Overview
Hodges Figgis is more than a bookshop – it is a Dublin institution that has been selling books since 1768, making it the oldest continuously operating bookshop in Ireland and one of the oldest in the world. Situated at 56‑58 Dawson Street, opposite Trinity College, the shop occupies a striking red‑brick Georgian façade with dark‑green paint‑work and a gold‑lettered sign that glints like a literary beacon. Inside, four floors and a basement hold roughly a million volumes, ranging from academic titles to best‑selling fiction, children’s picture books, and an unrivalled Irish department that claims to be the largest of its kind globally.
The shop is part of the Waterstones group but retains its own loyalty stamp scheme and a distinct curatorial voice. Whether you are hunting for a rare edition of James Joyce’s Dubliners, a contemporary novel by Sally Rooney, or a gift from the stationery range, Hodges Figgis promises a personalised, quiet haven in the heart of a bustling city.
History
The story begins in 1768 when John Milliken opened a modest stall at 10 Skinner’s Row, near Christ Church Cathedral. Over the next two centuries the shop migrated across Dublin – from Grafton Street (where it witnessed a royal balcony visit by George IV in 1822) to Nassau Street in the 1920s, and finally to Dawson Street in 1945. In 1979 the business, then owned by the Figgis family, moved back to Dawson Street at number 56, and by 1992 it had expanded to the current 56‑58 address, creating a four‑storey retail space.
Throughout its history the shop has been a literary haunt for Dublin’s writers. James Joyce referenced it in Ulysses, Sally Rooney set a chapter of Conversations with Friends within its walls, and Paul Durcan celebrated it in poetry. The shop also operated a publishing arm for over a century, producing works of Irish interest such as the Encyclopedia of Ireland (1968) and a special edition of the Táin Bó Cúailnge illustrated by Louis le Brocquy.
In 2011 Hodges Figgis was acquired by Waterstones, and in 2018 it marked its 250th anniversary with the anthology Reading the Future, featuring 250 contemporary Irish writers. The shop continues to host author events, book launches and community readings, reinforcing its role as a cultural hub.
What to See & Do
Four Floors of Bookish Delight
- Ground Floor: The entrance showcases rotating themed tables and striking window displays. The Irish department dominates this level, with shelves of poetry, drama, folklore, nature writing and contemporary Irish fiction.
- First Floor: Fiction and non‑fiction best‑sellers sit alongside a well‑curated travel section whose ceiling is festooned with paper‑airplane maps. Crime lovers will find a mock‑murder‑scene display adding a playful twist.
- Second Floor: Academic titles dominate, reflecting the shop’s proximity to Trinity College. Students can browse extensive collections in history, philosophy, and the sciences.
- Children’s Floor: A carnival‑like space with colourful bunting, a ceiling draped in paper decorations, and a wall spelling “once upon a time”. The area hosts regular story‑time sessions and author visits aimed at young readers.
Portraits of Irish literary giants – Yeats, Wilde, Beckett and Joyce – line the staircases, providing a visual reminder of the shop’s deep literary roots.
Unique Features
- Loyalty Stamp Scheme: Collect stamps with each purchase for discounts and exclusive offers.
- Themed Tables: Each table carries a witty sign and a curated selection, from witchcraft to gastronomy.
- Events: Regular author signings, launch parties and children’s reading groups keep the calendar lively.
- Gift & Stationery Corner: A selection of notebooks, bookmarks, puzzles and literary‑themed gifts makes perfect souvenirs.
Nearby Literary Attractions
A short walk from Hodges Figgis brings you to the Abbey Theatre, Ireland’s national theatre and a historic venue that has staged countless Irish playwrights. Combining a visit to the bookshop with a performance or backstage tour makes for a full literary day in Dublin’s city centre.
Practical Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 56‑58 Dawson Street, Dublin 2, Ireland |
| Phone | 01‑677‑4754 |
| Website | hodgesfiggis.ie (please verify – site currently unreachable) |
| Opening Hours | Check the official website or call ahead for the latest times |
| Admission | Free entry – you only pay for the books you buy |
| Accessibility | Street‑level entrance with a lift serving all upper floors (standard Waterstones provision) |
Getting There
- By Foot: From Trinity College, head south on College Street and turn left onto Dawson Street – the shop’s green façade is hard to miss.
- By Luas: Alight at St Stephen’s Green (Red Line) and walk two minutes east.
- By Bus: Routes 46A, 145 and 145A stop nearby on Dawson Street.
Events & Programs
Hodges Figgis runs a varied programme of author talks, book launches and children’s story‑time sessions throughout the year. Because the schedule changes regularly, visitors should consult the shop’s website or call ahead to confirm dates and times.
Why It Matters
Hodges Figgis is not just a retail space; it is a living archive of Dublin’s literary evolution. Its walls have witnessed centuries of Irish publishing, hosted generations of readers, and continue to inspire new writers. A visit here offers a tangible connection to the city’s cultural narrative – from the royal balcony of 1822 to the modern buzz of contemporary Irish fiction.