Finding the right Father's Day gift isn't always easy but a good book almost always lands. It's personal, it lasts longer than a card, and it shows you actually thought about what he likes, not just what's easiest to grab on the way home. Whether your dad's idea of a perfect evening is re-watching old football matches, getting stuck into a gripping biography, or quietly working through a self-help book with a cup of tea, there's a book out there that fits.

Every dad is different. Some love sport, some love politics and current affairs, some are softies for a sentimental story, and some just want a practical read they can dip into. The good news is Chapters Bookstore has something for every type of dad this Father's Day straight from our current bestseller list. Here are five of our favourite picks, plus a couple of easy alternatives if you'd rather let him choose for himself.

What's the Best Book to Gift Dad This Father's Day ?

Not sure where to start? Here are five proven bestsellers that make brilliant Father's Day gifts, whatever kind of dad you're shopping for.

1. Liam Brady: Born to be a Footballer

The legendary Irish midfielder's own account of his career from being spotted as a teenager in Dublin, through Arsenal and Juventus, to his decades as one of Irish football's most respected TV pundits. It's packed with the kind of stories Irish football fans grew up hearing about, told first-hand by the man who lived them. Honest, funny, and occasionally surprising, it covers fifty years in the game without ever feeling like a dry history lesson.

Why it's a good read:

Perfect for dads who love football and Irish sport, this is an honest, entertaining autobiography rather than a dry career retrospective. It carries a strong nostalgic pull for Irish readers who remember Brady's playing days. Comes as a proper hardback, which always feels like a thoughtful gift.

2. Alan Shipnuck: Rory

A major new biography of Rory McIlroy from the author of the New York Times bestseller Phil, charting the highs, lows, and pressure of life as one of golf's biggest names. Shipnuck has a reputation for getting closer to his subjects than most sports writers manage, and this is no exception. For any dad who's followed McIlroy's career from the early days to his Major wins, it's a rich, well-researched read.

Why it's a good read:

Huge appeal in Ireland, this is perfect for any dad who never misses a Major. It goes beyond the highlight reel into the real pressures of professional golf, told by a writer who knows the sport inside out.

3. Conor Niland: The Racket

The William Hill Sports Book of the Year winner a genuine Irish sporting story that takes readers inside the brutal economics and pressure of life on the professional tennis tour. Niland writes with real candour about the gap between the glamour of Grand Slam tennis and the grind most players actually live through. It's been compared to Kitchen Confidential for how unflinching it is about the realities behind the scenes.

Why it's a good read:

An award-winning, beautifully written account that's as much about ambition and self-doubt as it is about sport. Its honesty and sharp observational humour make it a compelling read even for people who've never picked up a racket. The kind of story that stays with you long after the final page.

4. Speaking My Mind by Varadkar, Leo

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's remarkably honest memoir of his time in office, covering a period of huge change and turbulence in Irish politics. As the youngest Taoiseach in the history of the State, Varadkar has plenty to reflect on, and he doesn't shy away from the controversies. It's a frank, personal account rather than a polished political memoir.

Why it's a good read:

A candid, reflective memoir that offers a genuinely personal look behind the headlines of recent Irish history. It's thoughtful rather than self-serving, and balances big moments with smaller, more human reflections. A great pick for anyone who enjoys a story told with honesty and perspective.

5. Jamie Oliver: Eat Yourself Healthy

Jamie's first cookbook focused on long-term health, built around more flavour rather than less. Rather than cutting things out, it's about smarter choices that still taste great ideal for the dad who's started paying more attention to what's on his plate without wanting to give up the food he loves. Expect punchy, practical recipes he'll actually want to cook.

Why it's a good read:

A genuinely useful, well-loved kind of book one that gets opened again and again rather than left on a shelf. It strikes a nice balance between practical advice and real enjoyment, without ever feeling preachy. A satisfying read for anyone who likes their information served with a bit of warmth and personality.

Gift Cards Make Great Father's Day Gifts

For the dad who loves discovering something new, Chapters Bookstore's Father's Day Mystery Box is the ideal option. Each box is filled with curated books picked around a theme he'll love, and the surprise of not knowing exactly what's inside adds a real sense of excitement to the gift itself.

Shop the Father's Day Mystery Box at Chapters Bookstore

If your dad would rather pick something himself, a gift card is the perfect choice. It takes the guesswork out of gifting and lets him choose exactly what he wants, in his own time. Book lovers genuinely enjoy the process of browsing shelves and weighing up their next read, and a gift card gives him the freedom and flexibility to do exactly that.

However your dad likes to spend a Sunday afternoon nose in a sports biography, debating Irish politics, or trying out a new cookbook there's something here that fits him. Father's Day 2026 will be here before you know it, so shop early to make sure your first choice is still in stock.

Browse the full range of books, gift boxes, and gift cards for Father's Day at Chapters Bookstore, Ireland's largest independent bookshop.

FAQs

1. When is Father's Day 2026 in Ireland?

Father's Day 2026 falls on Sunday, June 21st. It's worth shopping early, as popular titles and gift boxes tend to sell out in the run-up to the day.

2. What are good gifts for Father's Day?

Books are one of the best Father's Day gifts because they can be tailored exactly to him, whether that's a sports biography, a current affairs read, a cookbook, or something light and funny. 

3. Are there specific books for first-time fathers or "dads-to-be"?

Yes, there are plenty of books written specifically for new and expectant dads, covering everything from practical advice to light-hearted takes on the early days of parenthood.

4. Do you offer free delivery on Father's Day gifts in Ireland?

Yes, Chapters Bookstore offers free shipping on all orders over €9.99 anywhere in Ireland, along with free Click & Collect to the Dublin store.