dublin literary walking tour

Dublin Writers Tour

Professional Guided Tours. Discover Dublin's History with Dublin City Walks

Dublin Writers Walking Tour

2.5 hours, from €150 per group., dublin writers and their haunts – the tour designed to highlight the many diverse literary lives of the city, a unesco city of literature..

Visit the beautiful Georgian squares and find out who inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula. Walk in the footsteps of James Joyce and visit many sites mentioned in Ulysses, see Oscar Wilde’s home and statue. Visit the hallowed halls of Trinity College where Goldsmith, Burke, Swift, Beckett, Shaw, Stoker and Yeats studied.

Visit the Abbey Theatre founded by Gregory, Yeats and Synge and hear of the riot that marred ‘Playboy of the Western World’. Learn about the 1916 rebellion and Ireland’s fight for freedom that inspired Yeats to write the immortal words “A terrible beauty is born”

Visit the medieval Dublin Castle and see the building where Bram Stoker toiled as a civil servant, see the birthplace in 1667 of Dean Jonathan Swift. Walk the cobbled laneways of Temple Bar and cross the iconic Halfpenny Bridge on the journey taken by Leopold Bloom. Find out why Guinness tastes better in its native city and see the pubs that were a second home and inspiration to Joyce, Kavangh, Behan and Flann O’Brian.

The city’s lack of spectacular public monuments is more than adequately substituted by a far more meaningful, artful and unmistakable force- her Pubs!  Over 1,000 of them at last count, the social hub of generations, a friend to many and a comfort to all, the lifeblood of the city.

 All this and more in a relaxed 3 hour stroll with frequent readings (and a visit or two to some famous hostelries for refreshments) designed to give you a solid orientation and knowledge of literary Dublin.

Dublin Writers and their Haunts Walking Tour

Jam-Packed Dublin Literary Walking Tour for Book Lovers

Are you an avid reader, a book lover, a self-proclaimed book nerd or even a self-styled bookworm? Then you are at the right place. Dublin has given the world some of its best and well-known writers: James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker to name just a few. The Irish city is proud to promote its centuries old literary tradition through museums, tours and festivals, and attracts legions of passionate readers every year.

A Dublin literary walking tour seems therefore the best way to make the most of  the city’s illustrious literary heritage. I used my in-depth knowledge of the city to create this self-guided walk for book lovers. One day might not be enough to see everything mentioned in this guide. But you are free to pick and choose whatever seems more interesting to you, be it museums, bookshops or libraries, and imagine your very own literary tour.

Disclaimer This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link, I earn a little money at no extra cost to you.

Best Websites to Plan Your Visit to Dublin

• Getting There | Skyscanner is one of the best comparison sites to find the flight deals. Or check out Aer Lingus , a trusted Irish airline. If you’re travelling from the UK or France, you can also sail to Dublin with Irish Ferries .
• Where to Stay | Visit booking.com to find accommodation that suits your budget or read the latest hotel reviews . Check out my detailed article on the best neighbourhoods to stay in Dublin for more info.
• Getting Around | AirCoach and Dublin Express will take from Dublin Airport to the city centre. Dublin Bus free app will help you navigate the city bus network. Read How To Get Around Dublin by Public Transport for more tips.
• Planning | Lonely Planet Dublin is always the city guide I recommend buying. For an extensive and detailed list of things to see in Dublin and beyond, I recommend getting The Rough Guide to Ireland .
• Travel Insurance | You might need to buy travel insurance before visiting Dublin. Heymondo has a nifty app to help you get the assistance you need while on the go.

Start your Dublin Literary Walking Tour on Dublin Northside

Take your literary tour over to temple bar, take a detour by dublin castle, visit saint patrick’s cathedral and its neighbourhood, finish your dublin literary walking tour in georgian dublin, dublin literary walking tour map, more tips on dublin for book lovers.

Begin your journey into Dublin’s literary heritage at Dublin Writers Museum located in the North city centre before heading south of the River Liffey.

Dublin Writers Museum

The Dublin Writers Museum is located on Parnell Square, inside an 18th century mansion. The beautiful architecture of this historical house, decorated inside with portraits of Irish writers, is certainly worth a look.

However I was slightly disappointed with its exhibition that could do with some modernising to better promote its content. The museum will nonetheless please literature enthusiasts with its rare book editions (like the first edition of Dracula by Bram Stoker), letters and personal items that belonged to Yeats, Joyce, Beckett and more.

James Joyce Statue

As you make your way down O’Connell Street, you’ll come across a life-size brass statue of James Joyce standing at the corner with North Earl Street, opposite the GPO. Leaning aloof on its cane, the “Prick with a Stick”, as the statue is sometimes nicknamed (with humour), seems to observe Dubliners passing by as they get on with their daily business.

Although the Irish author spent a great deal of his life abroad, Dublin remained an immense source of inspiration for Joyce. Two of his most famous titles, Dubliners and Ulysses , are indeed both set in Dublin.

The Winding Stair Bookshop

At the end of O’Connell Street, take a right turn to Bachelors Walk. Follow the River Liffey for a little while. You will soon reach the Winding Stair , one of Dublin’s oldest bookshops.

Overlooking the Ha’Penny Bridge, Dublin’s most romantic bridge, the ancient facade of the Winding Stair gives the independent bookshop its timeless and charming character. Selling new and second-hand books, the establishment prides itself in stocking unusual works unavailable anywhere else. Go and have a peek! 

You might also be interested in: – The Best Art Museums in Dublin You’ll Want to Visit – Irish Pub Etiquette | How to Avoid a Cultural Faux Pas – 4 Working Distilleries in Dublin for Irish Whiskey Lovers – Ireland Travel Books | The Best Guidebooks to Plan your Irish Adventure

Walk across the Ha’Penny Bridge (take a selfie while you are there), and continue your literary tour in colourful Temple Bar .

Connolly Books

In Essex Street East, a late 17th century building has become the home of a self-styled radical bookshop: Connolly Books .

Founded in the 1930’s and named after one of the executed leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising, the bookshop settled at its current location in 1977 after being chased all over the city by angry mobs. Communist and left-wing literature didn’t go down very well back then.

The shop has an interesting collection of books about Irish history, political figures and the Easter Rising. Well worth a browse.

The Gutter Bookshop

Further down the same cobbled lane on Essex Street West, the Gutter Bookshop is another worthwhile stop on your Dublin literary walking tour.

Named after a famous line by Oscar Wilde, “we are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars,” the Gutter Bookshop prides itself on stocking exciting books you won’t find anywhere else. Local literature is well represented here and makes a great souvenir to bring home.

TIP: Need a little break ? Stop by the Queen of Tarts in Cow’s Lane to refuel with some delicious treats.

Dublin Castle

From Temple Bar, cross Dame Street and take a peek in Dublin Castle’s lower yard .

Across from the Chapel Royal, the building is used as an office for civil servants. It’s here that Bram Stoker , author of Dracula , worked in the Registrar of Petty Sessions Clerks before finding fame as a writer.

In the basement of the same building, medieval remains of the castle were excavated, including several severed heads. Rumour has it that some dark influence might have played a role in the young Bram Stoker’s inspiration.

The Chester Beatty Library

Located at the back of Dublin Castle, the Chester Beatty Library cannot be overlooked. This free museum of books is one of the finest in the world and maybe the best museum in Dublin.

Inside, two galleries are filled with the most beautifully crafted books. From 16th-18th Japanese painted manuscripts depicting fairy tales and religious legends to gold-covered, baroque 18th century Qur’an manuscripts from Turkey, there is a lot to look at.

Dublin owes this world class museum to Alfred Chester Beatty. Born in New York, this wealthy industrialist had retired in Dublin. A great collector of manuscripts, he had a keen eye for richly-illustrated material, fine bindings and beautiful calligraphy. Upon his death his collection was bequeathed to a trust for the benefit of the public.

Return to Dame Street and head towards Christ Church Cathedral. Here, take a left turn on Patrick Street, St Patrick’s Cathedral is just a mere 5-minute walk.

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

Jonathan Swift is known worldwide for writing Gulliver’s Travels . But the famous author was also Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral from 1713 until his death in 1745.

Inside the cathedral, death masks of Jonathan Swift can be seen but more importantly, this is where he was buried. His grave can be found at the west end of the cathedral. His epitaph is on the wall nearby, words in Latin that he wrote himself.

Entrance to the cathedral is not free but you can purchase your ticket online here .

The Marsh’s Library

Beside the cathedral, the Marsh’s Library can be found hiding behind a wrought iron gate on St Patrick’s Close. Founded by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh in 1707, this public library was the first to open in Ireland.

