Exploring The Winding Stair Bookshop and Restaurant: A Literary Haven
Perched along the River Liffey with a postcard-perfect view of the Ha’penny Bridge, The Winding Stair Bookshop & Café is one of Dublin’s most beloved landmarks. Named after the Yeats poem “The Winding Stair” and its charming spiral staircase, this spot became a creative hub in the 1970s and 1980s —
A Dublin Icon by the Liffey
The Winding Stair Bookshop & Café – A Dublin Icon by the Liffey
Perched along the River Liffey with a postcard-perfect view of the Ha’penny Bridge, The Winding Stair Bookshop & Café is one of Dublin’s most beloved landmarks. Named after the Yeats poem “The Winding Stair” and its charming spiral staircase, this spot became a creative hub in the 1970s and 1980s — a favourite meeting place for writers, musicians, and artists. Within its walls, poems were written, novels drafted, and films brought to life.
When the café faced closure in 2005, many feared the end of an era. But in 2006, Elaine Murphy lovingly revived it as a restaurant celebrating Irish, seasonal produce — all while preserving its literary soul. The ground-floor bookshop still greets visitors with shelves of well-loved titles, vintage photos, and the nostalgic scent of old paper. Upstairs, the dining room exudes timeless charm, with wooden floors, Bentwood café chairs, and exposed girders hinting at its past life as a tweed loom.
The menu is a tribute to honest Irish home cooking, crafted from the best local ingredients sourced from artisans across the island. Expect hearty, flavourful dishes made with care — no frills, just quality. The drinks list complements this perfectly, featuring local craft beers, international microbreweries, and a thoughtful selection of boutique wines from both new and old worlds.
With warm, welcoming service and an atmosphere steeped in Dublin character, The Winding Stair remains a must-visit — a place where good food, good books, and good company come together beside the Liffey.
Specialty: Seasonal Irish cuisine & craft beverages
Don’t miss: The ground-floor bookshop and iconic Ha’penny Bridge view
Address:
40 Lower Ormond Quay,
Dublin 1,
Ireland
Opening Hours:
Lunch:
Wed - Sun 12pm Until 3pm
Dinner:
Sun - Wed 5.30pm Until 9pm
Thu - Sat 5.30pm Until 10pm
Pics: @oops.mylens
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