Book nerds of the world, rejoice! In Dublin, “love loves to love literature,” and the city’s rich literary heritage is impossible to miss.
Some of the greatest writers to ever pick up a pen lived and were inspired by Dublin.
With a history steeped in poetry and prose, it’s no surprise this city is a UNESCO City of Literature.
From poets to playwrights, Dublin has been the backdrop for countless masterpieces.
They even say the next great novel could be scribbled in the back of a Dublin pub. And honestly, it’s not hard to believe!
Let’s explore the best spots in Dublin for Irish lit lovers — from statues and museums to the very pubs where the city’s legendary writers once gathered.
>>> Click here to book a guided literary tour of Dublin
The Writers
Dublin gave shelter and inspiration to many literary greats. The city lays claim to no less than four Nobel Prize winners – George Bernard Shaw, W.B. Yeats, Samuel Beckett, and Seamus Heaney.
James Joyce towers over literary Dublin. His shadow has hardly dimmed in over 90 years since his masterpiece, Ulysses, was published. It’s a love letter to the city.
The renowned poet W.B. Yeats masterfully blended Irish folklore with themes of politics and spirituality.
His poems, like The Second Coming and Easter 1916, capture the struggles of Ireland’s past and reflect on life’s mysteries.
Who can forget: “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.”
Jonathan Swift is one of Ireland’s most famous satirists, best known for Gulliver’s Travels. His sharp wit and biting humor criticized both politics and society.
One example? “I heartily hate and detest that animal called man.”
Samuel Beckett is known for his groundbreaking play Waiting for Godot.
His works are filled with dark humor and minimalistic language, and explore deep questions about existence and the human condition.
Seamus Heaney’s poetry is rooted in Ireland’s landscapes and stories. His famous poem Digging reflects on his rural upbringing and the legacy of his ancestors.
Patrick Flanagan masterfully blends history, myth, and memory to explore Irish identity. In The End of the Hunt, he tackles the Irish struggle for independence with emotional depth.
Brendan Behan was a writer with a pen as sharp as his wit and a thirst for both words and whiskey.
Known for his rebellious spirit and quick tongue, he once famously quipped, “I’m a drinker with a writing problem.”
His most famous work is The Quare Fellow, a play that powerfully critiques the justice system and the death penalty.
Guide To Literary Dublin: What To See
The Pubs
So much of Dublin’s literary life was conducted in the city’s pubs. The Palace Bar was a favorite of writers like Brendan Behan, Patrick Kavanagh, and Flann O’Brien.
With its old world charm, it has long been a meeting spot for Dublin’s literary elite, making it a must-visit for any fan of Irish literature.
The Brazen Head, reputedly Dublin’s oldest pub, has strong ties to writers such as Joyce and Swift.
The pub is even mentioned in Joyce’s Ulysses, giving it a unique place in literary history and making it a must for anyone longing for a taste of the past.
Davy Byrne’s is a must-visit for Ulysses fans, made famous by Joyce’s Leopold Bloom. He pops in for a Gorgonzola sandwich and a glass of wine.
You can even relive the moment — grab the same snack and raise your glass to Dublin’s literary history.
Toner’s on Baggot Street, a favorite of W.B. Yeats, offers a cozy, old-school atmosphere.
Yeats wasn’t much of a drinker. But legend has it he’d stop by for a single glass of sherry.
Patrick Kavanaugh frequented McDaid’s, on a pedestrian lane off Grafton Street.
The acid-witted columnist Brian O’Nolan and rambunctious playwright Brendan Behan also quaffed some pints there.
The Stag’s Head is also linked to Joyce, appearing in Ulysses. With its classic, atmospheric setting, it’s still a favorite for literary lovers exploring the city.
Finally, The Duke is famous for being the starting point of Dublin’s Literary Pub Crawl, which is a fantastic way to dive into the city’s rich literary past.
This pub has ties to both Beckett and Joyce.
The Museums
The James Joyce Centre is a must visit for fans “The Master.”
It displays some of the author’s possessions and offers a number of documentaries that cover his life and literary works.
Housed in an elegant Georgian building, the Dublin Writers Museum offers a chronological dive into centuries of literary Dublin.
Its exhibits include rare books, personal items, some first editions, letters, and portraits of Dublin’s famous writers.
There is a first edition of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Samuel Beckett’s telephone, which had a button to block incoming calls that were disturbing him.
There are some oddities and mementos like the typewriter of rogue author Brendan Behan and the death mask of his drinking buddy, poet Patrick Kavanagh.
The Museum of Literature Ireland (“MoLI”) opened in September 2019. It’s located in the beautiful Newman House on St. Stephen’s Green.
Inside, you’ll find modern, interactive exhibits that celebrate Ireland’s rich literary heritage, past and present.
Sculptures
Dublin pays tribute to its literary legacy with sculptures sprinkled all over the city. Here are some to check out:
James Joyce
Located on North Earl Street, near O’Connell Street, this life-size bronze statue by Marjorie Fitzgibbon shows Joyce in his iconic pose, complete with cane and hat.
It’s nicknamed the “Prick with the Stick.”
Oscar Wilde
There’s also a colorful and witty statue of Wilde In Merrion Square Park. created by Danny Osborne. It shows the playwright lounging on a rock, gazing thoughtfully (scornfully?) at passersby.
