16/08/2026
Seven years ago last Friday, Red Books arrived in Wexford town.
On the 14th of August 2019, after nearly three wonderful years in the smallest bookshop in Ireland in Bridgetown, we opened the doors of Red Books in St Peter’s Square.
We weren’t just opening a shop. We were trying to create a little corner of the world where ideas could survive, where strangers could become friends, where curiosity was valued, and where a book could still start a conversation that might change someone’s life.
Seven years later, we are still here.
It wasn’t always easy. There have been struggles, setbacks, three lockdowns, a cost of living crisis, sleepless nights and plenty of moments when the sensible thing would have been to give up. But every time someone walked through the door looking for a book, a chat, or a place to belong, we knew we were where we were suppose to be.
And that is why Red Books exists.
We believe that communities are built from the ground up. Not by algorithms, corporations or distant decision-makers, but by ordinary people coming together and creating something better.
A bookshop can be a small act of rebellion. A room full of books is a room full of possibilities. A gathering of people sharing ideas is a reminder that we are more than consumers. We are creators, neighbours, storytellers and dreamers.
Over the past seven years, you have helped us grow from a tiny shop into a collection of over a quarter of a million books, hundreds of events, clubs, conversations and friendships. We’ve even seen customers fall in love. You have helped turn four walls and some shelves into a living, breathing community.
We are not naïve to the terrible realities laying ahead for all of us in bricks&mortar retail. Theres no doubt that the coming years will be just as trying as some we have come through, and difficult decisions may have to be made. But hopefully they will also be filled with just as much hope, joy, energy and goodwill as the previous seven years.
And now, as we look towards our 10th anniversary, we want to celebrate the people who made it possible.
On November 20th, we will be holding a very special 10th anniversary celebration night. A night to say thank you to everyone who has supported Red Books, shared our journey, attended an event, bought a book, donated a book, or simply walked through the door and became part of the story. We want to bring together the many entertainers, artists, writers and thinkers who have brought us so much joy over the past decade for a big blow out.
Red Books wasn’t built by one person, but by a community, and that needs to be marked.
And everyday more we are opened is a small victory against the Jeff Bezo-types of this world!
Thank you all for your continued support.
