (J&B Recycling (waste management specialist))

Use Library book sales

• Some Irish libraries accept donations for their annual book sales

The implication: Match the disposal method to the book’s condition – don’t toss something useful.

What is the Irish version of Waterstones?

Waterstones operates several shops in Ireland, but Hodges Figgis – now owned by Waterstones – is the nearest equivalent. Here’s how major Irish bookstore chains compare.

The pattern: For a true Waterstones experience with a used section, Hodges Figgis is the clear choice. Easons fills a different niche – more magazine and stationery. Dubray offers a cosier independent feel with new releases only.

How to Sell Your Used Books in Ireland: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sort your books – Separate books by condition (like-new, good, fair, damaged). Check for rare editions by scanning ISBNs on AbeBooks or checking online marketplaces.
2. Choose your channel – For quick cash with minimal effort: use a bulk buyer like SellYourBooks.ie or Ziffit. For higher returns: list individually on Adverts.ie or eBay. For store credit: use Chapters Bookstore’s trade-in.
3. Prepare your books – Wipe covers, remove any sticky labels or prices. For online listings, take clear photos of the front, back, and any flaws.
4. Set a fair price – Check what similar copies sell for on eBay (sold listings) or Adverts.ie. Condition and edition matter most. Paperback mass-market novels rarely fetch more than €2-3, while first editions can go for hundreds.
5. Package and ship – If using a bulk buyer with free postage, pack securely in a box. For individual sales, use padded envelopes and send with An Post’s tracked service.

The catch: Convenience often means lower payout, but for many the trade-off is worth it.

Confirmed facts and what’s unclear about used bookstores in Ireland

Confirmed facts

• Hodges Figgis is owned by Waterstones (Ireland.com (national tourism site))
• Chapters Bookstore is on Parnell Street, Dublin (Visit Dublin (official tourism guide))
• Oxfam Ireland offers free book collection (Discover Ireland (national tourism authority))
• The Temple Bar Book Market runs Saturdays 10.30am–5pm (Visit Dublin (official tourism guide))
• Chapters trade-in requires ISBN entry and condition selection (Chapters Bookstore (official trade-in page))

What’s unclear

• Exact number of used bookstores in Dublin – figures vary by source
• Which online buyer offers the best price for bulk books – no independent comparison exists
• Exact founding year of Hodges Figgis (1736 vs 1768)
• Whether Ulysses Rare Books is still family-run
• Which specific libraries in Ireland accept book donations for annual sales

The pattern: Confirmed facts are well-sourced; keep an eye on the unclear items before making a decision.

What readers say about Dublin’s used bookstores

“Definitely the best used bookstore I’ve visited in Dublin – huge selection and the staff know their stuff.”

— Yelp reviewer on Hodges Figgis (Yelp (community review platform))

“If you’re on a budget, start at Chapters and then hit the Temple Bar Book Market on Saturday. You can fill a bag for a tenner.”

— Reddit user, r/Dublin (Reddit (online community))

“Dublin is a city of stories. Its bookshops are part of that tradition – each one has a character and a history.”

— Visit Dublin book-lovers guide (Visit Dublin (official tourism site))

What this means: Whether you’re after the biggest inventory or the cheapest bargain, Dublin’s community of book lovers agrees – the best shops are the ones you can walk to and browse slowly.

For more reading, check out our guide on Blind Date With a Book: What It Is and How to Create One and The New York Times: History, Credibility, Products & Access Guide.

Summary: Navigating the used book scene in Ireland

Buying used books in Dublin is a pleasure, but selling or donating them requires a bit of strategy. The market has clear winners: Chapters for selection, Oxfam for donation, Hodges Figgis for atmosphere, and online buyers for convenience. For the average Irish reader with a stack of books to offload, the smartest move is to use a bulk buyer for standard paperbacks and save special editions for Adverts.ie or a local shop like Ulysses Rare Books. If you’re donating, Oxfam’s free collection removes all the hassle. The trade-off is clear: convenience in exchange for a lower payout – but for most, the time saved is worth it.

For those who prefer browsing new releases alongside second-hand finds, book shop near me in Dublin offers a comprehensive guide to local stores.

Frequently asked questions