Mayo bookshop longlisted for An Post Bookshop of the Year
Louisburgh bookshop among 12 across Ireland shortlisted by public vote for prestigious An Post Irish Book Awards.
Mayo bookshop Books at One in Louisburgh has been longlisted for the prestigious An Post Bookshop of the Year award as part of this year’s An Post Irish Book Awards.
Books at One is one of just 12 bookshops from across the country to make the longlist, following a public vote which invited customers to nominate and celebrate their favourite bookshops.
The An Post Bookshop of the Year award recognises the important role played by independent bookshops and local branches of bookshop chains in their communities, celebrating the places that help readers discover, enjoy and share their love of books.
Following the public vote, the 12 longlisted bookshops have now been invited to submit a written entry to an independent judging panel. The panel will select a shortlist of six bookshops, with the shortlist due to be announced on 22 October.
The 2026 judging panel comprises Maria Dickenson, Judging Chair; Sheila O’Reilly, Project Manager, Booksellers Association; Ronan Richmond, Sales Director, Argosy Wholesale; Cian Byrne, Managing Director, John Byrne Books Ltd., and Chair of Bookselling Ireland, Jacq Murphy; Senior Sales Manager, Gill Hess Ltd., Mick Finucane, Chief Executive Officer, Chapters Bookstore, and Lauren Murphy, Social Media Manager, An Post.
The overall winner of An Post Bookshop of the Year will be announced at the An Post Irish Book Awards ceremony on December 1, where they will receive a trophy and a €5,000 prize from An Post Commerce.
The annual An Post Irish Book Awards bring together readers, authors, booksellers, publishers and librarians to celebrate Irish writing and the contribution of the wider book community. The 2026 awards feature categories including Novel of the Year, Children’s Fiction, Crime Fiction, Popular Fiction, Non-Fiction, Sports, Short Story, Poem, History, Teen and Young Adult, and Irish Language.
Commenting on this year’s longlist, Sinéad McCorry, Chairperson of the An Post Irish Book Awards, said:
“Bookshops are the cornerstone of many communities across Ireland, and this category was established to recognise the central role they play – not only within the book trade, but in celebrating Ireland’s rich and extensive literary heritage. More than just places to buy books, they are cultural hubs that spark creativity, bring people together and foster a love of reading among people of all ages.
“We are particularly delighted to see such a strong and geographically diverse group of bookshops represented on this year’s longlist, reflecting the important contribution independent and local bookshops make in communities right across Ireland. We extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to all of the longlisted bookshops.”
Cian Byrne, Chair of Bookselling Ireland, said the longlist reflects the contribution bookshops make to communities across the country.
“For generations, bookshops have been an important part of Ireland’s cultural life, providing welcoming spaces where people can discover new authors, revisit old favourites and share a love of books. Booksellers are at the heart of this, connecting readers with stories and helping to nurture Ireland’s vibrant literary culture.
“It is wonderful to see that contribution recognised through this award, and the 2026 longlist is a fantastic reflection of the passion, individuality and commitment that bookshops across Ireland bring to their communities. The breadth of this year’s longlist, with bookshops represented from right across the country, is a testament to the strength and diversity of Ireland’s bookselling community.”
Garrett Bridgeman, Managing Director of An Post Mails & Parcels, also highlighted the role of bookshops in local communities and economies.
“At An Post, we see first-hand the important role local bookshops play, not only as cultural hubs within their communities, but as vital businesses contributing to local economies across Ireland.
“Through An Post Commerce, we work with businesses of every size to help them reach customers, grow their sales and compete in an increasingly digital marketplace. This award celebrates the resilience, innovation and commitment of Ireland’s booksellers, and recognises the significant contribution they make to the commercial and cultural life of communities nationwide. We are delighted to support and champion their success through the An Post Irish Book Awards.”
The shortlist of six bookshops will be announced on 22 October, with the overall winner to be revealed at the An Post Irish Book Awards ceremony on 1 December.