Amazingly, its interior has since remained largely unchanged. Sitting on their original dark Irish oak bookshelves 25,000 rare books from the 16th to the 18th century have been kept in the same position for the last three centuries.

An unexpected sight, cages possibly from the late 18th century have been kept inside the library. People back then were locked up behind a metal fence when consulting smaller books to avoid thefts.

The library offers short tours for a few euros during which you will hear creepy stories about the Archbishop’s ghost or an unidentified mummy found in a closet. You will also see the Old Reading Room where Bram Stoker and James Joyce themselves sat. The Marsh’s Library is no doubt one of Dublin’s best hidden gems .

Walk down Kevin Street, then Cuffe Street and you will be in St Stephen’s Green in just 10 minutes.

St Stephen’s Green

Enter the leafy Georgian square through its southwest gate as you reach the park from Cuffe Street. Follow the path at the south of the park for a couple of minutes and you will soon see a statue of James Joyce (another one!) standing on the left side of the path.

Search for the next gate immediately on your right and exit the park. Your next stop, MoLI, is right in front of you.

The Museum of Literature Ireland – MoLI

MoLI is one of the latest attractions to open in Dublin. Based inside two exquisite Georgian townhouses, the historic home of the Catholic University of Ireland (now UCD), the museum is a homage to Irish writers. Its location couldn’t be more suited as James Joyce himself studied between these walls.

MoLI has a permanent exhibition dedicated to Joyce where the first edition of Ulysses is kept under glass like a precious bible. Temporary exhibitions about slightly less famous writers offer the opportunity to broaden your literary horizon.

You can book a tour with an audio guide here . Although a little bit more expensive, the guided tour is money well-spent. I was blown away by the staff’s expert knowledge in Irish literature.

TIP: You can access the picturesque Iveagh Gardens from the courtyard at the back of MoLI. They were the private gardens of the Guinness family . The perfect spot to chill out.

Ulysses Rare Books

From MoLI, cross St Stephen’s Green south to north and take Dawson Street. The second street on your left is Duke Street where you’ll find your next interesting bookshop.

If you have (lots of) money to spare, this is the shop to spend it. A fixture of Duke Street since the 1980’s, Ulysses Rare Books (the name is clearly an ode to James Joyce) does what it says on the tin: it sells rare (and expensive) books. Have a look, you might find something worth breaking the bank.

Hodges Figgis Bookshop

Just around the corner from Ulysses Rare Books, Hodges Figgis is my favourite bookshop in Dublin. Although not always has its current location in Dawson Street, the shop has been around for 250 years. Its creaky wooden staircase will take you to several floors of books in every genre. Be careful not to lose track of time!

Hodges Figgis has notably an extensive collection of books about Ireland, from history to legends, travel and more. This bookshop is definitely a great place to browse and buy a gift for your bookish loved ones, or yourself.

Trinity College and the Book of Kells

If you love books, Trinity College and its Book of Kells exhibition must be firmly on your to-do list. Built in the early 18th century, the library of Ireland’s oldest university is a real show stopper. You’ll find one of Trinity College several entrances on Nassau Street, literally two steps away from Hodges Figgis. 

The tour starts on the ground floor with the permanent exhibition dedicated to the Book of Kells while the Long Room , the main chamber of the Old Library , occupies the second floor. 

Dating from the 9th century AD, the Book of Kells has been described as one of the most richly-illuminated manuscripts of the four Gospels. Its flamboyant golden, red, blue and green illuminations with interlocking Celtic spirals have turned the book into a real work of art.

The Long Room is something else. The sheer dimension of the gallery is overwhelming: a 65-metre long gallery houses about 200,000 of the library’s oldest books under a jaw-dropping barrel-vaulted ceiling. Placed along the gallery 14 marble busts of illustrious authors keep a watchful eye on visitors. You will recognise Socrates, Plato, Isaac Newton, William Shakespeare, Jonathan Swift or Francis Bacon.

Trinity College Old Library is one of Dublin’s top attractions so booking ahead is highly recommended. You can purchase your ticket here .

The National Library of Ireland

Further down Nassau Street, you’ll find Kildare Street, home to the National Library of Ireland . This free library is located in a sumptuous neo-classical building from the late 19th century.

Its interior was designed to inspire anyone, man or woman, protestant or catholic, to create great things thanks to a wealth of knowledge freely accessible. Inside the main reception hall, twelve literary masters are represented in vibrant stained-glass windows including Shakespeare and French playwright Corneille .

As you climb the stone staircase to the reading room, Leonardo da Vinci also makes an appearance dressed in glorious colours in more stained-glass windows. In the reading room, people’s attention is drawn to a pastel green dome culminating at incredible height over circular walls covered with dictionaries and diverse encyclopedias. 

The National Library of Ireland became a repository in 1927 and therefore books cannot be taken out. The library is also famous for its great collection of Irish manuscripts, periodicals and photographs that can be consulted for free.

If you want to know more about its history, the National Library of Ireland has free tours available at the weekend. Visit the Library’s event page for more details.

Sweny’s Pharmacy

Back on Nassau Street, take a slight detour to Lincoln Place as you head towards Merrion Square. Take a look at number 1 where stands Sweny’s Pharmacy , a shop dating from 1847 whose interior decor hasn’t changed since Victorian times.

Sweny’s Pharmacy owes its fame for being featured in details in James Joyce’s novel Ulysses as its main character Leopold Bloom visits the shop. The place is now run by volunteers as the James Joyce heritage visitor centre . 

Oscar Wilde Statue

We are now in Merrion Square where sits the famous statue commemorating Oscar Wilde . At the park’s north-west corner, Oscar Wilde is amusingly depicted reclining on a massive rock. The different stones used for the sculpture (green jade, pink thulite, blue granite) give the artwork its enduring colours. 

Oscar Wilde House

We end our literary walking tour at the childhood house of Oscar Wilde . Now the American College, the house at number 1 Merrion Square, across from Oscar Wilde statue, was the author’s home during the first 10 years of his life.

The house was a hive of intellectual activities where Oscar Wilde’s mother, a renowned poetess, writer and translator, hosted a weekly salon for the elite minds of Dublin.

Guided tours are organised usually at the week-end if you want to take a peek inside the historic house.

Walking Tours with the James Joyce Centre

The James Joyce Centre is the specialist for anything Joyce related. They organise guided tours of Dublin based on James Joyce’s novels. Connoisseurs will love retracing the footsteps of Leopold Bloom. But don’t forget to bring comfy shoes!

Dublin Literature Festivals

Dublin organises several festivals celebrating literature during the year, another good reason for book lovers to visit the city. Check out these recurring festivals :

• Bloomsday Festival
• International Literature Festival Dublin
• Dublin Book Festival
• Dalkey Book Festival

I hope this Dublin literary walking tour will be helpful to those with an interest in literature. The Irish city has plenty to offer to book lovers and self-confessed book worms. For more ideas on what to do and see in the Fair City, take a look at my Dublin travel guide ! 

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link, I earn a little money at no extra cost to you.

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Dublin Literary Tour: A Book Lover’s Guide to Dublin

By: Author Laura

Posted on Published: 21st April 2021  - Last updated: 12th January 2024

Categories Literary Guides , Ireland , Literary Travel , Travel

Are you a book lover planning a visit to Dublin? This Dublin literary tour will show you all the must-visit places for book lovers in Dublin so you can create your very own Dublin itinerary or literary tour of Dublin.

Whilst lots of visitors flock to Dublin to drink in its Irish pubs (over 100!), it is also a city that is steeped in history and literature.

Numerous famous writers have called this city home over the centuries and Dublin was named a UNESCO city of literature in 2010.

Just a few famous Irish authors associated with this literary city include Bram Stoker, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, Samuel Beckett, W.B. Yeats and more.

You could spend an entire weekend exploring literary Dublin and there’s everything from bookshops to literary museums and famous pubs.

On this literary tour of Dublin, you can explore the best Dublin libraries, Dublin literary bars, Dublin bookshops, Dublin literary museums, Dublin cathedrals and more.

Let’s go!

Dublin Libraries

• Dublin's Literary Bars and Restaurants

Dublin Bookshops

Dublin literary museums, dublin cathedrals, other literary sites in dublin.

Marsh’s Library 

Marsh’s Library is a hidden gem for literary travellers in Dublin and dates back to the early Enlightenment period.

When it opened in 1707 it was the first public library in Ireland.

Of course, Dublin’s most famous library is the incredibly Trinity College library.

