Discover Dublin’s Literary Heritage
English has only been spoken widely in Ireland for about 250 years but it was mastered quickly, with the country building an immense literary reputation and collecting a few Nobel Prizes along the way. As the capital, Dublin has often been the epicenter of cultural activity, and its streets – and colorful inhabitants – have proved a timeless source of inspiration for writers. Visitors today will find a city full of rich literary history to reflect on and a vibrant, evolving scene to explore.
“All the world’s a stage and most of us are desperately unrehearsed” – Sean O’Casey
Pull up your chair and settle in for an evening of old-fashioned tales and music with a distinctly modern twist. Candlelit Tales is a quintessential Irish experience that blends the ancient with the new, providing a truly authentic performance.
This fresh, entertaining, and frequently funny take on stories from ancient Irish mythology surprises and delights both visitors and locals alike. With a backdrop of atmospheric music and enthusiastic performers, it’s a vivid retelling of the stories that have shaped the nation. Expect yarns filled with gods and goddesses, warriors and witches, romance, humor, and even violence. The group performs at venues around Dublin and Bray every week and occasionally presents family-friendly theatre productions.
For something less fictional but no less engrossing, check out the monthly Dublin Story Slam at the Sugar Club. Each month, a different theme is chosen where four pre-arranged storytellers share their narratives while four stories are picked randomly from the audience. If you’re feeling brave, why not toss your story into the mix? Hosted by comedian and broadcaster Colm O’Regan, it’s humorous, relatable, and often heartbreaking. Tickets typically sell out in advance, so it’s wise to secure your spot early.
“Ulysses could have done with a good editor” – Roddy Doyle
James Joyce aficionados flock to the city for Bloomsday, the annual celebration of all things Ulysses on June 16. On the day itself, indulge in a Joycean breakfast featuring optional pork kidneys, afternoon teas, and guided walking and bus tours, all accompanied by enthusiastic performances of various scenes from the epic novel. There is also a festival featuring theatre performances, themed pub crawls, and food trails. If you cannot visit during the festival or simply wish to continue exploring Joyce, the James Joyce Centre has exhibitions, tours, reading groups, and lectures available year-round.
If your reading interests extend beyond the avant-garde, the biggest event in Dublin’s literature calendar is undoubtedly the International Literature Festival Dublin in May, where some of the most prominent authors globally share their insights and humor. For a deeper dive into the best of Irish publishing, the Dublin Book Festival held in November offers a variety of events for both readers and writers. Other noteworthy events include March’s Mountains to Sea Festival and the Dalkey Book Festival in June.
“If I can get to the heart of Dublin, I can get to the heart of all the cities of the world” – James Joyce
For those ready to stretch their legs, Dublin offers numerous options to delve deeper into its literary world. The Dublin Writers Museum provides valuable historical context about some of Ireland’s most esteemed authors, showcasing their books and personal items. For insights into the contemporary scene, visit the Irish Writers Centre, which hosts courses, launches, and seminars.
For bibliophiles, visiting a well-crafted library can be one of the most tranquil experiences. The most famous library in the city—and arguably one of the most cherished in the world—is Trinity College’s Old Library. Even the most uncultured traveler will be captivated by the magnificent mahogany arches and the enchanting fragrance of old books, while avid book lovers will find it a highlight of their trip. If you can’t get enough of historic libraries, ensure you also visit Marsh’s Library.
“I am a drinker with writing problems” – Brendan Behan
Dublin, known for its vibrant culture, means you won’t have to choose between enjoying great literature and a refreshing pint, with many venues having long-standing associations with the city’s notable writers. It’s challenging to find an old pub that Brendan Behan (a playwright recognized for both his drinking and witty tragicomedies about prison life) didn’t frequent, but he has notable ties to Neary’s and the Palace, a stunning pre-Victorian pub that also attracted Flann O’Brien and Patrick Kavanagh. Kavanagh often visited Toner’s, where Bram Stoker and even WB Yeats graced its presence. Samuel Beckett was known to frequent Kehoe’s and Kennedy’s.
If you prefer a guided experience during your pub crawl, consider joining the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl. Now running for over 30 years, this delightful tour takes you to four iconic watering holes, typically concluding at Davy Byrnes, renowned for being immortalized by Leopold Bloom in Ulysses. Here, you can savor the protagonist’s lunch of a gorgonzola sandwich and a glass of burgundy. Along the journey, you’ll be treated to witty anecdotes about the lives of the writers and dramatic readings from the works of Seamus Heaney, Mary Lavin, and Oscar Wilde, making for an educational yet entertaining experience.
“It’s a good thing to be able to take up your money in your hand and to think no more of it when it slips away from you than you would of a trout that would slip back into the stream.” – Lady Gregory
Books serve as delightful souvenirs and thoughtful gifts, so conclude your literary journey with visits to some charming independent bookstores. The Gutter Bookshop, located in a picturesque part of Temple Bar, often presents an excellent display of modern Irish fiction worthy of exploration. The Winding Stair is a beloved Dublin institution complete with a fantastic restaurant on the upper floor. You can lose yourself for hours within the four floors of Hodges Figgis, particularly in the extensive Irish section located on the ground level, where you are sure to discover a book you can’t find anywhere else. For collectors, Ulysses Rare Books boasts difficult-to-find and exquisite editions. For a more community-oriented atmosphere, head to Books Upstairs, Dublin’s oldest independent bookstore, known for its regular launches and poetry nights.
