Browsing Belfast (Book Shops in Belfast in general)

Member Name: byblox

Product:	Book Shops in Belfast in general
Date:	20/11/08 (28 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lots to read

Disadvantages: Some of the second hand shops are a bit grubby

Bookshop generally are a bit of a dying breed which is such a shame. I can't however deny that the lure of Amazon is very strong as it's a favourite of mine but there is something about perusing a bookshop that is relaxing and so inviting.

I doubt if Belfast is too different to any other city, my list will be fairly short but it isn't exhaustive.

Waterstones - Fountain Street

In the city centre, large bookshop spread over two floors. As with others in the chain it has a large selection of books covering as many subjects as you can think of. To make it a bit more individual it has a very good range of local and Irish books. Cramped children's section which is a shame. Nice coffee shop upstairs so you could find you lose a morning here!

Also in the city centre are Easons and WH Smith, quite close to each other and stocking a very similar range of popular books, magazines and newspapers. The downstairs of the WH Smith is a bit airless and bunker like.

Oxfam books, Botanic

Nice new Oxfam books store, bright and well stocked. Virtually identical store in Rosemary Street in the city centre, also new. Great selection of used books, you never know what will catch your eye. Nice collectable/antique section, various other sections, thrillers, Art, foreign etc. Also sells records and dvds.

War on Want Books, Botanic

Nearly opposite the new Oxfam (see above) more established, cosier, quiet atmosphere. A nice place to shop, lots of older books, glass cabinet at the till houses some collectable and rare books. Always has a themed table e.g. Art or Classics, this changes often and so is worth going in to peruse. Also stocks fair trade goods, very pleasant staff, I overheard one turning away books once so they must be very well stocked.

No Alibis, Botanic

Independent bookshop specialising in crime fiction. Very established bookshop with a small but strong following. Nice to see an independent store especially one that is specialist. Small and atmospherically untidy! Books can be ordered. Hosts readings and small music events regularly. A refreshing shop.

There are several other second hand bookshops in the city centre like in Gresham Street and Garfield Street though their names escape me!

You could easily spend a day on a book hunt in Belfast.

Summary: The lure of the bookshop