If the only time you read is over the holidays, this article is for you!

  One of best pastimes during these cold winter nights is reading; some wait all year just to settle down with a few good books on the sofa. All over Ireland there are an abundance of amazing Irish bookshops, so here's our list of the best places to purchase your Christmas shopping, or just a few books for your own book shelf.

Worm Books, Cork

We are obsessed with the name of this bookstore. Worm Books on the Main Street in Schull is great for a spot of browsing. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj1B1BusWly/

Dingle Bookshop, Kerry

A pretty little shop for a pretty little village. Dingle is stunning, and made even better by their lovely bookshop, full of the latest fiction. The Dingle Bookshop on Green Street is closed on Sundays but open every other day from 10-5. https://www.instagram.com/p/CgrJiDEt4S2/

The Gutter Bookshop, Dublin

This store has two Dublin locations, one in Dalkey and one in Temple Bar. Named after the famous Oscar Wilde quote "We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars" The Gutter Bookshop is a small literary haven. You can check out their website for the opening hours of both their shops. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjvh4kDsb3W/

Charlie Byrne's Bookshop, Galway

Galway is lucky to house Charlie Byrne's Bookshop on Middle Street. This shop at first appears quite small but opens up into many different rooms to show off their impressive collection of books. https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce3DezisQyM/

The Secret Bookstore, Dublin

This expansive bookshop is tucked into Wicklow Street, almost hidden from view. The Secret Bookstore sell tons of secondhand and new books, and are not to be missed if you're a book lover in Dublin. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd6MAVwMtrt/

The Village Bookshop, Wicklow

Greystones in Wicklow is the most picturesque little village, with a matching bookshop. The Village Bookshop on Church Street, Greystones is a perfect place to potter around in. They even have a section for blind date books, where you blindly choose a novel based on theme or genre, not the cover. They open 12-5 on Sundays and 10-6 every other day. https://www.instagram.com/p/CeqvFpdMrAc/

Books Upstairs, Dublin

If you're looking to enjoy a coffee along with your book shopping, Books Upstairs in Dublin is the place for you. Located on D'Olier street, they boast a large selection of new and old fiction. Check out their upstairs café to re-caffeinate. https://www.instagram.com/p/CddFjUAsD3P/

Red Books, Wexford

I happened upon this secondhand bookshop when I was in Wexford recently, and if you're in the mood to go on a novel scavenger hunt, and get some bargains, then I definitely recommend Red Books. I got a Marian Keyes novel I'd been searching for for the high price of just €2. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cet9nKGqY4E/ Which of these Irish bookshops are you most excited to browse this winter? Header image via Instagram/gutterbookshop READ ON: 15 Irish novels to consider gifting the bookworm in your life this Christmas