Book The Bookshop at Belfast Books
Book the Entire Bookshop
Have the whole shop to yourself. Belfast Books offers Northern Ireland's only bookable independent bookshop experience - currently free for visitors who reserve ahead.
What You Get
When you book Belfast Books, the entire shop is yours for exclusive browsing. No crowds, no rushing, no interruptions—just you and thousands of carefully curated books.
Perfect for couples, families, researchers, or anyone who wants an authentic experience in a real neighbourhood bookshop. Browse our collection of new, used, and out-of-print titles specializing in Northern Ireland Troubles history, science fiction, classics, war histories, and horror.
Located at 112 York Road in Belfast's historic maritime district, we're a tiny, messy book shack that tourists and locals call one of Belfast's best-kept secrets.
Who Books the Shop
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Tourists seeking authentic experiences beyond mainstream attractions
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Couples looking for unique date ideas in Belfast
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Researchers studying Northern Ireland history and politics
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Families with book-loving children
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Book clubs visiting from out of town
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Writers researching stories set in or about Belfast
How to Find Us
By Bus (Recommended):
Metro routes 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, and 2H run from Belfast city centre every 10-15 minutes. Get off at Grove Place stop - we're 75 meters away, practically outside the door. Journey takes 10-15 minutes from Donegall Square.
Contactless payment accepted on buses or buy an all-day Metro pass for £4 using the mLink app.
By Train:
York Street station is an 8-minute walk. Check train times to York Street.
From Airports:
Belfast International: Airport Express 300 to city centre, then Metro route 2.
George Best City Airport: Airport Express 600 to city centre, then Metro route 2.
Walking from City Centre:
25 minutes. Head north on Donegall Place, continue through Royal Avenue which becomes York Street, then York Road. We're at number 112 on your left.
Nearby Attractions
Within 15 minutes:
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Belfast Castle and Cave Hill
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Belfast Zoo
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Crumlin Road Gaol
Within 25 minutes:
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Titanic Belfast
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SS Nomadic
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St. George's Market
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Belfast Cathedral
Payment and Booking
We accept cash and all major cards including contactless, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Amazon Pay-convenient for international visitors.
The booking experience itself is free. You only pay for books you choose to buy.
Why Book Ahead?
We're one of fewer than 30 independent bookshops in all of Northern Ireland, and one of only a handful run by locals who live in the immediate area. Booking ensures we can give you our full attention and create the private literary experience you're looking for.
For online orders and worldwide delivery, visit belfastbooks.co.uk.
Follow @belfastbooks on X/Twitter for updates and book recommendations.
P.S. We're home to the world-famous Tayto Balaclava and 8-time winner of the Best Bookshop Rap Song award.