But Marsh’s library is also very special and definitely worth adding to your Dublin literary tour itinerary.

There’s row upon row of beautiful dark wooden bookcases, filled with old books and brown pages. Over 25,000 books in total!

The library still features its original fittings, including the seating and shelving so it’s incredibly well-preserved.

Marsh’s Library also has temporary exhibitions on display with themes from Bram Stoker to China, or Doodles & Marginalia.

For a taste of what’s on offer, you can check out some parts of these exhibitions online on their website .

What’s fun is that they’ve hidden lots of little Lego figurines of infamous historical figures, many of which are Irish.

Address : St Patrick’s Close, Saint Peter’s, Dublin 8, Ireland Opening Hours : 9:30am – 5pm Wednesday to Friday, 10am – 5pm Saturday Price : € 5 adults, € 3 concessions Website : www.marshlibrary.ie

Trinity College Dublin Library

Trinity College Library in Dublin is one of the most extraordinary libraries in the world.

It dates back to the 16th century and is the largest library in Ireland with over 6 million volumes within these walls.

It’s managed to amass this many volumes due to its status as a legal deposit library.

This means it’s entitled to at least one copy of every publication in Ireland (free of charge). It is also entitled to any book published in the UK upon request.

A large number of famous authors have studied here including Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, Bram Stoker, Sally Rooney, Anne Enright, Eoin Colfer, Samuel Beckett and more!

Your ticket to Trinity College Dublin library includes entry to this magnificent chamber as well as an exhibition about The Book of Kells.

The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament.

The library is one of the top visitor attractions in Dublin and understandably gets very busy, very quickly.

If you’re hoping for it to be empty (or relatively empty) so you can get that perfect Instagram shot then you’ll want to get here early.

You need to book your tickets in advance and you should select the first available slot and head to the library before you visit the exhibition.

It’s worth noting that the library is fairly dark as they keep the blinds drawn to protect the books. You may want to prep your camera settings in advance.

The great thing is that you can spend as much time in either the library or the exhibition as you want so take your time as you wander around!

There are benches in the main library so you can sit down and admire the vaulted ceiling and masses of books before you.

Address : College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland Opening Hours : 9:30 – 5pm every day (12 – 4:30pm on Sundays in winter) Price : € 16 standard, € 13 concessions Website : www.tcd.ie/visitors/book-of-kells

National Library of Ireland

The National Library of Ireland was established in 1877 by the Dublin Science and Art Museum Act.

This meant that the bulk of the collections belonging to the Royal Dublin Society should be vested in the then Department of Science and Art for the benefit of the public and of the Society.

The library then became an autonomous cultural institution on 3 May 2005.

It is now open, free of charge, to all those who wish to consult the collections. However, you may require a reader’s card for some collections.

The library’s Reading Room is a magnificent chamber with a domed ceiling, white columns with beautiful details and turquoise coloured walls.

There are monthly History and Heritage tours   which take place at 1pm on the second Saturday of every month and will allow visitors into the Reading Room.

Alternatively, you can visit on Culture Night and Open House Dublin , when the reading room is open to all visitors.

For a taste of the room’s beauty, you can take this virtual 360° Tour  of the main Reading Room.

Address : 7-8 Kildare St, Dublin 2, D02 P638, Ireland Opening Hours : 9:30am – 7:45pm Monday to Wednesday; 9:30-4:45 Thursday, Friday; 9:30-12:45pm Saturday Website : https://www.nli.ie/

Dublin’s Literary Bars and Restaurants

The Shelbourne Hotel 1824 Bar 

The Shelbourne Hotel is the most famous hotel in Dublin. It’s a magnificent 5 star hotel in the city centre that has played host to numerous famous literary figures and Hollywood celebrities over the decades.

From William Thackeray, to Seamus Heaney, from The Rolling Stones to Elizabeth Talyor and Charlie Chaplin, this hotel is steeped in stories. It’s mentioned in James Joyce’s Ulysses and Elizabeth Bowen named her book The Shelbourne after it too.

When you enter the hotel you’re met with a grand staircase taking you up into the hotel. If you follow these stairs up you’ll come to The 1824 Bar, one of Dublin’s best kept secrets. It’s a luxurious library bar with dark wood panelling and dark green leather.

Here you can enjoy a selection of their premium cocktails, whiskeys and champagnes. Whilst you’re here, it will seem like you have gone back to times gone by and it seems like the sort of place that Rita Hayworth would pull up a chair.

Address : 27 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin, Ireland Website : https://www.theshelbourne.com/

The Winding Stair

The Winding Stair is both a bookshop and a restaurant. The restaurant can be found at the top of a winding staircase and, with views over the River Liffey, it’s a lovely place to stop for a bite to eat after some book browsing.

This artisan Irish restaurant was originally a cafe in the 70s and 80s and drew many writers, musicians and artists. Indeed, many poems, novels and movies were conceived in these walls!

When its closure was announced in 2005, the space was bought and the upstairs turned into an Irish restaurant championing seasonal produce. They serve good old-fashioned home cooking sourced from Irish producers.

From black pudding and pig jowl fritters to leek, potato and smoked salmon terrine or green garlic pancakes, this Irish menu has some hearty dishes to enjoy. There’s an extensive wine list too and the restaurant can recommend a glass for whatever main and dessert you’re ordering.

Address : 40 Ormond Quay Lower, North City, Dublin 1, D01 R9Y5, Ireland Opening Hours : 12-5pm, 5:30-10:30pm every day Website : winding-stair.com

Temple Bar 

The famous Temple Bar (in the Temple Bar area) is notorious amongst tourists in Dublin and one of the most popular attractions in the city. Its iconic red exterior draws people in as well its selection of over 450 different types of whiskey.

Inside, you’ll find a life-size figure of James Joyce, posed reading at a table. You can sit and join him for a pint if you want!

This place is packed (even during the day) and usually full of tourists rather than Dubliners. This pub’s fame means that the drinks can also be a tad more expensive than other local pubs but this place is so iconic that you’ve got to go once when you’re in Dublin. The atmosphere is buzzing and the music is fun and loud.

Whilst you’re there, take a picture with this statue of James Joyce reading his own work, Dubliners.

Address : 47-48, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 N725, Ireland Opening Hours : 10:30am-1:30am Monday to Wednesday; 10am-2:30am Thursday to Saturday; 11:30am-1am Sunday Website : https://www.thetemplebarpub.com/

Davy Byrnes 

Dating back to the 1880s, Davy Byrnes is one of Dublin’s most famous literary pubs. It was frequented by one of Dublin’s most prolific writers, James Joyce, who developed a relationship with its proprietor.

The pub is even mentioned a few times in Joyce’s works including both Dubliners and Ulysses.

“He entered Davy Byrnes. Moral pub. He doesn’t chat. Stands a drink now and then. But in a leap year once in four. Cashed a cheque for me once.

Davy Byrne came forward from the hindbar in tuckstitched shirtsleeves, cleaning his lips with two wipes of his napkin. Herring’s blush. Whose smile upon each feature plays with such and such replete. Too much fat on the parsnips.”

The pub’s original decor takes you back decades and there are three large murals of historic Dublin on the walls. The ceiling is colourful, there are small statues behind the bar and it’s altogether a rather curious mishmash of different styles.

Worth a visit for the food, drink and history.

Address : 21 Duke St, Dublin, D02 K380, Ireland Opening Hours : 10:30-11:30pm Monday to Saturday; 11am-11pm Sunday Website : davybyrnes.com

Dublin Literary Pub Crawl 

Pub crawls are a common activity whilst visiting Dublin but how about a literary pub crawl for even more fun?

I booked tickets for the Dublin literary pub crawl on my first night in the Irish capital and it was a lot more fun than I was expecting.

Your two hosts, professional actors, are absolutely brilliant and very knowledgeable. If you know your Irish authors, you may recognise that their attire above is a nod to Beckett’s Waiting for Godot.

Your guides will take you on a tour through the streets of Dublin with regular pit stops at literary pubs with cultural significance.

There’ll be a literary-themed pub quiz too so make sure you’re listening and not just drinking as you go! You can also purchase a handy guidebook to Dublin’s literary pubs, penned by one of the guides himself.

Get tickets for the tour from Tripadvisor here.

Price : £13.95 per adult Website : https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186605-d546287-Reviews-Dublin_Literary_Pub_Crawl-Dublin_County_Dublin.html

The Winding Stair 

There are a large number of wonderful independent bookshops in Dublin, but if I had to pick a favourite then it would be The Winding Stair.