The sculpture is surrounded by two smaller pillars with quotes from Wilde’s works.
Patrick Kavanagh
Along the Grand Canal, you’ll find a statue of poet Patrick Kavanagh sitting on a bench, gazing out at the water. This peaceful spot is a fitting tribute to his poem Lines Written on a Seat on the Grand Canal, Dublin.
Brendan Behan
On the Royal Canal near Russell Street, there’s a sculpture of Brendan Behan. It shows him on a bench, and captures his charismatic personality.
It’s almost like he’s inviting you to sit down and have a chat.
W.B. Yeats
There is a bust of the famous poet W.B. Yeats in St. Stephen’s Green.
Created by Henry Moore, he’s shown as a tall, abstract bronze figure symbolizing Yeats’ deep connection to mysticism and the arts.
George Bernard Shaw
Outside the National Gallery of Ireland, there’s a statue of playwright George Bernard Shaw.
Shaw was not only a playwright but also a co-founder of the London School of Economics and a Nobel Prize and Oscar winner.
Trinity College Library, Long Room
Literary lovers will also want to make a pilgrimage to the Long Room in the Old Library in Trinity College. Trinity counts Bram Stoker, Swift, and Beckett as alumni.
But the real reason to visit is to see the show-stopping, plucked from a fairytale, Long Room. Barrel vaulted ceilings arch over a collection of 200,000 leather bound books.
The first floor is lined with a mini pantheon busts of famous writers and thinkers. You’ll also get the Greeks and Romans — Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Homer, and Cicero.
To see it, you can book a guided campus tour or book a guided tour that includes the Book of Kells.
National Library
Opened in 1890, the National Library is a beautiful example of Victorian design.
Its bright, domed reading room feels like a book lover’s paradise, with winged cupids watching over neat rows of desks.
The library has a permanent exhibit dedicated to W.B. Yeats downstairs, with the world’s largest collection of Yeats memorabilia and manuscripts.
It also has the first copy of Ulysses, though it’s rarely on display.
St. Patricks’ Cathedral
If you’re a Jonathan Swift fan, you’ll want to pop into St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Jonathan Swift has quite the connection to St. Patrick’s Cathedral — he wasn’t just a visitor, he ran the place!
As Dean for over 30 years, Swift left his mark not only through his sermons but also through his wit and sharp tongue.
He’s still there in spirit. He’s buried inside the cathedral. And his famous epitaph dares the world to find another man as bold as he was.
>>> Click here to pre-book a ticket
Hodges Figgis
Looking for some Irish literature? Hodges Figgis, Dublin’s most iconic bookstore, has been serving book lovers since 1768.
With shelves full of Irish classics and global bestsellers, it’s a must-visit on Dawson Street for locals and tourists alike.
For something more cozy, pop into The Winding Stair by the River Liffey.
This independent bookstore and cafe offers a carefully selected range of Irish and international reads. Perfect for a peaceful browse with a coffee.
Glasnevin Cemetery
Several of Dublin’s famous writers rest in Glasnevin Cemetery.
One of the most well-known is Behan, the playwright behind The Quare Fellow and Borstal Boy. His grave draws literary fans from all over the world.
Christy Brown, the writer of My Left Foot, is also buried here. Despite cerebral palsy, she wrote an inspiring autobiography that became an award-winning film.
Just next door is The Gravediggers pub (or Kavanaugh’s). This was where the larger-than-life Behan was known to enjoy a pint — or several!
Oscar Wilde House
The Oscar Wilde House, located near Merrion Square, is another must-visit for fans of the iconic playwright and poet.
This elegant Georgian building is where Wilde grew up, surrounded by the city’s intellectual elite. Today, the house offers a glimpse into the early life of one of Ireland’s most famous writers.
Inside, you’ll find rooms restored to their 19th century grandeur. You can even see his nursery.
Guided tours by Wilde experts give you fascinating insights into his family, upbringing, and the cultural influences that shaped his work.
As part of his upbringing, Oscar “heard every subject discussed and every creed defended and demolished at his parents’ table.”
Festivals & Events
Love James Joyce? Then “Bloomsday,” celebrated on June 16, is a must. On this day, Joyce fans from all over the world gather in Dublin to relive the action of Ulysses.
You can join in the fun, too! Dress in period costumes and stroll the James Joyce trail, retracing Leopold Bloom’s steps. Bronze plaques in the street guide your way.
If modern Irish literature is more your style, the Dublin Book Festival in mid-November is the perfect stop. With book signings, workshops, literary tours, and presentations, it’s a great way to dive into Ireland’s contemporary writing scene.
At the end of May, the International Literature Festival brings global writers and readers together. It’s the biggest international literary event in Dublin, making it a can’t-miss for book lovers.
For an entire week, esteemed poets and writers from all over the world gather in Dublin for performances, books signings, and workshops.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to literary Dublin. You may enjoy these other Ireland travel guides:
- Dublin bucket list
- 2 days in Dublin itinerary
- 3 days in Dublin itinerary
- beautiful places to visit in Ireland
- what not to do in Ireland
- guide to Trinity College & Book of Kells
- guide to St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- guide to the Guinness Storehouse
- guide to the National Museum of Ireland
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