Pupil Ambassador Giovanna Galvani takes you on a literary journey by way of Dublin! From James Joyce’s Tower to the Museum of Literature Eire and iconic pubs impressed by Irish authors, uncover how town brings literature to life.
I used to be 20 after I learn The Image of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde, and it left me in awe. That “oh-my-god-I-can’t-believe-what-I’m-reading” feeling stayed with me for years. So, after I walked previous the Oscar Wilde statue in Merrion Sq. Park lately, it felt like a reunion, like one thing meant to be.
Dublin evokes you to learn Irish authors. Their affect is in all places—not simply in English literature, however throughout town itself. Trinity School positively adjustments as soon as you understand the characters from Regular Folks by Sally Rooney, and Wilde is just not the one one with tributes over the city. You possibly can’t escape it—and why would you wish to? Connecting with a tradition by way of its literature is likely one of the strongest experiences!
So, if I used to be new in Dublin and needed to search out some inspiration to seize that guide and provides it a attempt, listed below are the locations I’d go to:
1. James Joyce Tower and Museum
In case you take the Dart prepare to Dun Laoghaire, not solely will you get to know one pretty spot close to Dublin to have a great fish and chips or stroll round a Sunday market, however you’ll even have the prospect to expertise, in-loco, the primary scene of James Joyce’s masterpiece, Ulysses—and at no cost.
The James Joyce Tower is run by volunteers who supply fast excursions (which I extremely suggest). You’ll study not solely about Ulysses but in addition about Irish historical past, so it’s a win-win state of affairs.
Once you go away the tower, I’m certain you’ll wish to know extra about Joyce. I acquired my version of Dubliners on the Sunday market proper after I left, and it was so price it. I imagine it is a good introductory guide for James Joyce since studying Ulysses can demand a bit extra from the reader, even for individuals who have English as their mom tongue. However I’ll get there, and I’ll bear in mind the view from the highest of the tower as soon as I begin my journey.
2. Museum of Literature Eire (MoLI) 
Exploring Dublin’s museums? Add MoLI to your listing for a deep dive into Irish authors, from classics to modern works. Tickets value €14.50 for adults (€12 for college students), but it surely’s price it.
The museum is housed in a shocking Georgian constructing that was as soon as the primary campus of College School Dublin (UCD). Past literature, there’s an immersive exhibit on Irish Gaelic—nice for coaching your ears to extra than simply the bus cease bulletins!
In case you’re based mostly in Dublin for some time, you’ll acknowledge some locations from a map displayed within the museum, filled with references to Joyce’s tales throughout Dublin. He left Eire at a younger age however solely wrote tales set in Dublin. That’s stunning.
3. A pint at The Bernard Shaw or Pygmalion
Not all literary inspiration comes from museums. A few of Dublin’s greatest spots for meals and drinks are nods to Irish authors, like The Bernard Shaw in Dublin 9 and Pygmalion in Dublin 2. Each are tributes to George Bernard Shaw, the Irish playwright and Nobel laureate.
What I actually like about The Bernard Shaw is that it’s, on the identical time, an awesome place to eat, drink, watch sports activities, and go to a celebration. They’ve a Road Meals Yard, the Eatyard, which is all the time adorned, and it’s the right place to fulfill mates and seize one thing good to eat. I haven’t been to one in all their events on the Racket Area but, but it surely’s positively on my listing.
Pygmalion, close to George’s Road Arcade, is one in all my favorite locations for weekend cocktails (sure, we’re all on a finances as college students, however on occasion, it’s price it!). The meals (from The Little Pyg) is superb, and the ambiance is ideal for dancing or simply treating your self.
Although their connection to Shaw is generally within the names, these spots sparked my curiosity to study extra about his work. I hope they’ll encourage you too!
Giovanna Galvani is finding out at Dublin Metropolis College by way of Schooling in Eire
