Owners: Charlie Byrne

Founded: 1989

Charlie Byrne’s bookshop was voted Ireland’s favourite Independent Bookshop 2018 and Ireland’s Best Independent Bookshop by the Bookseller Magazine Awards this year. This comes as no surprise, and as you will see, this bookshop has more in store than what’s at eye level.

Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop is positioned in the heart of Galway. It is the city on the sea, with running streams lined by stone walls and tall, colorful buildings embracing the life of the winding streets. Every alleyway leads to a new secret spot, a hidden adventure embedded in yet another enchanting landscape. The multitude of small village shops, pubs, and street performers deliver the classical Irish charm of Dublin but in a more intimate setting.

The Bookshop itself is an oasis from Galway’s overflowing crowds and jammed streets. The store itself seems quaint when you first walk in, but the rooms start growing, different corners opening up to longer halls and more rows of books- almost like a magic trick or an optical illusion.

I studied abroad in Dublin my junior year of college, and Ireland holds a special place in my heart. About a year after my study abroad program at Trinity College Dublin, I returned to Ireland on a solo journey with the purpose of seeing more of the West, particularly Galway, which I had only stopped over for a few hours before. I had heard about Charlie Byrne’s and it was my first destination once I arrived in the city. After dropping my things off at a small B & B outside of town, I made my way down Quay street, enjoying the musical performances that flooded the tight walkways. There is something liberating in traveling alone and has become one of my favorite things to do- mostly because I can spend as much time in bookstores as I please without worrying about a schedule.

THE STORY

In the spring of 1989 Charlie Byrne started selling books in a small market stall on Munster Avenue in the center of Galway City.

The shop slowly grew into a vital part of the City Centre where Byrne met Vinny Browne, who has been managing the book shop ever since. The stall eventually expanded into a “fully fledged bricks-and-mortar bookshop” which opened later that year in the fall with famous author John O’Donohue officiating.

In 1996, the bookshop moved again to its now standing location in Middle Street, in the center of Galway City. The shop’s immense success is attributed to its foundation of loyal, book-loving customers:

‘Charlie Byrne’s is an institution of which Galwegians are fiercely – and rightly – proud. Charlie Byrne’s is, at heart, a community bookshop. Although sales are important, our expert and welcoming staff prioritise a high-quality customer experience above all else. 

Above all else, Charlie Byrne’s is a community centre. They host a multitude of cultural events including book launches, author readings, and seven book clubs each month. They are the largest supporter of local publishers and authors in the West of Ireland, such as Artisan House and Salmon Poetry, even hosting an annual “Culture Night” event where Galway authors read selections from their work.

They also engage younger readers by hosting local schools for Story Time sessions and supporting literature events in the community:

We are passionate about encouraging younger readers and helping them develop a love of reading. We strongly believe that there is no such thing as a child who doesn’t enjoy reading, she or he just hasn’t found the right book yet. Central to this encouragement is our very popular and free Story Time session. 

NOTABLE SECTIONS

Charlie Byrne’s has an important ecology section in addition to housing a prolific section of Irish literature, particularly “Galway and the West of Ireland.” The section is curated by the staff and highly specific, so even if you don’t find what you are looking for, there will always be a similar or better option.

Their selections reflect current trends while also maintaining integrity to the roots upon which they were founded: “a simple love for the written word.”

When I speak with members of the team, I always ask what their favorite part of working in a bookstore is. After speaking with Verena, a manager at Charlie Byrne’s, she responded:

“I feel like every room is telling me something different, it is weird because the books are not exactly talking but if I enter our History Room I think about different things than when I enter our Arts room and so it goes. There is something about similar books being put together and how all of them seem to bring a subconscious state of thought… Reading a book is like listening to someone talk so I never feel alone and I always go home with something new inside my head. 

That “something new” for me was a short story collection by Elizabeth Bowen that I picked up while browsing their Irish Literature section. Bowen is one of my favorite Irish authors and the pocketbook was just the right size for my traveling bag. I think Verena is exactly right, bookstores are about listening to and experiencing different voices: it is what keeps us rooted and connected.

CAFES & RESTURAUNTS

The White Rabbit: There are plenty of surprises in this small little wonderland, including the chef’s delicious creations.

The Pie Maker: is right next door to the White Rabbit. Their wide selection of miniature pies are the perfect escape from Irish weather and one of the best crusts I have ever tasted.

Used Books: ✓

Rare Books: ✓

Buy Books: ✓

Cafe: ✕

Wifi: ✕

Pets: ✓

Stay up to date with their events and launches here:

Website: https://www.charliebyrne.ie/about-us

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charliebyrnesbookshop/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharlieByrnesBookshop/

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