The End: Sad news as Masonic Lodge-turned bookshop closes in Skibbereen
It’s a sad end to a fascinating story.
A unique independent bookshop that was artfully arranged inside a 163-year-old Masonic Hall in a West Cork town has been forced to close its doors for good after toxic mould and fungi were discovered underneath the shop floor.
Inanna Rare Books in Skibbereen, owned by Holger and Nicola Smyth, initially planned to be closed for six months after the shelves inside started sinking late last year, revealing that the floor joists were wet and disintegrating along the two outside walls.
Now the owners have announced that, sadly, the shop will not reopen.
“The story of our bookshop journey inside the Masonic Hall of Skibbereen has ended,” they told customers in an email this week.
“We are stunned by the reality setting in, but we are now saying goodbye to any hope that our bookshop in Skibbereen’s Old Masonic Hall will reopen. Our company will continue as an online business only.
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“We thank the countless people who have helped us bring back this beautiful historical hall and who supported us and shared in the appreciation of this wonderful space. We are grateful for the memories, thank you!”
The family continue to run the much-loved Bookshop-Cafe at 44 Bridge Street, Skibbereen, so book fans can swing by and show their support this summer.
