Are you looking for the best bookstores in Belfast?
The sectarian violence that took place in Belfast during the “Troubles” is likely among the first thing people know about Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. In addition, this city is the birthplace of the ill-fated Titanic.
Even while these two claims to fame aren’t exactly encouraging, modern-day Belfast is far from being a depressing place. This city has developed through the years into one of the most interesting cities in all of Ireland to visit.
Belfast was also the home of a large number of renowned writers. From the literary giants of the past, such as C.S. Lewis and Louis MacNeice, to the many contemporary writers who make their home in this region today.
Therefore, the growing bookstore culture in Belfast should not come as a surprise to anyone.
The following is a list of the best places to buy books in Belfast, which range from quaint second-hand book shops to large store chains.
Things you'll find in this article
9 Best Bookstores In Belfast
1. An Ceathrú Póilí
Address: 216 Falls Rd, Belfast BT12 6AH,
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In 1983, Ardscoil Bhéal Feirste became the home of the beginnings of An Ceathru Póil.
The bookstore is located within Cultrlann McAdam o Fiaich, which is a center dedicated to the Irish language. However, English speakers need not be concerned because the store also carries hundreds of books written in English that are about Irish topics.
One of the popular bookshops in Belfast, An Ceathrú Póilíis located on the ground floor directly across from the well-known café and restaurant are known as BIA.
They have about three thousand titles in stock, including books for children, students, and adult learners; novels, poetry, history, folklore, and biography.
This bookstore also displays the work of local artists and crafters. An Ceathrú Póilíis serves as an inviting gathering place for tourists, crafters, and readers alike.
2. Belfast Books
Address: 112 York Rd, Belfast BT15 3HF,
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Located at 112 York Road which is a little over a mile from Belfast’s city center, Belfast Books is a locally owned and operated independent bookstore.
One of the must-visit Belfast bookstores, this place is so much more than a simple bookstore. It is situated in one of Belfast’s most impoverished neighborhoods. Belfast Books serves as a hub for community education, debate, and development.
The shop’s owner was a lifelong resident who wanted to see the neighborhood he knew and loved preserved as much as possible by preventing its gentrification.
Belfast Books is a grassroots effort to address the well-studied problem of low levels of education among Protestants in the working class. Spending an hour here is a fantastic use of time. Its owner John is organizing local blog writing workshops and book clubs, in addition to teaching a creative writing course.
Talk to John about local politics and receive some reading suggestions if you want to learn more about the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
3. Books Paper Scissors
Address: 15 Stranmillis Rd, Belfast BT9 5AF
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Located in South Belfast, close to the Botanic Gardens, Queen’s University, and the Ulster Museum, Books Paper Scissors is a unique independent bookstore.
One of the popular book shops in Belfast, Books Paper Scissors is run by husband-and-wife duo Paul and Linda Murray. There is a wide selection of new books available for purchase, including an excellent selection of children’s books and Irish writing.
Gifts and stationery are also available at Books Paper Scissors. You can join their monthly book club or take advantage of their book subscription service to receive a new book each month or give it as a gift to someone who shares your love of reading.
4. Keates and Chapman
Address: 21 Lower North Street BELFAST BT1 1LA
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If only for the atmosphere, Keates and Chapman’s North Street shop is well worth a visit. A book lover’s dream, with its long, narrow aisles bursting at the seams with shelves brimming with titles.
If you like bookstores that have a wide variety of titles in many different categories, Keats & Chapman is a great location to visit. This store, centrally located in Belfast, declares itself to be the city’s last remaining independent bookseller.
This is one of the top places to buy used books in Belfast, with over 30,000 pre-owned books available Thus, you’re bound to discover something of interest there even if you don’t go in looking for it.
5. Linen Hall Charity Bookshop
Address: 17 Donegall Square North BELFAST BT1 5GB
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Part of the Linen Hall Library, which has been open to the public in Belfast since 1788, is the Linen Hall Charity Bookshop. It sells a variety of books and is conveniently situated near the main library.
Donated used books are of high quality and come in a wide variety of genres and formats. There is a wide variety of topics, from contemporary romantic and criminal fiction to regional and global studies, Irish and global history, military history, classic literature, art, religion, philosophy, and many more.
The money made from the sale of secondhand books goes directly back into the library’s general fund.
The variety in this Belfast bookstore is incredible, and you can usually find something you like for a reasonable price. They depend on book contributions to maintain their service, so if you need to make room on your bookshelves, here is the place to go.
6. No Alibis
Address: 83 Botanic Avenue, Belfast BT7 1JL,
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In all of Northern Ireland, this is the most hip bookstore you’ll find. Posters of pulp novels give the place a noir feel.
The shelves are stocked with books about crime and the American experience. It has an impressive assortment of books in its primary categories and a decent collection of nonfiction and fiction overall.
Queen’s University students frequent the bookstore not only for the books but also for the exciting schedule of author appearances and musical performances.
Local novelist Glenn Patterson thinks highly of this Belfast bookshop. Patterson even based a character in his mystery novel Mystery Man on a bookstore in Belfast that resembles this beloved establishment.
David, the store’s manager, will order copies of books and advise on request. The venue also conducts poetry readings and musical events. Some regulars also claim the complimentary beverages improve their time spent browsing the shelves here.
7. Oxfam Bookshop
Address: 33 Botanic Avenue BELFAST BT7 1JG
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Oxfam Books is located on Anne Street, and there is also a location on Botanic Avenue. Additionally, it is recommended that you look into some charity shops and the selections that they have available.
If you were to go into this bookstore without being aware that it sells used books at first, you are in for a surprise because it is so beautifully organized and stocked. You wouldn’t even know that this is actually one of the top places to buy used books in Belfast.
Donations of books are also gratefully accepted at any of Oxfam’s more than 550 high street locations. Even those Oxfam shops that don’t sell books or are limited in storage space can take them in.
8. War on Want NI
Address: 24 Botanic Avenue BELFAST BT7 1JQ
This is one of those Belfast bookstores benefitting a charitable organization that specializes in rare and Irish books. In addition to hardcover novels and children’s books, War on Want bookstore carries paperback books on topics such as religion, biography, hobbies, travel, geography, and history, as well as horror and science fiction.
War on Want can be found directly across the street from the Botanic Road entrance. Although the stock is smaller than that of Oxfam, the personality is the same. Prices are comparable to those at Oxfam but are not as consistent.
9. Waterstones
Address: 44-46 Fountain St, Belfast BT1 5EE, United Kingdom
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One of the most popular bookstores in Belfast is Waterstones, located on Fountain Street. This is a large chain bookstore, however, it consistently carries a varied inventory of titles.
Even though the topography of the city is always shifting, Waterstones Bookstore on Fountain Street has not moved an inch. Plus, there is a cafe here, as well as a book club. One can easily spend an afternoon here with a cup of coffee and a good book.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 60 countries for the past 12 years. I also lived in 4 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia, Africa and now in Europe. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.