“The Last Bookshop” on Camden Street

At some point during my first couple of days in Dublin, I was walking around at about noon somewhere close to my Airbnb on Lower Camden Street (literally the only place I had dared to explore at the time) when I saw a sign that caught my eye from the other side of the street: The Last Bookshop. 

This naturally incited my curiosity and so I crossed the road Irish style (with no concern of being fined for jaywalking because no such thing exists apparently) to check out the place. As soon as I stepped into the shop, the familiar and calming scent of books filled my nostrils. Immediately, this enhanced my excitement to peruse the various displays of secondhand books.

I asked the man behind the register for permission to take pictures (just in case) and he responded, “Yeah, sure. Just make sure to get a good angle on me.” So here’s the edgy picture of him that I decided to take, featuring a fellow customer on the left.

For some reason, I really like the ambiance of the shop. To me, the way the books are arranged is very non-pretentious yet organized, but not organized enough to make it feel un-cozy. That, and obviously the delicious smell that greets you as soon as you walk in, is my favorite thing about the place. Additionally, I enjoyed that there was a tranquility inside that you simply cannot get from your average busy bookshop which typically plays the jazzy versions of pop songs.

Watching other people in the shop made me happy because they were pretty engrossed in their book selection. I guess it makes me feel good knowing that these books have already been used but new people are going to be able to appreciate them. <3

While I walked around, my eyes continued to swiftly skim the titles on the spines of books and, yes, I do admit that I skipped over most of the “Irish History” section near the front (shame on me) and made my way to the Fiction displays closer to the back. Many of the books in this section were “newer” novels (including YA for those interested in the genre) that were in very good condition and in my opinion, are being sold at pretty reasonable prices. I might have a more informed opinion about the price level once I check out other secondhand bookstores though so I’ll be sure to visit more in the city!

I haven’t purchased anything from the store at this time because I brought two books here with me from Canada that I haven’t finished yet. Also, I have actually planned out on Goodreads which books I’m going to read this year but I think I’m going to leave some room for “spontaneity” and allow myself to discover new ones at this shop or at the many others in Dublin that I plan to explore soon.

Hopefully, I did this sweet little bookshop some justice through this post. If you’re a book-lover who isn’t too adamant about the “age” of your books or someone very interested in old Irish history materials, The Last Bookshop is definitely worth checking out!