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Dublin Writers Museum: A Tribute to Ireland's Literary Giants

Explore the lives and works of Ireland's literary giants at the Dublin Writers Museum, a celebration of Dublin's rich literary heritage.

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The Dublin Writers Museum, housed in a stunning 18th-century Georgian mansion on Parnell Square, commemorates Ireland's rich literary heritage. Opened in 1991, the museum showcases the lives and works of renowned Irish writers, from Jonathan Swift to James Joyce, through manuscripts, portraits, and personal belongings. Though the museum is currently closed, its legacy as a celebration of Dublin's literary tradition remains.

A brief summary to Dublin Writers Museum

  • 18 Parnell Square N, Dublin, Rotunda, D01 T3V8, IE
  • +35318722077

Local tips

  • Check for online resources or virtual tours that might be available even after the museum's closure.
  • Explore other literary attractions in Dublin, such as the James Joyce Centre and the National Library.
  • Visit the Irish Writers' Centre next to the Dublin Writers Museum.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Dublin Writers Museum is located on the north side of Parnell Square, near the Garden of Remembrance. From O'Connell Street, walk north, past the Gate Theatre, and turn left after the Garden of Remembrance. The museum is next to the Irish Writers' Centre.

  • Public Transport

    Many bus routes stop within a 5-minute walk of the Dublin Writers Museum. These include routes 3, 7, 10, 11, 13, 16, 19, 46A, and 123. The Luas (Red Line) stops at Abbey Street, a short walk from the museum. From Abbey Street, walk north on O'Connell Street, then follow the walking directions. A single fare on Dublin Bus or Luas is approximately €2.00 - €3.30, depending on the distance.

  • Parking

    There is limited on-street 'pay-and-display' parking available on Parnell Square. Multi-story car parks are located nearby at the Parnell Street Centre, Ilac Centre, and Jervis Street Centre. Expect to pay approximately €3-5 per hour for parking at these locations.

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Discover more about Dublin Writers Museum

The Dublin Writers Museum, established in 1991, was created to celebrate Dublin's profound literary heritage. Journalist Maurice Gorham initially proposed the idea, envisioning a central location to unite the city's scattered literary collections. Housed in a meticulously restored 18th-century Georgian mansion on Parnell Square, the museum offered visitors a comprehensive overview of Irish literature. The building itself, with its exquisite plasterwork and stained glass windows, was a sight to behold. Inside, exhibits explored the evolution of Irish literature over three centuries, highlighting major authors and movements. The museum's collection included first editions of classic works, personal letters, portraits, and personal artifacts. Visitors could view Jonathan Swift's coffee pot, a first edition of Bram Stoker's Dracula, Samuel Beckett's telephone, and Brendan Behan's union card. An audio tour, available in multiple languages, provided further insights into the displays. The museum also featured a bookshop with a wide selection of Irish literature and a restaurant. While the Dublin Writers Museum is currently closed since March 2020 and was brought to an end in 2022, its impact on Dublin's cultural landscape remains significant. It served as a vital tribute to the writers who have shaped Ireland's identity and contributed to its global recognition as a City of Literature.

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