From hidden bookshops to vintage gems, Student Ambassador Yukta Kanoria shares her favourite vintage spots in Dublin for books, records, fashion and more. A must-read for anyone who loves browsing for timeless treasures.
In a world dominated by fast fashion, fleeting trends, fast-rising prices and ever-decreasing quality, vintage stores stand as charming portals to the past. Fortunately, Dublin has plenty of these to offer, whether you are looking for a fancy outfit on the cheaper side, are a collector, or, like me, simply love the smell of old books and the feeling of holding one in your hands without wanting to spend €20 on it.
In this blog post, I will talk about three vintage stores I didn’t know about that really stood out to me while roaming Dublin last month.
The Secret Book and Record Store
Address: 15A Wicklow Street, Dublin 2, D02 Y765, Ireland
I stumbled upon this place on an Instagram reel and had been meaning to visit ever since. While it may not be the most hidden spot, I had no idea it existed and neither did my friends. We were thrilled to discover the abundance of second-hand books and old vinyl records we had been missing out on.
It is called the Secret Bookstore because it is tucked away in the passage of an old building. Even before stepping inside, you get a sense it will be a cool place, with quirky posters and handwritten notes lining the walls leading to the shop. Many vinyl records are sold for €5 each, though there are pricier ones too, so keep an eye on what you pick.
As someone who reads a lot of philosophy, I found a wide range of books for quite a low price compared to standard bookstores. Some of the titles I picked up started from around €5 each.
In my opinion, this place is a haven for book and music lovers, and definitely worth a visit if you are in the mood for browsing through old books and records.
Under the Bridge
Address: 60–61 Talbot Street, Mountjoy, Dublin, D01 E431, Ireland
This shop is, as you might expect, located under the railway bridge on Talbot Street. It is not flashy, but if you walk along the right side of the street, you will spot its big window display filled with vintage statues and old crockery. It feels like walking into the attic of a grandparent’s home. The shop stocks everything from genuine vintage pieces to what some might consider old junk.
To add to the atmosphere, whenever a train passes overhead, the porcelain on display starts to clink, creating an eerie but fun sound. It is open until 6 pm on weekdays and until 5 pm on weekends. This shop also has a great selection of vintage clothes. You can find fancy coats, leather jackets, boots, dresses and more.
Personally, I was drawn to the collection of old hardcover books. During my visit, I found a lovely copy of The Last of the Mohicans for a great price. If you have time to dig through some treasures from the past, this place is a fun stop. You never know what you might uncover in the organised chaos of this shop.
Vintage and Retro
Address: 19A Main Street, Newtown Blackrock, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, A94 C8Y1, Ireland
This is one of my personal favourites. It has that perfect “blast from the past” vibe. The shop is located inside Blackrock Market and is filled with old books at really low prices. If I remember correctly, all books cost the same, no matter their age or size.
You will also find vintage toys, jewellery and trinkets. Music lovers will enjoy the selection of vinyl records and the chance to spot an old musical instrument or two. Unfortunately, the shop only opens from 11 am to 5.30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, so it is best saved for a weekend outing.
I loved rummaging through the shelves to find a meaningful souvenir to bring back, and afterwards treated myself to a cup of hand-rolled ice cream from the nearby stall — tasty and budget-friendly.
So, next time you are in Dublin with some time to spare, try one of these spots to hunt for hidden gems. Or turn it into a day out with your friends, exploring, finding fun items, and making new memories.
Yukta Kanoria is studying at Trinity College Dublin via Education in Ireland