A Dublin Literary Institution
Hodges Figgis has been shaping Dublin’s reading habits since 1768. What began as a modest stall near Christ Church Cathedral has grown into a four-floor destination on Dawson Street, widely recognised as Ireland’s oldest continuously operating bookshop. Today, it stands as a quiet counterpoint to the city’s bustle, offering roughly a million titles across a carefully curated space. While part of the wider Waterstones network, the shop maintains its own distinct identity, complete with a traditional loyalty stamp scheme and a dedicated focus on Irish publishing.
The building’s location opposite Trinity College has long made it a natural stop for students and scholars, but its appeal extends far beyond academia. Over the centuries, the shop’s address has shifted across the city centre – from Grafton Street to Nassau Street – before settling at its current home in the mid-20th century. Throughout those moves, it remained a fixture in Dublin’s literary landscape, referenced by James Joyce, celebrated by contemporary poets, and featured in modern fiction. The shop also maintained its own publishing imprint for decades, producing reference works and illustrated editions that helped preserve Irish cultural heritage.
Browsing the Floors
Visiting Hodges Figgis is as much about the experience as the books themselves. The layout is designed to encourage slow browsing, with each level offering a different atmosphere:
- Ground Floor: The entrance opens onto rotating themed tables and striking window displays. The Irish department takes centre stage here, housing an extensive collection of poetry, drama, folklore, history, and contemporary fiction. It is widely considered one of the most comprehensive Irish sections available anywhere.
- First Floor: Bestsellers in fiction and non-fiction line the shelves, alongside a travel section decorated with paper-map installations. Crime fiction enthusiasts will appreciate the playful, immersive displays that break up the traditional aisle layout.
- Second Floor: Academic and specialist titles dominate this level, catering to the nearby university community. You will find substantial collections in history, philosophy, politics, and the sciences.
- Children’s Floor: A bright, welcoming space designed to encourage young readers. Colourful bunting, interactive displays, and a dedicated story-time area make it a popular stop for families. The shop regularly hosts children’s author visits and reading sessions here.
As you move between levels, you will notice portraits of Ireland’s most celebrated writers lining the stairwells. These visual tributes reinforce the shop’s role as a custodian of the country’s literary heritage.
Unique Features & Events
Hodges Figgis operates on a slower, more personal rhythm than typical retail bookstores. The staff are known for their deep knowledge of Irish publishing and are happy to recommend titles based on your interests. The shop’s traditional stamp card rewards regular visitors with discounts, while the gift and stationery corner offers literary notebooks, puzzles, and locally designed souvenirs.
Throughout the year, the shop hosts a steady calendar of author talks, book launches, and community reading groups. The programme often features emerging Irish voices alongside established names, making it a useful resource for keeping up with the current literary scene. Check the official website or call ahead for the latest event schedule, as dates and times vary seasonally.
Practical Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 56-58 Dawson Street, Dublin 2 |
| Phone | 01-677-4754 |
| Website | hodgesfiggis.ie |
| Opening Hours | Typically 9:30am–6:00pm Mon–Sat, 11:00am–5:00pm Sun. Hours may vary during holidays and events; verify before visiting. |
| Admission | Free entry |
| Accessibility | Street-level entrance with a lift serving all floors |
Getting There
- By Foot: A short walk south from Trinity College along College Street, then left onto Dawson Street. The distinctive green façade is easily spotted.
- By Luas: St Stephen’s Green stop on the Red Line is a two-minute walk away.
- By Bus: Multiple city centre routes stop on Dawson Street or nearby Grafton Street.
Extending Your Literary Walk
Dawson Street sits at the edge of Dublin’s historic core, making it easy to combine a visit to Hodges Figgis with other cultural stops. The Abbey Theatre is a ten-minute walk away, offering a chance to explore Ireland’s national stage and its legacy of playwrights. For a deeper dive into Irish manuscripts and rare books, the Chester Beatty Library on Dublin Castle grounds houses one of the world’s finest collections. Both pair naturally with a morning or afternoon spent browsing Dawson Street’s shelves.
Why It Matters
In an era of digital reading and online retail, Hodges Figgis remains a testament to the enduring value of physical books and local literary culture. Its walls have hosted centuries of readers, from 18th-century scholars to modern students, and its Irish section continues to champion homegrown voices. A visit here offers a grounded, unhurried way to experience Dublin’s intellectual heritage. Pop in during a quiet weekday morning to browse the Irish shelves without crowds, and allow extra time to speak with the staff about upcoming local author events.