Independent Clare bookshop longlisted for major category at An Post Irish Book Awards

An independent Clare bookshop has been longlisted for the ‘Bookshop of the Year’ category at this year’s An Post Irish Book Awards.

This annual literary event celebrates and promotes Irish writing and authors to the widest range of readers possible.

The ‘An Post Bookshop of the Year’ category is specifically designed to acknowledge the role played both by independent and local branch bookshops in helping their communities to find the titles of their choice. .

Ennis' very own Genius Juniors, a children's and educational resources bookshop, has been longlisted in this special category. 

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Customers were asked to vote for their favourite bookshops and explain the reason for their choice. The bookshops that received the most votes were then longlisted and have been invited by the judges to enter a written submission. 

The shortlist of six bookshops will now be selected by an independent judging panel.

The judges for 2025 are:

• Judging Chair – Maria Dickenson – Chair of Irish Booksellers Association
• Tony Purdue – Key Account Director at HarperCollins Publishers
• Sheila O’Reilly – Project Manager for Booksellers Association
• Jenni Doherty – Owner of Little Acorns Bookstore, last year’s winner of the 'An Post Bookshop of the Year'
• Ronan Richmond – Sales Director at Argosy Wholesale
• Angus Laverty – Public Affairs Manager at An Post
• Bert Wright – Irish Book Awards Project Administrator and former bookseller

The shortlist will be officially announced on October 22. The overall winner will be presented with their trophy at the An Post Irish Book Awards event on November 27, along with a prize worth €15,000 from An Post Commerce.

Each year, these awards bring together a vast community passionate about books – readers, authors, booksellers, publishers and librarians – to recognise the very best of new and established Irish writing talent and 2025 will be no different.

Larry Mac Hale, Chairperson of the An Post Irish Book Awards, says: “Bookshops are the cornerstone of many communities across Ireland, and this category was established to honour the central role they play - not only within the book trade, but in celebrating Ireland’s extensive literary heritage. More than just shops, they are cultural havens that spark creativity and foster a love of reading for people of all ages. We are proud to support this award and delighted to see such worthy bookshops on the longlist. Our warmest congratulations and best wishes to them all.”

Commenting on the important role that bookshops play in local communities, Garrett Bridgeman, Managing Director of An Post Mails & Parcels says:  “Bookshops are at the heart of every community, connecting people with stories and each other. At An Post, we are proud to support these local champions who inspire a love of reading, nurture creativity, and help Irish authors reach readers nationwide. The dedication and passion shown by bookshops across Ireland is truly remarkable, and we congratulate all those longlisted for this year’s award.”