Literary Dublin
As a UNESCO city of literature, Dublin has plenty to see, as well as to read on your next visit. So where do you start?
What is it about Dublin that has inspired generations of writers? From James Joyce to Sally Rooney, Irish writers have conjured up images of the city in words, so much so that it can be tricky to separate fiction from fact as you walk the squares and courtyards of Trinity College, or tuck into a plate of oysters at Davy Byrnes “Moral Pub” off Grafton Street.
Lovers of literary history will be seeking to step into the footsteps of Jonathan Swift, Patrick Kavanagh, Mary Lavin, Brendan Beehan, Elizabeth Bowen, Flann O’Brien, and of course James Joyce himself. More recently, Booker Prize winning author Roddy Doyle brought the estates that edge the inner city to life with his Barrytown Trilogy. Kicking off with The Commitments, audiences around the world became familiar with the concept of Dublin Soul, via Alan Parker’s brilliant 1991 film of the book.
For a guide to the best books to read your way through Dublin, Tana French’s New York Times list is a very good place to start. French’s multi award winning Dublin Murder Series, which debuted with Into the Woods, has earned her the writer the accolade of “the First Lady of Irish Crime.” French’s latest book, The Keeper, is just out, published by Viking.
The Best Bookshops in Dublin
Browsing in a brilliant bookshop is so much more satisfying than searching on the internet, as the best bookshops combine the atmosphere of being in the company of fellow book lovers, with knowledgeable staff to help you find your next read. Hodges Figgis on Dawson Street and Dubray Books on Grafton Street are excellent all rounders, while Dubliners buying or selling second hand books head to Chapters Bookshop on Parnell Street.
Looking for something very special? Then you’ll want to go to Ulysses Rare Books on Duke Street. Family run for two generations, it featured in The New Yorker, and includes old maps, history, children’s classics and collector’s editions of the Irish greats. Three other brilliant bookshops are the Gutter Bookshop, named for the famous Oscar Wilde quote: “we are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars”. Then there’s Dublin’s oldest independent bookshop, Books Upstairs on D’Olier Street; and finally, The Winding Stair on the River Liffey, which also houses an award winning restaurant on the top floor. Food for thought!
Literary Festivals in the City, and beyond
Discover new books, meet your literary heroes, explore ideas and stories, and fall into conversation about all manner of things – it all happens at the literary festival, and Dublin has plenty of options. The International Literature Festival takes place in Merrion Square Park in mid May for ten days each year, and this year’s dates are May 14th to 24th. A new one on the calendar, The Jaipur Literary Festival comes to Dublin for a satellite event exploring the connections between Ireland, India and the wider world from May 29th to 31st.
Joyce’s Ulysses is set on one single Dublin day, June 16th, but the Bloomsday festival runs from June 11th right through to Bloomsday itself, with readings, music, food and plenty of people in costume. Also in June, the Dalkey Book Festival is just a Dart ride along the coast, and you get the added atmosphere of this famous coastal town to enjoy – although a word to the wise: if you’re planning to enjoy one of Dalkey’s excellent restaurants during the festival, book ahead! The 2026 Dalkey Book Festival runs June 18th to 21st. Then, coming into Autumn, The Dublin Book Festival brings events to locations across the city, this year from November 4th to 8th, with gatherings of Irish and international writers, and plenty of conversations to inspire.
Museums and Libraries
Dublin is home to two of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The Old Library at Trinity College, which houses the famous Book of Kells is also home to The Long Room, which has inspired film makers of both Star Wars and Harry Potter. Visitor options include guided Trinity Walking Tours, an immersive Book of Kells Experience, and entry to The Long Room, from €19. St Patrick’s Cathedral was once the workplace of Jonathan Swift. The Gulliver’s Travel’s author was also Dean of the cathedral, and just next door you’ll find Marsh’s Library. This small and charming space has remained almost unchanged since 1707 and it is the oldest public library in Ireland, admission €8.
Over on St. Stephen’s Green, The Museum of Literature Ireland, or MoLI for short, has permanent galleries with books and objects including first editions and personal items from Ireland’s literary greats. There are talks, events and a changing programme of temporary exhibitions and screenings. The building’s own history is remarkable too as it once housed the university where James Joyce himself studied. You can even stand under the same ash tree where the Ulysses writer posed for his graduation photographs in 1902. There’s an excellent café and shop too. Admission from €14.50.
Walking Tours
The Merrion Hotel Concierge can recommend literary walking tours in Dublin, or try a self-guided tour, with an itinerary from Visit Dublin, bringing you to landmarks of fact and fiction in the company of Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, Maeve Binchy, Sally Rooney, W.B. Yeats, and more.
The area along the Grand Canal from Baggot Street Bridge and along Wilton Park and Mary Lavin Place is known as Baggotonia, as it was here that so many writers and artists made their homes – even if it actually happened to be a home-from-home in the local pubs! Download a free Walking Guide Map to Baggotonia, and make time for a stop in Searson’s or The Waterloo, where you’ll be raising a glass among the ghosts of good literary company.
And after all that sight seeing, where better to curl up with a good book, than the Drawing Rooms or Garden Terrace at The Merrion Hotel? We hope you enjoy. Hotel Guests can book tickets, subject to availability with the Merrion Hotel Concierge