This is one of the oldest surviving independent bookshops in Dublin and even the name itself has literary connections.

The name “The Winding Stair” is inspired by the  1933 WB Yeats poem  of the same name.

My Soul. I summon to the winding ancient stair WB Yeats, The Winding Stair

This bookshop stocks new books in a variety of genres and there’s everything from bestsellers and general fiction to current affairs and gardening.

At the back of the shop, you’ll also find a small section of used books and literary gifts.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: A Guide to Dublin Bookshops

What’s great is that there is lots of Irish fiction waiting to be discovered here on their dedicated Irish author shelf.

I spent most of my time perusing this shelf and up buying  Actress by Anne Enright  and  The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley , both Irish authors.

The staff were very friendly and happy to chat and recommend titles too so if you’re unsure what you’re in the mood for, just ask.

This is a beautiful bookshop, inside and out, so it’s definitely worth adding to your Dublin literary tour. In addition to books, you can also purchase  literary gifts , including T-shirts, mugs, notebooks.

Address: 40 Ormond Quay Lower, North City, Dublin 1, D01 R9Y5, Ireland Opening Hours: Monday, Friday: 10am-6pm;Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday, Saturday: 10am-7pm; 12a -6pm Sunday Website: winding-stair.com/bookshop.html

Chapters Bookstore

Chapters Bookstore is Ireland’s largest independent bookstore and, quite frankly, enormous.

As you walk through the store you’ll wonder just when does it end as the bookshelves seem to go on and on. There are only two floors but this Dublin bookstore truly stretches far and wide.

Here you’ll find pretty much every genre under the sun, both fiction and non-fiction. This is the bookshop to go to if you’ve got a particular title in mind.

The trouble is, you might not be able to find it as the store is so vast!

The friendly booksellers should be able to point you in the right direction if you find that to be the case.

The lower floor is where you’ll find the new releases and new copies whilst upstairs is the dedicated second-hand books section.

They stock a particularly large selection of orange Penguin classics as well as beautiful second-hand Folio editions.

What makes Chapters Bookstore even greater is that the prices are really competitive and you could pick up 3 books for €13.

It’ll be hard not to snap up lots of the titles on offer here as they’re guaranteed to have all the books on your wishlist.

In addition to books, they’ve got DVDs, music, cards, gifts and more.

Address: Ivy Exchange, Parnell St, Dublin 1, D01 P8C2, Ireland Opening Hours: 9am-6:30pm Tuesday to Saturday Website: http://chapters.ie/

Hodges Figgis 

Hodges Figgis was founded in 1768 and is Ireland’s oldest bookshop. In fact, it’s thought to be the third oldest bookshop in the entire  world .

It’s mentioned in books by Irish authors such as Ulysses by James Joyce and the more modern titles Normal People and  Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney .

“She, she, she. What she? The virgin at Hodges Figgis’ window on Monday looking in for one of the alphabet books you were going to write. Keen glance you gave her.”  Chapter 3, Ulysses by James Joyce

It’s not obvious at all from the deep green exterior but this shop is actually a secret Waterstones . Have you heard about these?

Much like  The Rye Bookshop , this bookshop poses as an independent bookshop but was actually bought by Waterstones a few years ago.

Upon entering this becomes clear as it looks much like any other Waterstones.

However, this Dublin bookshop still maintains some of its independent bookshop spirit with its own loyalty programme and dedicated and attentive staff.

Address: 56-58 Dawson St, Dublin 2, D02 XE81, Ireland Opening Hours: 9am-6pm Monday to Saturday; 11am-6pm Sunday Website: www.waterstones.com/bookshops/hodges-figgis

Writer’s Museum 

Dublin Writer’s Museum is an absolute must for literature lovers in this Irish city. The museum offers a view of Irish literature from a Dublin perspective and the displays are incredibly detailed.

The museum is made up of a large number of display cases, each containing objects related to Irish writers.

In-depth placards accompany each cabinet as well as an audio guide offering more information and sometimes readings from the featured author’s work.

The Writer’s Museum offers a fascinating insight into the writers of Dublin, both the famous and the less well known.

Of course, there’s information on Joyce and Wilde but it is the lesser-known authors that I was most curious to read about, especially the Irish women writers.

Leave yourself around 1-2 hours to wander around all the display cabinets, listen to the audio content and read all the placards on the walls.

If you’re looking for a treat, there’s a Michelin star restaurant next door to the museum with a literary name: Chapter One .

Address : 18 Parnell Square N, Rotunda, Dublin, D01 T3V8, Ireland Opening Hours : 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday; 11am-5pm Sundays Price : €7.50 

Museum of Literature Ireland

As if one writer’s museum wasn’t enough, Dublin is also home to the Museum of Literary Ireland.

The museum is dedicated to Ireland’s rich literary history and you can explore immersive literary exhibitions, view items from the National Library of Ireland, or relax in the museum’s gardens and café.

The Museum of Literature Ireland is more of a traditional museum with big displays, exhibits of all different media and more. Highlights include an immersive audiovisual installation and the “Dear Dirty Dublin” exhibit which maps Joyce’s city through sculpture and film.

You can expect large bookish displays, funky use of light, sound, space and more.

This is in contrast to the Writer’s Museum mentioned above is quite an intimate space and focuses more on small objects in display cabinets.

Both are excellent but if you’re not a hardcore literature lover then you may find Museum of Literature Ireland more stimulating. The latter is also more suitable for those travelling with children.

Address : UCD Naughton Joyce Centre, 86 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 Opening Hours : 11.30am–7.30pm, Tuesday to Sunday and bank holiday Mondays. Last entry at 6.30pm Price :  €10,  €9 concessions Website : https://moli.ie/

Joyce Centre

If you’re a fan of James Joyce then the James Joyce Cultural Centre in Dublin is a must for your Dublin literary tour.

Joyce is one of the most famous and influential literary figures in Irish history, or indeed the history of world literature generally.

The centre is located inside a gorgeous Georgian townhouse with a beautiful glass archway around the door.

Inside, the exhibits take you through the major historical and biographical information about James Joyce and his influence on literature.

There’s lots to do here from walking tours, lectures, workshops and exhibits. One highlight for fans of Ulysses is the door to the famous No 7 Eccles Street, a recreation of Joyce’s living quarters in Paris.

Check out their website for an exciting programme of Joycean events .

Address : 35 N Great George’s St, Rotunda, Dublin, Ireland Opening Hours : 10am-5pm every day (opens 12pm on Sundays) Price : Adults: €5 Senior/Student: €4 Website : jamesjoyce.ie

St Patrick’s Cathedral

St Patrick’s Cathedral is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. It’s the largest cathedral in Ireland and baptisms have been taking place on the cathedral’s site since 450AD!

The cathedral has a rich history and construction of the current cathedral began in the early 13th century. It stands on top of the site of an ancient well (which was supposed to have been used by Saint Patrick himself.

Book lovers will be interested to hear that Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, was Dean of the cathedral from 1713 to 1745.

You can now visit his grave and epitaph in the cathedral, and, rather unusually, the epitaph was actually written by Swift himself before he died.

Another literary tidbit is that ninety years after Swift died, his body was exhumed and examined by Sir William Wilde, a prominent physician and also Oscar Wilde’s father!

Towards the end of his life, people thought Swift mad, but Wilde discovered that he had a loose bone in his inner ear and he suffered from Ménière’s disease. He was not mad at all.

It is ironic that people thought Swift was mad and he left his money to form a hospital for treating those with mental illness.

Swift was not only a gifted writer but also a staunch fighter against social injustice and he founded a hospital, St Patrick’s Hospital, which is still in use today.

One more fun fact: Legend has it that the expression “chancing your arm” (i.e. to take a risk) originated here at St Patrick’s Cathedral.

Address : St Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8, A96 P599, Ireland Opening Hours : 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday; Sunday times differ Price : €8,  €7 concessions Website : https://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/

St Michan’s Church Dublin

St Michan’s Church was built on the site of an early Norse chapel in the early 11th century. Whilst the exterior of the church is rather unimpressive, most tourists visit for the vaults underneath.

Visitors are led from inside the church to the grounds outside and down underneath via a set of very narrow steps. In the vaults, there are a number of mummified remains that supposedly inspired Irish writer Bram Stoker and his famous novel, Dracula.

Since the writer’s mother’s family burial plot is located here, this may be plausible.

There are a few different theories as to how and why these mummies have been so well preserved with some attributing it to the limestone and others the methane gas from the former swampland beneath.

In any case, it’s pretty amazing to be able to see these preserved mummies in the heart of Dublin.

