Between the Shelves

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New Podcast Between the Shelves Celebrates the Stories and Spirit of Ireland's Independent Bookshops

Six remarkable booksellers from Galway, Leitrim, Connemara and Mayo share their passion for books, community and literary life.

Ireland's rich tradition of independent bookselling takes centre stage in a new podcast series, Between the Shelves, hosted by Rossa McDermott.

The six-part series brings listeners into the world of some of Ireland's most respected booksellers, exploring the stories behind the bookshops that continue to enrich communities and champion reading in an increasingly digital age.

Featured guests include:

• Tomás Kenny, owner of Kenny's Bookshop, Galway, one of Ireland's most renowned independent booksellers.
• Vinny Browne manager and Méabh McDonnell of Charlie Byrne's Bookshop, Galway, a beloved institution at the heart of the city's literary life.
• Orlagh Kelly, founder of The Reading Room, a thriving independent bookshop and cultural hub in Carrick-On-Shannon.
• Mary Ruddy, bookseller and owner of Books at One in Letterfrack, Connemara, a hidden gem beside Connemara National Park.
• Lisa Murphy, of Books@One, Louisburgh, Co. Mayo, whose bookshop has become a focal point for readers on Ireland's Atlantic coast.
• David Brennan, of Castle Books, Castlebar - a passionate advocate for reading and local culture.

Across the series, listeners will hear inspiring stories of entrepreneurship, resilience and a lifelong love of books. Guests discuss everything from discovering their first literary passions to adapting to changing reading habits, competing with online retailers and building bookshops that serve as vital community spaces.

Host Rossa McDermott said:

"Independent bookshops are much more than places to buy books. They are places of discovery, conversation and connection. The people who run them are custodians of culture, introducing readers to new voices and keeping local communities engaged with literature. This series celebrates their remarkable contribution to Irish life."

The conversations reveal the personalities behind the shelves and offer fascinating insights into the challenges and joys of bookselling, memorable encounters with authors, favourite reads and the enduring importance of physical bookshops.

At a time when independent businesses face increasing pressures, Between the Shelves is a timely celebration of the passion, creativity and commitment that continue to make Ireland's independent bookshops thrive.

The podcast launches this summer with episodes released throughout Independent Bookshops Week and will be available on all major podcast platforms.

About Between the Shelves

Between the Shelves is a podcast exploring the people, stories and communities that make independent bookshops such an important part of Ireland's cultural landscape. Through thoughtful conversations with booksellers from across the country, the series celebrates literature, local enterprise and the enduring power of books to connect people.

This podcast is sponsored on behalf of Books at One and the Community Fund Project, a mission-driven initiative that helps bookshops connect with their local communities and inspire a lifelong love of reading.

Media Enquiries

Sinead Price

Irelandia Press

6/7 Barrow Street

D04 H3F8

Email info@irelandiapress.ieinfo@irelandiapress.ie

"Every bookshop has a story. Between the Shelves tells them."

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