Waterford, Ireland – May 2025 — A beloved corner of Waterford City was buzzing with excitement this weekend as a new independent bookshop, The Little Ivy Bookstore, opened its doors to the public — with none other than Westlife star Nicky Byrne lending his star power and seal of approval to the occasion.
The surprise appearance of the Irish pop icon at the store’s grand opening not only thrilled fans but shone a spotlight on the value of community-driven businesses and the enduring magic of books. The event, which drew dozens of locals, book lovers, and curious onlookers, marked a joyful chapter for Waterford’s retail and cultural scene.
A Family Dream Realised
The Little Ivy Bookstore, located on Patrick Street, is the brainchild of the Nolan family — lifelong Waterford residents with a deep love for literature and community. The idea was born during lockdown, when parents Eileen and Sean Nolan, alongside their two adult children Maeve and Conor, began discussing how to create a warm, welcoming literary space for the city.
“We always dreamed of having a little shop of our own, where people could come in, browse, chat about books, and feel like they belonged,” said Eileen Nolan at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “It’s about creating something personal, something lasting, and something our city can be proud of.”
And it seems that dream is already turning pages, with shelves lined with everything from children’s classics and contemporary fiction to local authors and rare finds. There’s even a cozy reading nook and a small café corner offering locally roasted coffee — a conscious decision by the Nolans to support other small businesses in the region.
A Star-Studded Surprise
But the biggest buzz of the day came when Westlife’s Nicky Byrne, dressed casually in a navy jacket and jeans, strolled into the shop to join the festivities. Known for his love of storytelling and Irish culture, Byrne said he was “delighted to support something as special as this.”
“Bookshops are places of imagination, discovery, and connection,” he told the crowd. “And seeing a family come together to open one in a time when small businesses really need community backing — that’s something I’ll always stand behind.”
Byrne, who posed for selfies and even signed a few copies of Westlife: Our Story, a memoir co-written by the band, stayed for over an hour, chatting with fans and browsing through shelves. He picked up a copy of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and a signed edition of Waterford author Niamh Boyce’s latest novel, calling it “a perfect haul for the tour bus.”
Community and Culture at the Core
Waterford, with its rich Viking history and growing reputation as a cultural hotspot, has long celebrated the arts — but independent bookstores have struggled in the face of online giants and rising rents. That’s what makes The Little Ivy Bookstore’s opening so significant, said local councillor Aoife Kavanagh, who also attended.
“This isn’t just a business,” she remarked. “It’s a symbol of resilience, of family, and of what makes Waterford unique. It’s a cultural touchstone.”
Already, the shop has planned weekly events including children’s storytelling hours, book clubs, author Q&As, and poetry readings. Their first major event, a signing and talk with historical fiction author Emma Donoghue, is scheduled for early June and has already sold out.
An Encouraging Trend?
Across Ireland, there has been a modest but noticeable revival of interest in independent bookstores. Fuelled by the pandemic’s reminder of the importance of local communities and a return to slower, more meaningful pastimes, shops like The Little Ivy are beginning to reclaim their place in town centres.
“People want something tangible,” said Conor Nolan, who left his marketing job in Dublin to help run the shop full-time. “They want to walk into a shop, ask for a recommendation, discover something they weren’t looking for — that human element is irreplaceable.”
A Harmonious Future
As the ribbon was cut and applause echoed down Patrick Street, it was clear the bookstore had already found a home in the hearts of many. And with a Westlife star giving it a warm thumbs-up, the Nolans’ little literary dream is off to a soaring start.
“It’s a story worth telling,” said Nicky Byrne, “and I think they’re going to have a few chapters of success ahead.
The Little Ivy Bookstore is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Follow them on social media for event updates and book recommendations.
