Welcome to Books At One Louisburgh

In 2016 Books at One opened its first community book shop in Louisburgh, Co Mayo. Nestled between Ireland’s holy mountain, Croagh Patrick, and Connaught’s highest mountain, Mweelrea, Louisburgh was built in 1795 by John Denis Brown, 3rd Earl of Altamount, who later became the 1st Marquis of Sligo.

As continuous as the tide sweeping in from the Atlantic Ocean, the area has seen a steady flow of creativity over the centuries. Poets, musicians, authors, bards and artists have taken their inspiration from the wild rugged landscape which has witnessed wild celebration and great hardship.

Stories of Grainne Uaile, Ireland’s Pirate Queen, are part of the fabric of Louisburgh, which looks out on Clare Island where the ruins of her castle still stand.

Louisburgh can lay claim to the oldest parish magazine in Ireland. An Choinneal is a record of Louisburgh’s history and heritage from 1959 to the present day and is a tribute to the storytellers, writers and craftspeople of the area.

We could write a book about the characters who have inspired and been inspired by Louisburgh, and perhaps one day we will, but until then why not come and experience it for yourself and let Books at One be your guide.