A popular independent bookshop in County Wexford has been awarded funding…
Independent Wexford bookshop Red Books has received national recognition after being selected as a recipient of the Books at One Community Prize Fund for 2026, a prestigious initiative supporting independent bookshops that place community at the heart of what they do.
The announcement was made by the St Peter’s Square bookshop on its social media channels, where the team described themselves as “so honoured and excited” to have been chosen as one of this year’s recipients. The award recognises bookshops with ambitious ideas for strengthening community connections through books, creativity and shared cultural experiences.
The funding will enable Red Books to expand its role as a welcoming community hub by providing free meeting space, promotional support and practical assistance to local community groups and creative organisations. The initiative reflects the bookshop’s long-standing commitment to making literature and the arts accessible while creating opportunities for people to come together.
The Books at One Community Prize Fund was established to help independent bookshops develop projects that might otherwise be beyond their financial reach. Across Ireland, the scheme supports innovative ideas that encourage reading, creativity and social connection, reinforcing the important role independent bookshops play in town centres and local communities.
23 indpendent bookshops have received funding up to €5,000, with Red Books being the only Wexford bookshop selected.
Since opening in Wexford town, Red Books has become much more than a place to buy books. The independent shop has built a loyal following through author events, book launches, reading recommendations and its active engagement with the local arts scene. The latest funding is expected to strengthen that role even further, allowing the business to develop new partnerships and host an even wider range of community activities.
Recipients of the Books At One Community Prize Fund 2026 are:
- Antiquity Bookshop, Cork
- Antonia’s Bookstore, Meath
- Bantry Bookshop, Cork
- Books Upstairs, Dublin
- Bookworm Bookshop, Tipperary
- Castle Books, Mayo
- Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, Galway
- Halfway up the Stairs, Wicklow
- Leaf and Bower, Cork
- Little Acorns, Derry
- Pangur Bán Bookshop, Mayo
- Prim’s Bookshop, Cork
- Quay Books, Limerick
- Red Books, Wexford
- Roe River Books, Louth
- Tales for Tadpoles, Wicklow
- The Bookshelf, Down
- The Ennis Bookshop, Clare
- The Maynooth Bookshop, Kildare
- The Nenagh Bookshop, Tipperary
- Turning Pages Bookshop, Galway
- Woodbine Books, Kildare
- Worm Books, Cork
Jason Redmond
From Gorey, Jason is the owner of Wexford Weekly. He is also a post-primary English and History teacher.
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