Whether you’re looking for a bargain or you just can’t bear the thought of queuing for hours in the book shop while a shell-shocked employee fumbles with booklists, online can be the best place to find your child’s new books.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are four sites to check out before the first day of school.
This site stocks everything you need from Junior Infants to the Leaving Cert, including stationary and exam papers. They constantly discount books, promising they will “not be beaten on price”.
Delivery takes an average of three working days, and covers the whole of Ireland. Delivery charges are €3.50 for one item, €5.50 for two items, and €6.95 for three or more.
Not only do they have every book you could need, the even sell schoolbags and tin whistles, meaning the entire back-to-school shop can be done from your sitting room.
They have a flat delivery charge of €4.99 for an unlimited number of items. The site boasts that 98% or orders are dispatched under 48 hours, and delivery takes an average of 2-4 working days.
If you can’t find your child’s book list, this site might be your saviour. They have a huge list of schools and class books lists from across the country, so you will be able to find and order the whole lot with just a few clicks.
Along with Primary and Secondary school books, OpeningMinds.ie also stocks college textbooks at a reasonable price, meaning the whole family can use it.
Uniquely the site also offers a book covering service, covering your books with clear plastic at a price of €1 per book.
Delivery charges range from €2.95 for one book, to €6.50 for six or more books. They offer either delivery, or you can collect your order from one of hundreds of nationwide collection points for no charge.
Delivery times are longer than with other sites, at 3-5 working days usually, but 5-12 days in July and August. If you’re in a hurry, you’d be better hitting the shops.
As one of the biggest shops in the country, Eason has every book you could possibly need.
Their site boasts free delivery anywhere in the country and even offer to throw in a free gift set of coloured pens if you order before September 5th.
Eason also offers book covering, at just 69c a book, and 50% off stationary.
Delivery is a little slower than some sites, at 5-7 working days. They offer in-store collection for people who aren’t home to collect deliveries during the day.
