Calling book lovers across Waterford! Search underway to find best bookshop in Ireland

Book lovers across Waterford are encouraged to nominate their favourite bookshop in the county. 

The search is underway to find the best bookshop in Ireland as part of the An Post Irish Book Awards, the annual literary event which celebrates Irish writing nationwide. 

The ‘An Post Bookshop of the Year’ category - which debuted in 2021 - is designed to acknowledge the significant role played by independent bookshops and local branches of bookshop chains in helping their local reading communities. 

Previous winners include Kennys Bookshop and Art Gallery in Galway and Bridge Street Books in Wicklow. 

Chairperson of the An Post Irish Book Awards, Brendan Corbett, said, "Bookshops are at the core of communities’ throughout Ireland and offer a cultural and social hub for many. We introduced this category to acknowledge the important contribution bookshops and their booksellers make to not only to their communities and readers, but the significant role they play in the Irish book trade.

"We are delighted to see the category returning for the third year running and encourage everyone to support and vote for their local bookshop in the An Post Bookshop of the Year category.”

Customers who want to nominate their favourite bookshop can do so by clicking here, with all voters entered into a draw to win a €100 book voucher. 

Nominations will close on September 17 at midnight, with 12 bookshops around Ireland then selected for the longlist and invited by the judges to enter a written submission. 

Mystery shoppers will visit the 12 shops as part of the judging process, after which a shortlist of six shops will be chosen on October 19. 

The overall winner will be presented with their trophy at the An Post Irish Book Awards event on November 22 along with a prize worth €15,000 from An Post Commerce. 

Chair of Bookselling Ireland, Dawn Behan, said, "Our local bookshops are truly at the cornerstone of every Irish village and town and work every day to connect readers with titles they will truly love. Booksellers have an important role in fostering a love of literature among children and those who are new to the wonderful world of reading.

"This category brings together readers and booksellers and I look forward to seeing local bookshops celebrated once again at the An Post Irish Book Awards this year.”

Managing Director of An Post Mails & Parcels, Garrett Bridgeman, also commented and said, "Irish bookshops are thriving because they know how to look after their customers and they offer seamless in-store and delivery options. 

"In addition to providing reduced parcel and stamp rates for booksellers through the An Post Advantage Card, we are delighted to once again sponsor this very special award category which means so much to both bookshops and their customers across the country."