Literary Dublin
What do William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, James Joyce and Bram Stoker all have in common? Yes, these are all names of famous writers. However, what really connects these legendary figures is their connection to—and deep love of—the city of Dublin. In 2010, Dublin was officially declared a UNESCO City of Literature. Surely, no one who has ever visited the Irish capital was surprised. Dublin has never hidden its literary legacy; there are statues of Oscar Wilde and Patrick Kavanagh in the city centre, and a museum entirely dedicated to the works of James Joyce. If you would like to explore the literary side of Dublin, definitely check out the following attractions.
The Dublin Writers Museum
Obviously, the Dublin Writers Museum is a prominent literary landmark in the city. It is located on the north side of the Liffey, just past the end of O’Connell Street. Throughout the museum, you will find fascinating exhibits honoring the city’s most renowned writers—as well as many who were lesser known. Along with permanent displays, the Dublin Writers Museum routinely hosts special events and celebrations. Writers workshops, speaker series and unique events like the Trim Swift Festival (which focuses on satirical works from Ireland) and the Lismore Festival of Travel Writing fill the annual calendar. After touring the museum, be sure to check out The Children of Lir statue nearby.
The Yeats Exhibit at the National Library of Ireland
Close to Leinster House and the National Museum of Ireland, the National Library of Ireland is easy to find in the city centre. While a tour of a library may not sound exciting at first, you must keep in mind that this is Dublin, the UNESCO 2010 City of Literature! Locals and tourists alike are welcome to tour the library. To enter the reading room, you must first apply for a reader’s ticket. However, a ticket is not needed to see the landmark library’s most popular attraction: its impressive interactive exhibit dedicated entirely to William Butler Yeats. Afterwards, check out the bookstore or refuel at the library’s signature café.
The Bookstores along Dawson Street
Literary Dublin is, of course, home to many great bookstores. One of the most famous is The Winding Stair, near the Four Courts. However, the highest concentration of fantastic bookstores can be found south of the river, along Dawson Street and its neighbors. The museum district’s offerings tend to change with the times, and bookstores are constantly opening and closing. One that has managed to remain successful over the passing years is Hodges Figgis; there you will find a wonderful collection of books on Irish history, Irish authors, and the Irish language. It’s definitely a great place in which to pick up a souvenir.
The Book of Kells
No trip to Dublin would be complete without a visit to the Book of Kells. One of the city’s more unusual tourist attractions, this actual book is also one of the most visited. The illuminated manuscript of the four gospels was originally started by 8th-century monks on the island of Iona in Scotland. It was eventually finished by monks at the monastery in Kells (hence the name) in County Meath, stolen by Vikings, buried in a bog, restored to Kells, and then finally taken to Dublin. Today, it is on display at Trinity College, which has been the book’s home since the 1660’s. Only two pages at a time can be seen—and lines tend to be long, so get there early.
Pubs With Literary History
What better way to unwind after a day of sightseeing in Dublin than by enjoying a beer or two in a traditional Irish pub? Continue your immersion in the city’s literary history by patronizing one of many world-famous pubs. McDaid’s on Henry Street and Davy Byrne’s on Duke Street are both known for their literary significance. There is also Toner’s on Lower Baggott Street, which was supposedly the only pub that Yeats ever visited. To sample an array of bar scenes and brews in literary Dublin, take part in the city’s literary pub crawl tour. Trained actors will take you from a starting point in trendy Temple Bar to the favorite watering holes of many well-known authors. Plan your accommodations wisely, and you will not need to travel far to lay your head at the end of the fun- and alcohol-filled night. The pubs on tour are close to many great Dublin hotels. We recommend the Isaacs Hotel and the Temple Bar Hotel.
