This November marks a milestone few businesses ever reach: Kennys Bookshop is celebrating its 85th birthday. Founded on High Street in 1940 by Des and Maureen Kenny, the bookshop has been a cultural cornerstone of the city ever since, welcoming generations of readers, writers, and artists through its doors. Discover its story here...
For Sarah Kenny, part of the third generation working in the shop, the anniversary feels deeply personal. “As it's a family business, it always feels very special when a big milestone comes around. I think my grandparents would be so proud to see it where it is today,” she says. Growing up, she and her cousins spent countless hours among the shelves, doing homework in corners, attending events, fully immersed in the world of books. “It’s such a huge and important part of my heritage,” Sarah reflects.
That heritage includes not just selling books, but celebrating writers. Over the decades, Kennys has hosted some of the most celebrated names in Irish literature. In 1987, after receiving a personal invite from Maureen, Roald Dahl spent two days signing copies of Matilda and his other books, drawing such crowds of all ages that queues lined the street.
Famed Irish poet, Seamus Heaney was a close friend of the shop, fondly dubbing Maureen Kenny “the Madonna of the Manuscripts.” And more recently, Kennys has hosted launch events for authors like Colum McCann, Graham Norton, Donal Ryan, and Elaine Feeney. “We are blessed in Ireland with such a high quality of writing and literary output from our authors.” Sarah says. “Some of the best writers in the world come from this country, and it makes us very proud to promote them.”
The shop’s walls reflect that history. Photographs of visiting authors line the space, creating a visual archive of the literary figures who have come to Galway and left their mark. For many readers, the chance to meet beloved writers in such an intimate setting is unforgettable.
Alongside these events, Kennys finds ways of connecting readers with the right book through tailored recommendations and their personalised book hampers which are filled with books handpicked by their staff. It’s that personal touch, Sarah explains, that sets local bookshops apart. It’s the impact of when people choose to shop locally, they’re not just buying a book - they’re supporting community spaces, local jobs, and Irish publishers, while existing as a space where people can gather, discover something new, and feel part of a wider literary world.
The impact of Kennys travels far, its website, Kennys.ie, is the oldest online bookshop in the world and ships books to nearly 80 countries every year, with free delivery within Ireland. Their success lies in blending tradition with innovation, embracing online sales while keeping the warmth of personal service alive. But Kennys’ story isn’t just about its books. In 1968, Maureen and Des converted their own living room in Salthill into an art gallery (the first in the West of Ireland) so that exhibitions could finally have their own space. The very first exhibition was by artist Seán Keating, and hundreds have followed since. Today, The Kenny Gallery remains a vibrant companion to the bookshop, drawing in art lovers from near and far.
As Kennys Bookshop turns 85 on November 29th, it’s a celebration of family, literature, and community, proof that in a fast-changing world, stories and the spaces that nurture them will always matter.
Visit Kennys Bookshop & Art Gallery in Liosbán Industrial Retail Park, Tuam Road, H91 N5P8 or online at kennys.ie and follow them on social media for more.
All photos by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.