Whilst it would have been inappropriate for the cathedral itself to open these caskets to put the mummies on display, the coffins slowly disintegrated revealing the mummified remains within.

Since the mummies sort of put themselves on display, the church allows them to remain in this way.

Surprisingly, visitors used to be able to shake hands with one of the mummies but this is no longer permitted! Instead, you must take it in turns to peer in at them via the metal gate.

Address : Church Street, Arran Quay, Dublin 7, Ireland Opening Hours : 10 am – 4:30pm Price : Church entry: Free. Crypt: € 3.50 ( US$ 4.10) (Students € 3 ( US$ 3.50))

Oscar Wilde Statue and House

If you’re a fan of Oscar Wilde’s work then you should add The Oscar Wilde House in Dublin to your literary Dublin itinerary.

This house on Merrion Square is where Wilde spent his formative years and today you can take a guided tour of it.

This is where Wilde’s mother would host her iconic salons, which no doubt influenced Wilde’s love of writing and literature.

These tours only run from April to September so make sure to check opening times before you visit.

Just opposite the house is a famous Oscar Wilde statue which depicts the famous author lounging on his back on a rock. Here, you can download an app and listen to an extract from Wilde’s writing whilst staring upon his statue/former home.

The reading is narrated by a most pretentious voice which suits the Wilde statute very much!

Address : American College Dublin, 2 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Dublin Opening Hours : The House is open throughout the year for group tours, minimum group size 25, advance booking is necessary. Tel: +353 (0) 1 662 0281 Price : €8 Website : https://oscarwildehouse.com/

Iveagh Gardens

Iveagh Gardens are a lovely place to go for a stroll in Dublin and whilst in here you could easily forget you are in the centre of a vibrant city.

It’s often called Dublin’s “Secret Garden”, which seems apt for a space with old statues, beautiful flower beds and even a waterfall!

As you walk around you might recognise some of the statues and busts dotted around. There’s one for some of the most famous Irish people in history, including literary figures like Joyce, Yeats and Wilde.

See how many you can spot as you enjoy the gardens!

Address : Access is by Clonmel Street, Hatch Street, and to the rear of the National Concert Hall on Earlsfort Terrace. Price : Free Website : http://iveaghgardens.ie/

Sweny’s Pharmacy

If you’ve read Ulysses you may recognise the name Sweny’s as it is a pharmacy featured in Chapter 5 of James Joyce’s most famous novel.

Today, Sweny’s Pharmacy lives on in real life as a shop of the same name continues to be run by volunteers. All fans of Joyce, of course.

The volunteer manning the shop at the time of my visit was the loveliest man and my visit to Sweny’s was one of my favourite memories of my time in Dublin.

I was having a look around and about to leave when he said: “Oh, are you leaving? I haven’t told you about us yet!”.

He told me about the history of the shop-cum-museum and how it came to be, as well as all the events they’ve got going on today.

They hold regular readings of Joyce here, which is great for both people who find Joyce challenging and Joyce superfans. You can listen to some extracts read by Joyce fans from all over the world on their website too!

On my way out I bought Leopold Bloom’s lemon soap for €5 and it comes in a brown paper bag with “Sweny’s” and their address stamped on it. I still haven’t used it as it’s too precious.

Please note that this shop is cash only (there’s a vintage cash register and all!)

Address : 1 Lincoln Pl, Dublin 2, D02 VP65 Opening Hours : 10am – 5pm Monday to Saturday Website : http://sweny.ie/

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How to plan a literary walking tour through Dublin

Discover the city that’s inspired many literary classics on a tour of the Irish capital.

1. Dublin Writers Museum

It’s 100 years since James Joyce’s Ulysses was published. In honour of this, get your bookish bearings at Dublin Writers Museum , an old-school property full of belongings from titans of Irish literature — Samuel Beckett’s old telephone and a letter from Brendan Behan berating the local press among them. Yes, most of those represented here are male and deceased, but a gander in these Georgian rooms is a good grounding for any literary layover in the city.  

2.   Gutter Bookshop

Oscar Wilde’s aphorism — “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars” — has inspired the Gutter Bookshop , a 20-minute stroll from the Dublin Writers Museum, in Temple Bar. Big windows bring natural light onto a carefully curated mix of classics, staff picks, works by modern Irish authors such as Sally Rooney and Rónán Hession, and titles for younger readers, too. Perhaps the gutter isn’t the worst place to be, after all.  

3.   Museum of   Literature Ireland

Nicknamed ‘MoLI’ (and pronounced ‘Molly’, a nod to Molly Bloom, from Ulysses), the Museum of   Literature Ireland is an interactive celebration of writing. Alongside traditional draws such as ‘Copy No 1’ of Ulysses, you’ll find space for child-friendly displays, female and young adult authors, a secret garden and a very good cafe. Centenary anniversary events of Joyce’s novel include ‘Love, says Bloom’, a look at the Joyce family’s love of music.  

4.   Sweny’s Pharmacy

Cross St Stephen’s Green via the Oscar Wilde statue and head to Sweny’s , a   Victorian pharmacy that features in Ulysses, when Leopold Bloom muses, “Smell almost cure you like the dentist’s doorbell.” The mahogany shelves, dusty bottles and old dispensary drawers remain, but it’s no longer a chemist; today, volunteers host readings. It’s a wonderfully eccentric, unscripted and passionate place to spend time — just be prepared for plenty   of good conversation.

5.   Bewley’s Café Theatre

Stop off at a literary pub such as Mulligan’s or Davy Byrnes or, better still, combine a cuppa at this famous Grafton Street cafe with a short show upstairs. Since 1999, Bewley’s Café Theatre has carved out a niche with classic one-acts by the likes of George Bernard Shaw and Seán O’Casey, as well as modern Irish and emerging writers (Gemma Kane and Catríona Daly, for example). There’s an emphasis on comedy and good craic, with shows from 1-2pm.  

6.   The Old Library

A hop across the cobbles of Trinity College takes you to this bewitching temple to the written word, The Old Library . Some 200,000 volumes are stacked beneath the barrel-vaulted oak ceiling and a separate exhibition showcases the Book of Kells, whose ninth-century illustrations still dazzle in the age of screens. A major redevelopment sees the library close from 2023 to 2026 (the Book of Kells will be temporarily rehoused), so book a slot ahead online.

Published in the May 2022 issue of   National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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A Literary Tour of Dublin

• Literary Pubs

Things to Do

It is rare to find a city that celebrates its literary history as deeply as Dublin. Named the UNESCO City of Literature, the Irish capital has long been associated with poets, scribes, and the written word.

Over the centuries, Dublin has been home to authors and writers such as James Joyce and Oscar Wilde. In more recent times, the love affair with literature has continued with famous residents like Seamus Heaney—a Noble laureate. The small city has produced four Nobel laureates of literature in total, with William Butler Yeats , George Bernard Shaw, and Samuel Beckett receiving the prize before Heaney’s poetry captured the world’s heart. James Joyce even once mused “ When I die Dublin will be written in my heart.” With so many incredible authors coming from the Irish capital, it is no wonder that Dublin’s literary fame continues even today.

Literary Museums in Dublin

Book lovers can start their literary pilgrimage in Ireland at the Dublin Writers Museum . One of the best museums in Dublin , the exhibits dedicated to the city’s most famous writers is set inside an 18th-century mansion on Parnell Square. The focus is on writers from the 18th century through the 1970s and there are quirky artifacts on display related to their work and lives, including Samuel Beckett’s phone.

For an even more in-depth education, head to the Museum of Irish Literature located on the south side of St. Stephen’s Green . The gem in the museum’s crown is the first copy of James Joyce’s "Ulysses" that was ever printed, thanks to the institution’s close relationship with the National Library of Ireland .

Literary Pubs in Dublin

While museums can offer a more formal way to learn about the literary history of Dublin, there are several unofficial landmarks that offer a glimpse into the writerly side of the city. The authors who have called Dublin home were often found in the capital’s pubs and cultural institutions and you will note many literary attractions are the places which they visited as part of their daily lives in the city.

To drink like an Irish author, find a seat at Neary’s, a favorite watering hole of Joyce, or stop into Toner’s , the only pub that W.B. Yeats ever visited. Several other pubs feature in Joyce’s work, the most famous being Davy Byrne's on Duke Street – which still has the same name and location as it did when Leopold Bloom stops by in Ulysses to order a cheese sandwich. The pub has been remodeled since Bloom’s time, but you can still order a gorgonzola sandwich, preferably with a glass of burgundy and Italian olives.

