Complete Guide to Dublin’s Writers Museum

Dublin is a UNESCO City of Literature, it is home to numerous literature landmarks, and a place where three winners of the Nobel Prize for Literature were born: George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett and W.B. Yeats. Dublin has also inspired Irish authors and lead to some masterpiece such as Ulysses or Dracula. In 1991 Dublin Tourism created a place to be dedicated to the Irish literature: Dublin Writers Museum.

The museum is located in the centre of Dublin, 18 Parnell Square next to the Abbey Presbyterian Church in a converted a Georgian mansion. Once you step inside you start a journey though Irish literature. Focus is made on famous writers with James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett. You will find portraits and unique artefacts.  There is also a copy of the Book of Kells displayed, even if this manual hasn’t been written in Ireland it remains an important medieval manuscript.

But not only the big figures are highlighted in this museum, you will learn about some obscure writers of Dublin. The audio guide is very good to go back in time and explore Dublin’s literature history from the beginning to modern time. In the memorabilia section, you will discover letters, handwritten postcards and even first editions. For example, the first edition of Patrick Kavanagh’s poem The Great Hunger written by his own hand. The pricey piano of James Joyce is also present with Patrick Kavanah’s death mask. It is easy to say that you can spend the entire day looking at all those curiosities.

On the upper floors the Writers Gallery displays portraits and exhibitions. The room is stunning, paintings on the doors represent the month of the year are worth the visit. In another large room, you will discover the children’s literature. 

The bookshop at the back of the building sells all the seminal works of Irish literature and some nice souvenir.

The Dublin Writers Museum is definitively worth the visit. It is a fascinating little museum where you will explore the 300 years of Dublin’s literary history. 

Practical information:

Tours available in French, German, Italian, Spanish and Dutch
Opening Times:
January-December inclusive:
Monday-Saturday: 10am-5pm
Last admission 4.15pm
Sunday and Public Holidays: 11am-5pm
Address: Dublin Writer’s Museum, 18 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, Ireland

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