Bob Johnston opened it in 2009, in the middle of the crash, on the bet that people would still buy books if buying them was a pleasure; the staff picks prove him right. Named for Wilde's line about the gutter and the stars, it sits on a quiet lane at the west end of Temple Bar that the pub crowds never reach.
- Address
- Cow's Lane, Temple Bar, Dublin 8
- Hours
- Mon-Sat 10:00-18:30; Sun 12:00-18:00 (Google hours via Wanderlog, 2026-10)
- Best time to go
- Afternoon · About 30 min
- Price
- Free to browse
- Price level
- €€
Details can change. Check hours and prices before you go.
Good to know
- Ask the staff for a recommendation: it is what the shop is known for
- There is a second branch in Dalkey village (20 Railway Road)
- Cow's Lane is two minutes from Christ Church