Libraries in Dublin

Not every literary attraction in Dublin has been recorded in a book. Instead, some are full of books themselves. Bibliophiles should visit Trinity College’s incredibly beautiful Long Room to see the shelves of books and ladders reaching up towards the high ceilings. The college is also where you can find the famed "Book of Kells," one of the most celebrated illuminated manuscripts on earth. For more bookworm goodness, the Chester Beatty Library has an extensive collection of rare manuscripts and literary artifacts. Finally, the Pearse Street Library is open to the public and researchers alike, who come to the stacks to find historic manuscripts and periodicals in their Dublin Collection.

Dublin continues to inspire and attract writers from all backgrounds today. This translates into a vibrant literary community that hosts various events throughout the year.

June 16 is an unofficial literary holiday in Dublin known as Bloomsday. The day is named in honor of the main character in James Joyce’s famous opus "Ulysses." The book follows Leopold Bloom through one single day: June 16, 1904. There are often special events at the literary attractions which are featured in the novel, or around the places that Joyce himself frequented in his daily Dublin life. 

May brings the International Literature Festival as well as the Dublin Writers' Festiva l. Another one of the best places to encounter contemporary authors is at the Dublin Book Festival . The annual event usually takes place in November and includes a full line up of writers discussing their work and their craft.

For an updated list of literature-related events in the Irish capital, check the calendar on the Dublin City of Literature website . 

In addition to events and major literary attractions, Dublin has lots to offer book lovers of all backgrounds. From day trips to theater nights, the city is full of things for bibliophiles to do during a visit.

Go on a Day Trip to Sandycove

If time allows, plan a day trip out of Sandycove. The Dublin suburb is set along the seaside where James Joyce once spent time as the guest of Oliver St. John Gogarty. The location left such an impression that Joyce used a description of the sea here in the opening scene in "Ulysses." The Martello tower where the author once slept has been converted into the James Joyce Museum.

Explore Dublin on a Walking Tour

To follow even more closely in Joyce’s footsteps, Dublin visitors can also take a literary walking tour sponsored by the James Joyce Cultural Centre . The center also organizes Joyce-related courses and lectures throughout the year.

Ireland is known for its rain, but mild days offer the perfect chance to spend some quiet time reading in the shadow of the statue dedicated to Oscar Wilde in Merrion Square. Or wander down to the canal to find the statue of poet Patrick Kavanagh in a leafy area near the Baggot Street bridge.

Spend a Night at the Theater

While days can be filled at museums and libraries, be sure to spend at least one evening in the city at the Abbey Theatre . The performance space was co-founded by Nobel prize-winner WB Yeats along with Isabella Augusta, Lady Gregory in 1904. The poet and the dramatist created a cultural institution that remains one of the most historic places to see world-class performances in Dublin.

Take a Pub Tour

Literary pub tours are another entertaining way to see the bookish side of Dublin while sampling some of the city’s favorite tipples. However, if you don’t drink, you can still find plenty of literary connection at Bewley’s. The historic coffee house on Grafton Street (Dublin’s only street without a pub) has been a gathering spot for writers for years. Joyce, Beckett, and Kavanagh have all sipped on a coffee here. It remains a lovely place to bring a novel to read by yourself and soak in a cozy atmosphere.

Go Book Shopping

If the city inspires you to dive into a book, you can find plenty of unique second-hand tomes at the wonderful Winding Stair Bookshop . Plus, the restaurant above the bookstore offers farm-fresh meals with views over the Liffey. In "Ulysses," Leopold Bloom visits Sweny's Pharmacy to buy lemon soap, but these days the old-fashioned storefront is filled with books instead of apothecary supplies. For more bookish Dublin souvenirs, try Ulysses Rare Books . The store on Duke Street is brimming with hard-to-find manuscripts.

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What does it mean to be Irish? Many famous Irish characters have attempted to define 'Irishness' or indeed establish if it exists at all! The Irish Literary revival was key in defining Irish identity against the legacy of colonial rule and has had a lasting influence on our creative thinking. Join us for this private Dublin literary tour and learn how some of the most loved and celebrated Irish literary thinkers embraced and determined the cultural identity of Dublin & Ireland through their famous characters and works, hear hilarious anecdotes & stories about their lives, and explore areas such as Merrion Square, impressive Baggot street, Georgian Dublin & the beautiful canal bank walk. The literary tour is a perfect option for groups of any size, couples or individuals and we can even provide free collection at your accommodation or desired meeting point where possible – Just click on the contact button.

• The Celtic literary revival
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Dublin: A Writer’s City, Walking Tour

Sunday, 12 November 2023

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Chris Morash’s book, Dublin: A Writer’s City, asks what it means to live in a city like Dublin, where literary culture has so long been a part of its identity, and almost every street has layers of stories to be discovered, from Swift and LeFanu to Joyce, Meehan and Boland. This walking tour returns the literary archaeology of Dublin: A Writer’s City to the streets from which it came, exploring the imagination’s potential to enrich urban life.

The meeting point for this tour is at the Printworks, Dublin Castle.

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Dublin Literature Tour: from Joyce to Yeats

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• Follow in the footsteps of Dublin's most illustrious writers
• Led by a local historian

Dublin Literary Tour

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Dublin city: 9 literary attractions

Discover Dublin's literary heritage with these 9 attractions.

Dublin city’s literary attractions

Here are 9 literary attractions in Dublin that you absolutely shouldn't miss!

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Oscar Wilde statue

1. Literary legends

There are few cities in the world that care so deeply about the written word as this historic capital. Walk down canals, stroll through Georgian squares, and cross the river, and you’ll find heritage plaques dedicated to famous writers, bridges named after them, and literary place names aplenty.

As yet, Bernard Shaw hasn't become prominent enough to have any enemies, but none of his friends like him. Oscar Wilde

You may even notice a few of our writers lurking on street corners or hidden in parks, so keep your eye out for George Bernard Shaw at the National Gallery; Oscar Wilde in a louche recline at Merrion Square; and Brendan Behan watching over the Royal Canal. 

Did you know?

Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI)

2. Literary museums

Dublin’s creative outpourings are well documented in excellent museums and galleries around the city. The Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) features immersive exhibitions on Ireland’s most influential writers and poets alongside unique literary artefacts, including the first ever copy of James Joyce’s Ulysses.

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. Samuel Beckett

The James Joyce Centre on one of Dublin’s most beautiful Georgian streets runs changing Joycean exhibitions, walking tours and lectures, as well as a permanent exhibition on Joyce's life and work. And to get an understanding of what was behind the actual production of Dublin’s newspapers, books and magazines, head to the National Print Museum , housed in a former soldier’s chapel. 

3. Literary pubs

If there’s one thing you’ll notice about Dublin pubs, it has to be the conversation. Oftentimes, there’s no background music, no slot machines, nothing to distract from the pressing task of putting the world to rights. It’s why pubs have had both a historic and a current association with writers. As well as appearing in famous literary works, such as James Joyce’s Ulysses, Dublin’s pubs were frequented by some of the world’s most famous writers. 

There is no such thing as bad publicity except your own obituary. Brendan Behan

James Joyce liked to hang out in Davy Byrne’s ; Neary’s was a favourite of Brendan Behan and Flann O’Brien; and Toner’s was the only Dublin pub visited by poet WB Yeats. You can find out all about the literary associations of Dublin pubs with the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl , which meets at the Duke, just off Grafton Street. The guides are actors, offering quotes, jokes and literary history during the tour, which lasts a little over two hours.

3 more to try: literary pubs

The Abbey Theatre

4. Literary highlight: the Abbey 

Picking out one theatre above all others in Dublin is tricky – the Gaiety , the Gate and the Olympia have hugely enriched the city and have been around for longer – but the Abbey Theatre is home to the national theatre and helped create modern Ireland.

Life seems to me a preparation for something that never happens. WB Yeats

Founded by poet WB Yeats and dramatist Augusta, Lady Gregory, in 1904, the theatre has been at the heart of Dublin’s cultural life over the last century, and continues its aim of supporting and promoting new Irish writers and artists. 

The theatre has served to entertain, provoke and support in roughly equal measure. Incidentally, theatre in Dublin tends to be cheaper than in many other capital cities, making it a great night out that won’t break the bank. You can also take a tour backstage for an exclusive insight into this incredible theatre. 

5 to try: small theatres

Marsh's Library

5. Libraries

Dublin’s libraries are heart-stoppingly beautiful – inspirational paeans to the written word. Just look at Trinity College's Long Room , easily one of the most stunning libraries in Europe. Or how about Marsh’s Library , which has remained largely unchanged since its opening 300 or so years ago. 

