The Readers Room bookshop is situated in the picturesque village of Gracehill, on the outskirts of Ballymena, a settlement founded by the Moravians in 1765, and Northern Ireland’s first conservation area.

Officially known as the Unitas Fratrum (Unity of Brethren), the Moravian Church began life in Moravia and Bohemia, nowadays the Czech Republic, in the 15th century. Although not their intention initially, the Moravians established settlements in England and Ireland. An English Moravian, John Cennick, was invited from Dublin to Ballymena and, through his influence, Gracehill came into being although he himself did not live to see it.

Today, Gracehill frequently hosts visitors not only from the worldwide Moravian church but also from other denominations. It is still a place where all can feel welcome and experience the special heritage of a village which is the only complete settlement in Ireland.

The same is true of The Readers Room where visitors can relax in comfortable surroundings reflecting the ethos and atmosphere of the village. The shop stocks not only good quality second-hand books (and some new titles) but also paintings and craft by local people, and Moravian church publications. We also offer a proof reading service and a book search facility.