For Irish Book Week 2021, I wanted to shine a light on independent bookstores that you can support this year, and beyond, in Tipperary.
Being a Tipperary native myself, I started every Saturday morning of my childhood in my favourite bookstore in Cashel. Over the months and years of stopping by, I grew to know the owner of the bookstore and would strike up conversations about my favourite books at the time, and got recommendations on other books that would be of similar interest to me.
My positive experience of buying from in an independent bookstore only further cemented my love of books and bookstores themselves. It’s just unfortunate that the bookstore I am referring to closed it’s doors a few years ago now but it played such a big part in my weekend routine that I know how important it is to support them. Buying from an independent book seller is much more of a personable experience than buying from bigger chains or solely online, and that is why we should make an effort to champion our most local ones.
With that being said, here is a roundup of independent bookstores to visit in Tipperary…
Bookworm Bookshop, 1 Parnell St, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
The Bookworm is such a gem of a bookstore. They probably have had every book known to man/woman on their shelves over the years, and if they didn’t have it, the very helpful staff on hand would more than likely order it for you. The stock includes plenty of local history books and musical instruments. They’re known to have provided music lessons and hold community classes and events (pre Covid anyway, and hopefully post) and they house a little cafe too. If you’re looking for a friendly and atmospheric bookstore around Tipperary, this is it.
The Bookmarket, Market Place, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
The Bookmarket wouldn’t have been most my local but I know it well from visiting the town of Clonmel throughout the years. They stock new, second hand and local interest books so there is a lot to look through before you buy. Opened since 1995, it has obviously had its wealth of support from locals but if you want to continue that support or find yourself looking for an independent bookstore while in Clonmel or it’s surrounding areas, you know where to go.
Acquired Brain Injury Bookshop, St. Dominick’s Abbey, Cashel, Co. Tipperary.
I thought I would include this charity bookshop because it is always wise to pick up some pre-loved books at a fraction of the price. All books that are for sale are usually donated, so not only can you pick up some new reads, but donate the ones that may no longer have a place in your home but could in someone else’s. Of course, the main focus of this bookshop is it’s chosen charity Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, another worthy cause.
https://www.cashel.ie/acquired-brain-injury-bookshop/
thebookshop.ie, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. (Online)
thebookshop.ie is an online second hand bookshop based in Thurles. With most titles selling at €2.50 or less. You don’t even have to be living in or near Tipperary to support and buy from them as they ship nationwide, with free delivery over €20. You can also sell your books to them with the available process online. I only came across this online store recently and I absolutely love the idea of it.
Sheelagh na Gig, Main St, Townfields, Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary.
Sheelagh na Gig is a bookstore that was recommended to me on Twitter as one I should add to this list. I haven’t been there myself yet but as I research it online, it looks absolutely delightful to me. It is described as a books, coffee, gifts and whole foods store so it’s an obvious all rounder. From their site, they appear to a stock a wide range of book genres and the store itself looks like such an enchanting place. I may not know it right now, but it is certainly on my list to visit!
I hope you go out and support some of your most local bookstores this week, be it in Tipperary or elsewhere in the country. They only continue to open their doors with our support.
If you think there is a bookstore in Tipperary missing from this list, please me know in the comments below or on social media, (Instagram & Twitter) as I will happily add them in on your recommendation!
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