When I die Dublin will be written in my heart. James Joyce

The Chester Beatty Library is a definite must-see and has been described as “the finest collection of manuscripts and books made by a private collector in the 20th century”. More a museum than a library, it includes over 6,000 items from East Asia and the west, including the earliest known copies of the four gospels. No literary trail would be complete without a visit.

Don't miss...

Sweny's Pharmacy

6. Bookshops

Dublin holds its independent bookshops close to its heart, and there are some wonderful little literary spots dotted around the city. Ulysses Rare Books on Duke Street is a magnet for bookworms and offers a fabulous selection of first editions of works by Joyce, Wilde, Yeats and Flann O’Brien. The Winding Stair mixes new books with second-hand selections in a beautiful store by the River Liffey – and even better, you can dine out there while poring over the classics.

A wise old owl once lived in a wood, the more he heard the less he said, the less he said the more he heard, let's emulate that wise old bird. Flann O'Brien

Stokes Books in the George’s Street Arcade , meanwhile, is a treasure-trove of rare and second-hand books, while the Joycean-themed Sweny’s Pharmacy , which was mentioned in Ulysses, is also excellent for second-hand books.

3 more Dublin bookstores:

Grand Canal

7. The Grand Canal

Poet Patrick Kavanagh may have been born in County Monaghan, but he called Dublin home, and nowhere in the city will you feel his presence more acutely than by the Grand Canal, immortalised in his poem Canal Bank Walk: “leafy-with-love banks and the green water of the canal pouring redemption for me”. 

What appears in newspapers is often new but seldom true. Patrick Kavanagh

This quiet, tranquil stretch of water was so beloved by the poet that a statue now sits on a bench at his favourite spot by the Baggot Street bridge. Take a book, take your time, and enjoy this beautiful stretch of calm right in the city centre. 

Grand Canal: 3 things to do

Dublin Book Festival

8. Literary festivals

Dublin’s literary culture is a living, breathing entity, and the city still produces exceptional writers, including Anne Enright, Joseph O’Connor, Colm Tóibín and Roddy Doyle. They often converge to meet the public at Dublin’s literary festivals, with readings, events and incredible interviews – plus insights into their creative minds. 

There is nothing worse than the ambitions of a talentless person. Joseph O'Connor

Try the International Literature Festival (May) the Dublin Writers Festival (September) and the Dublin Book Festival (November). Just outside the city, the village of Dalkey also lights up in literary style with the Dalkey Book Festival every June. 

3 books set in Dublin:

Bewley's Café

9. Bewley's

Could there really be anything better than a smooth tasting coffee served in the favourite café of some of Dublin's greatest writers? Influenced by the grand cafés of Paris and Vienna, and with a famous stained glass façade, Bewley’s on Grafton Street has been a meeting point for Dubliners since its opening in 1927 – and for chill out reading time, this has to be the place to head. 

Poems, plays, novels and stories inhabit the personality of Dublin in a way that I have never encountered in another city. Fergal Keane, broadcaster

Over the years, Bewley’s has entertained a host of famous literary figures, including James Joyce, Patrick Kavanagh, Samuel Beckett and Sean O’Casey. And in the former Oriental Room, you’ll find the Café Theatre, a perfect place for lunchtime-drama where you can enjoy soup and a sandwich, followed by a one-act performance.

Where do you want to go?

Do you feel like tasting wild Atlantic sea spray on your lips? Strolling through vibrant city streets? Exploring ancient ruins? Right this way…

Dublin Literary Tour for Book Nerds and Library Lovers

Ireland has one of the oldest literary histories in Western Europe. It has a cultural history that spans time from beautifully illustrated 9th century manuscripts to 1800’s poetry to contemporary fiction. If you are a bookish sort keen on literary cultural traditions, there is no better way to find them than on a Dublin literary tour.

I will not let you go into the unknown alone —–Bram Stoker

Your Dublin Literary Tour

Like Ireland’s Bram Stoker, I will not let you go into the unknown alone—I’ll hook you up. What follows is an itinerary for a largely self-guided literary tour of Dublin. If you hustle, you may be able to do this all in one action-packed day. But better to get your bookish fix over several days by mixing this itinerary up with other Dublin sites.

Read More : If you want to go broader than books, check out these itineraries for 1-day in Dublin . If you want to go longer, extend your trip with this 2-day road trip on the Wild Atlantic Way

Illustrated History at Trinity College

The library at Trinity College houses one of Ireland’s most precious national treasures- The Book of Kells. This beautifully illustrated manuscript dates back to ~800 AD and it contains the four gospels of the New Testament. It’s a miracle that the manuscript even managed to survive given the successive waves of Viking plunder that went on in the 10th century. But survive it did and the library’s permanent collection includes a display of the manuscripts and exhibits regarding their artwork and history.

When you finish up with the Book of Kells, a treat awaits you in the library’s Long Room. It was built in 1712 and comprises the main chamber of the library. It houses 200,000 of the library’s oldest books. If you are like me, you will audibly gasp when entering the room. The light streaming in from the windows illuminates row after row of books, all connected together by a beautiful curved ceiling. I’m a nut for libraries and this one is a stunner.

If you are a library nut as well, check out this tour of libraries and literary museums in Chicago , sleep in a library in Wales or stay in Europe with this list of best literary cities in Europe.

Visit Trinity College

• Where : The College is located in central Dublin, easily walkable from many of the more popular tourist sites.
• When : The library is open 7 days a week, usually from 9:30-5.
• How : The library is popular so you’ll want to cut the line by purchasing tickets in advance on the library’s website .

Read More : Get ready for your tour by reading some great Irish literature and contemporary fiction.

Lounge Around at the Oscar Wilde Statue

Walk just a few blocks southwest of Trinity College and you will find Oscar Wilde lounging about in Merrion Square. His wry expression and relaxed posture captures that period of his life when he was having fun subverting Victorian life by poking at convention.

“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars” —–Oscar Wilde

Read also: 23 No Holds Barred Ireland Travel Tips to Help You Crush Your Trip

Learn about Yeats at the National Library

The National Library’s collection includes materials on Ireland’s history and heritage. As a researcher, you can work on family genealogy or review Ireland’s printed history.

Visitors to the library have a few options. You can visit their extensive semi-permanent exhibit on the life and times of William Butler Yeats. He’s one of the more well respected citizens of literary Dublin and the exhibit takes you through his career and family story.

You can also go up to the second floor and observe the beautiful library rotunda in the reading room– although access to the room itself is somewhat restricted. I didn’t see the signs and just marched into the reading room as if I owned it and the librarian politely yelled at me and frog stepped me to the door. Oops.

Visiting the Irish National Library

• Where : Just a block south of Trinity College and east of Merrion Square.
• When : The Yeats exhibit is open Mon-Wed 9:30-7:45, Thu-Sat 9:30-4:45, Sun 1:00-4:45.
• How : The exhibit it free and self guided– so just walk right in.

Read More : If you love libraries, you should check out this bucket list of the most beautiful libraries in the world .

The Art of the Book at the Chester Beatty Library

If you love illustrated manuscripts like the Book of Kells, then continue your literary walking tour of Dublin at the Chester Beatty Library. This library will deliver even more illustrated eye candy. It houses one of the largest private collections of books and manuscripts to be found anywhere. Beatty was particularly interested in religious texts and he amassed a vast collection of works from a variety of cultures and religions.

There is an entire room dedicated the beautiful calligraphy and illustrations of Islamic texts. And another room is dedicated to biblical papyri, bindings and manuscripts. And yet another traces the illustrated histories of various East Asian cultures. The library is a visual love letter to the book and it’s free!

Visit the Chester Beatty

• Where : Located right next to Dublin Castle. While you are in the neighborhood, you can also double up and  visit the Dublin Castle .
• When : Open Mon-Sat 10-5p and 1-5 on Sundays. More info here .
• How : I’ve visited twice and never experienced a crowd, it’s the kind of museum that truly allows you to move at your own pace

300 Years of History at the Marsh’s Library

Marsh’s is an eighteenth century time machine and ALL of their books are at least three hundred years old. Their rare manuscripts, maps and prints are available for serious researchers. Serious book nerds are welcome to peruse the stacks and view, but not touch or photograph the books. Visiting Marsh’s is less about learning and doing and more about feeling raw delight that these works have been so lovingly preserved.

That said, they do have rotating exhibits of their works and while I was there, they had a display on pieces that had been stolen and subsequently recovered (or replaced). The staff there is beyond friendly and will happily answer your questions about their collection and the literary Dublin celebrities who have visited there.

