Seanchaí Books

17/06/2026

When our bookclub read 'Tom Crean: Unsung Hero', we knew we'd have to make the journey to Shackleton Experience Athy. We had a wonderful day out, the museum has so much to offer, and the staff and cafe were fantastic. We also had a lovely lunch in 𝙼𝚊𝚗𝚒 𝙸𝚗 𝙿𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚊 𝙰𝚝𝚑𝚢 🍝 🍕 . Although our circumstances have changed our bookclub will still continue into the future.

09/06/2026

Our sale has started in Seanchaí, with 30% off all books, excluding some indie titles and new book orders. Happy shopping 📚 💚

03/06/2026

To Our Customers and Friends,

We would like to let our customers know that over the coming months we will begin winding down the bookshop.

There are a number of reasons behind our decision to close. Some circumstances were beyond our control, but most importantly, the time has come for us to enjoy our retirement.

Running Seanchaí Books has been a wonderful experience. What began as a small bookshop became something far more meaningful because of the people who walked through our doors every day. Over the years, we have made friendships and connections we never could have imagined, and we are deeply grateful for the loyal and supportive community that grew around the shop.

The kindness shown to us by the people of Kildare has been extraordinary from the very beginning. Whether it was customers recommending us to friends, families bringing children in to discover their first books, the chats and conversations shared across the counter, this town embraced us in a way we will never forget. So many of you supported not just a business, but a place where people could gather, browse, talk, and share a love of reading. We always felt that Seanchaí Books belonged as much to the community as it did to us.

We would kindly ask anyone with gift vouchers to redeem them over the next month or so, as we would very much like to honour them in good time.

Starting Monday 8th June, we will also be offering discounts across many ranges in the shop, so there will certainly be bargains to be found along the way.

We do not yet have a final closing date, but we hope to have completed the winding down of the shop by August at the latest.

Finally, we would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported Seanchaí Books over the years. It has been a pleasure to be part of the Kildare community and to meet so many people through the shop. We are very grateful for the loyalty and goodwill shown to us throughout our time here, and we will look back on it with great appreciation.

With heartfelt thanks,

Ber & Martin
Seanchaí Books

30/05/2026

29/05/2026

28/05/2026

We were thrilled to welcome author Lesley Bond in-store to sign copies of her powerful new memoir 'Blasket Bound'.

In this haunting and beautifully written account of solitude, history, and belonging, Bond reflects on six months spent as caretaker on the Great Blasket Island, where isolation, wild Atlantic weather, and the island’s rich cultural legacy shaped her experience in unexpected ways.

Blending personal reflection with the enduring spirit of one of Ireland’s most storied landscapes, 'Blasket Bound' is a moving exploration of life on the edge of Ireland.

20/05/2026

Delighted to be involved in the launch of 'Pike Hill: The Rath Massacre, A Novel, 1798' by Martin (Murt) Malone, happening in Kildare Town Library on Thursday, 28 May from 6:30pm–8pm.

Set during the 1798 Rebellion, the novel brings local history to life through the people, places, and stories of Kildare and Wexford. A powerful read that explores courage, conflict, survival, and the human side of history.

The book will be launched by Noel Heavey, with historian and author Mario Corrigan speaking on the night.

If you enjoy local history, Irish fiction, or simply a good story well told, this promises to be a lovely evening.

Location: Kildare Town Library
Date: Thursday, 28 May
Time: 6:30pm – 8pm

All welcome.

Kildare Town Footprints Kildare Library Service

08/05/2026

If you’re looking for a thoughtful summer read, Walking to the Foot of the Sky by Kildare woman Miriam Mulcahy is one worth picking up.

Following the echoes of Domhnall Cam O’Sullivan Beare’s march of 1603, what starts as a walk along the Beara Breifne Way becomes something much more personal; part travel memoir, part reflection on history, memory, and the unexpected things we find when we slow down and pay attention.

Beautifully written and full of atmosphere, it’s one of those books that gently pulls you along.

Available now in the bookshop. Congrats Miriam on another wonderful read.

03/05/2026

Local artist and friend of the shop Joanne McWey has transformed our winter window into a summer scene just in time for Bealtaine. Thank you!

01/04/2026

This week’s bestsellers in Seanchaí.

From the beautifully written and deeply moving stories in Walk the Blue Fields by Claire Keegan, to the dark, twisty suspense of The Truth About Ruby Cooper by Liz Nugent, and the ancient glimpse into Ireland’s past with Brehon Laws: The Ancient Wisdom of Ireland by Jo Kerrigan-there’s something for every kind of reader.

A thoughtful mix of literary fiction, gripping drama, and rich history, plenty here to suit different moods and interests. And thanks to Alannah for helping us this week!