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As a UNESCO City of Literature, the literary potential of a day spent in Dublin is unparalleled. With so many greats heralding from this city and so many books set amongst its streets, from Beckett, to Rooney, to Joyce, who wouldn’t swoon over an iconic monument, memorable scene or remembered location? Or if you just want to learn about the literary heritage that lines the streets of Dublins, there are countless museums and cultural centres rich with knowledge. What’s more, if you’re looking for a new read, the unending bookshops are institutions in themselves, steeped in Dublin’s rich literary heritage. So if you want to reap all of the literary treasures from Ireland’s great capital, here are 10 spots to get started with.
Riffle through books of every genre, new, pre-loved, or rare, and find a new read to sink your teeth into. Open every Saturday and Sunday, this is a great weekend spot for some easy-going, outdoor book-browsing. Make sure to keep an eye out for some Dublin-based writers amongst the tittering piles of stock!
Set amidst the grand vistas and cobbled walkways of Trinity College is the world-famous Old Library. Inside you’ll find the ninth-century Book of Kells - one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures - as well as floor-to-ceiling shelves of books set under oak ceilings. It feels like stepping into history.
One of Dublin’s oldest surviving independent bookstores, homing an extensive range of Irish authors inside its timeless four walls. Named after the Yeats poem, it became a popular meeting place for writers, musicians and artists, as well as a well-known hub for debate and creativity. A classic literary nook, expect to spend hours browsing the shelves of this atmospheric corner of Dublin’s bookshop scene, and many more hours eating in its restaurant serving home-cooked Irish produce.
Lounging on a rock in a colourful cropped smoking jacket on Merrion Square, you will find the statue of a half-frowning, half-smiling Oscar Wilde. The statue radiates his personality, overlooking the Wilde family home at no. 1. Come here to pay tribute to the renowned writer, playwright and aestheticist, and the larger-than-life personality that has transcended time itself.
The relics of Ireland’s great literary history are all set under one roof at the Museum of Literature Ireland. Paying tribute to the likes of James Joyce, Flann O’Brien and Maeve Binchy, this is a literary-enthusiasts haven, with immersive exhibitions and treasures from the National Library of Ireland.
An educational charity, museum and cultural institution, the James Joyce Centre is the place to come and learn about the life, literature and legacy of this iconic Dublin writer. With walking tours, exhibitions, workshops and lectures, this is for Joyce fanatics as well as newbies. See the door of the famous No. 7 Eccles Street from Ulysses, watch an adaptation of a Joycean work, or muse over one of their latest art exhibitions.
This is Ireland’s oldest bookshop. Mentioned in Joyce’s Ulysses and Rooney’s Conversations with Friends, amongst many other works, this a key landmark to add to your Dublin bookshop crawl.
This iconic bridge is a tribute to the great writer Samuel Beckett and the Irish harp. Writers are part of the streets, landmarks and city structure in Dublin, with the Samuel Beckett Bridge a testament to that.
Leave yourself in the hands of the experts for a tour through the drinking places of famous writers, and the famous Dublin institutions paid tribute to in great works of fiction. Ramble through the city’s streets and hear from actors about the history and literature of Dublin.
The Abbey Theatre is Ireland’s National Theatre, and a rich centre of culture and history. Associated with the Irish Literary Revival in its early years, the abbey theatre has also served as a home for many leading Irish playwrights and actors. Today, the theatre showcases world-class work.
Want to learn more about Irish literature and heritage? Check out all of our previous winners here.