Visiting Marsh’s Library

• Where : Next door to St. Patricks Cathedral.
• When : Normal hours are Mon, Tues-Fri 9:30a-5:00p, Sat 10a-5p. But they do have periodic closures so check the website .
• How : The library is small and won’t take more than 45 minutes, unless you start chatting with the librarians and then…anything goes. Be sure to visit the deeper stacks beyond the first room, they have that heavenly leather and old book smell.
• Bonus : After the library, duck into the St. Patrick’s park adjacent to the cathedral. They have a memorial wall devoted to Irish authors.

When a great genius appears in the world you may know him by this sign; that the dunces are all in confederacy against him —–Jonathan Swift

(Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that if you chose to purchase, I’ll get a small commission.)  

Channel James Joyce in Sweny’s Pharmacy

It’s one thing to visit museums and learn history by passively viewing exhibits. It is another thing entirely to go all in with the full immersive. Sweny’s Pharmacy is the full immersive. The pharmacy was featured prominently in James Joyce’s Ulysses. It’s an 1850’s throwback that has been lovingly preserved and maintained by volunteers.

The Sweny’s program offers an ongoing group-reading experience. You just show up, they hand you a book and you take your turn reading Joyce along with the other book nerds. Doing the full immersive is more difficult than it sounds. It’s hard enough to read Joyce silently, but harder still to read his tongue twisting prose aloud. We all fumbled along, laughing and having a great time. If you want to channel even more Joyce, consider staying at the Shelbourne hotel , which is also mentioned in the Dudbliners.

Visit Sweny’s Pharmacy

• Where : Central Dublin, just a block east of Trinity College.
• When : Check their schedule because it’s a little complicated. They usually offer something between 1-2pm most days and in the evening three days a week. It’s free to attend.
• How : If you can, do the evening event because they often go out for a beer after.

“I write about life with the lid on and what happens when the lid comes off” — Elizabeth Dorothea Cole Brown

Take the Icon Walk

The Icon Walk is a public works installation that celebrates significant historical figures in Irish Culture. The alley is a gauntlet of illustrations and written panels profiling artists, writers and musicians. Most notable is that the artists represented go beyond the “dead white European males”, prevalent throughout this piece and often touted as the touchstones of Irish culture.

Wandering the alley will teach you about female authors who bucked the Church, government censorship and Victorian attitudes to tell their own stories about life in Ireland.

The Icon Walk is located on Aston Place just off Temple Bar.

Good puzzle would be cross Dublin without passing a pub —–James Joyce, Ulysses

Guided Literary Pub Crawl of Dublin

Well, now that you’ve had your hand performing Joyce, perhaps you’d like to see someone else do it. And maybe drink some beer. And maybe walk around a little. If this sounds good to you, then your visit should definitely include the Dublin literary pub crawl.

The literary pub crawl is hosted by honest to goodness actors who perform an act featuring Ireland’s literary icons. The tour lasts a couple of hours and hits four pubs. The actor/tour guides stop at some key literary spots along the way and perform some bits from Joyce, Beckett and other that authors you learned about at the Writer’s Museum. It’s a really fun way to bring to life what you learned at the museum. And you know…drink beer.

Take the Pub Crawl

• Where : The Drake Pub, two blocks south of Trinity College.
• When : 7:30 pm, every day in the summer. Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun in the winter. Cost is €12. Times and tickets are available here . Or check out reviews and book from Trip Advisor .
• How : Just show up with a comfortable pair of shoes and a powerful thirst.

Self-Guided Dublin Literary Pub Crawl

If you prefer to wander around on your own, you can also do a self-guided literary pub crawl of Dublin. These three pubs each offer something special for the imbibing book-lover.

• The Palace Bar The Palace was built in 1823 and is located on the west end of Temple Bar. It passed through a number of hands before landing with the Aherne family in the 1936. It’s still a family joint and is currently being run by the third generation of Aherne’s. The bar is located just a few blocks from the Irish Times’ offices (and around the corner from Icon Walk).  During the 40’s-60’s it was the local “office” for the journalistic likes of Bertie Smiley. The reporters would hang out there, looking for leads and racking up large bar tabs. Go in, sit at the bar and chat with the bartender and he’ll tell you stories.
• The Library Bar The Library bar is located in the Central Hotel on Exchequer street, just a few blocks west of the Chester Beatty library. Many pubs in Dublin are crowded and noisy but the Library Bar is a quiet oasis furnished with cushy sofas and bookshelves. It would be a great place to read a book while sipping some Irish Whiskey or a gin and tonic.
• Davy Byrns Pub The Davy Byrns pub is a beautifully restored pub just a block south of Trinity College. It’s claim to literary fame is that it was not only a favorite watering hole of James Joyce, but it was also frequented by his Ulysses character Leopold Bloom.

“He entered Davy Byrnes. Moral pub. He doesn’t chat. Stands a drink now and then. But in a leap year once in four. Cashes a cheque for me once” —Leopold Bloom via James Joyce

The Gutter Bookshop

There are over fifty bookshops in and around Dublin. I encourage you to visit as many as possible. But if you are pressed for time, I highly recommend the Gutter Bookshop. It’s one of those great independent bookshops with a well-curated inventory and great staff-pics tables. It’s the kind of place where you can engage in a conversation on censorship or the latest in Irish literary fiction.

Visit the Gutter Bookshop

• Where: Just west of Temple Bar on a quiet part of Essex street west.
• When: Most days from 10-6:30. Get a more specific schedule on their website .
• How: Just walk in and ask the bookseller for a recommendation. You won’t be disappointed.

(Check out these other great bookshops in San Francisco , LA , Salt Lake City and Denver )

Read More : The Gutter bookshop is just one of many great indy shops. If you want to explore more, check out this guide to the best bookshops in Dublin.

Take this Dublin literary tour and it will fulfill your book lust with history, art, performance, contemporary fiction and…beer. Please comment below with any additional suggestions to round out this itinerary. Cheers!

“If there is a heaven, Jane Austen is sitting in a small room with Mother Teresa and Princess Diana, listening to Duran Duran, forever. If there’s a hell, she’s standing.” —–Roddy Doyle

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Share this Dublin literary pub crawl and tour with other Book Nerds and pin this post!

Saturday 2nd of March 2019

I'm a reader and a writer!! What's a good place to hole up in Dublin for 3 hours or so and write fiction?

Carol Guttery

Sunday 3rd of March 2019

The Books Upstairs bookshop has a very nice upstairs cafe that is quiet, has good light and good coffee. I would also recommend the reading room of the national library.

Trees Rotteveel

Monday 20th of February 2017

This is a great article!

Megan MacNee (@Traveling9to5er)

Wednesday 4th of January 2017

Now this is my type of way to explore a city! I love exploring book stores and library so would love the pub crawl and the writers museum. Can't wait to get to Dublin to explore some of these places!

Carmen's Luxury Trvl (@carmensluxtrvl)

Tuesday 3rd of January 2017

I am definitely a book nerd and library lover! Bookmarking this for when I finally visit Dublin. Thanks so sharing! Happy travels :)

Thursday 5th of January 2017

Maybe in Oct for TBEX??

A book tour and a pub crawl? Dublin is speaking my language! Guess it's time to add another destination to the ever growing list!

I know- ever since I started traveling more, by bucket list has been growing rather than shrinking

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Literary Pub Crawl – the tour

€ 18.00

SUMMER : Nightly 7.15pm (April -October) WINTER : Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun – 7.15pm (November 1 – March 31st)

MEET: The Duke Pub, 9 Duke Street. Dublin 2. UPSTAIRS .

The Literary Pub Crawl takes about 2 hours.

The tour is led by actors who tell the story of the pub, the poet & the pint.

Distance walk : about 1km (half mile)

Please Note: Customers take this tour at your own risk.

We advise getting food before the tour begins. Menu available at the Duke pub before 7pm.

Student Discount

€2.00 off with Coupon Code: iamastudent

• Description

The Pub, the Poet & the Pint. In Dublin they seem to be inseparable. Join professional actors for this jaunt around the pubs of Dublin and hear about the life and work of the city’s famous literary figures

This tour is a rough guide to the cultural, religious and political life of Dublin.

Performances by professional actors are central to the experience – not forgetting the fun-filled quiz with prizes for the winners.

Winner of a Living Dublin Award: sponsored by Dublin City Council. Ranked # 4 SUNDAY TIMES WORD’S 50 BEST WALKS. LONELY GUIDE: Top 10 Literary walks of the world – Ranked # 2.

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