Bookstore Guide: The Winding Stair, Dublin

Where? Dublin, Ireland

Recommended by Lars-Terje Lysemose

Lars-Terje said: "This bookstore hasn't closed but has reopened with a new owner. Still quite good."

Several floors of used and new books inhabit this thoroughly bohemian little bookshop. It was opened in 1982 by Kevin Connolly, who lived, breathed and loved books in this wonderful little corner of the universe. Beloved by many, the shop was sold and closed in 2005 indeed. The building is now leased by a Dublin company which runs several bars and restaurants in the city. The good news is that the new owners seem dedicated to preserving its famous character (insofar as a large company can) since they decided to reopen the store under its original name in 2006 under new management. After these changes the books (both new and discount) only occupy the ground floor of the building, since the place upstairs has been transformed into a restaurant.

Continuing in the tradition that made this building a famous literary Dublin landmark, the Winding Stair Bookshop offers a wide range of new & second-hand books, as well a terrific range of children's books and few surprising gems for enthusiasts and browsers alike.