How to Take a Literary Trip Through Dublin, Ireland

Is there any city as literary as Dublin? Sure, you could make the case for Paris, London and New York. But there’s something about Dublin that has produced—-or inspired—-some of the world’s finest literature, from Dubliners who called Ireland home as well as from those who recalled their homeland from elsewhere. An exploration of Dublin’s literary history, both before and during your trip, will give you wonderful insights into this lovely city and help give your visit added depth. Read on for some ideas on how to explore Dublin's literary heritage.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Start with the ultimate Dublin writer: James Joyce. Though Joyce left Dublin at a young age and spent almost 20 years writing in Paris, his works are quintessentially Dublin, and he is arguably the best writer on the subject of Dublin and Dubliners. Start off light, with his short story collection "Dubliners," then venture to "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man." If you’re brave enough, try your hand at "Ulysses"—one of the greatest, and most difficult, literary works ever created.

2. Time your visit to coincide with Bloomsday. The novel "Ulysses" follows the main character, Leopold Bloom, as he moved through Dublin during a single day: June 16. Every year, Joycians from far and wide converge on the city to attend readings from the novel, retrace Bloom’s footsteps and generally indulge in all kinds of Joycian appreciation. If you want to experience Bloomsday, plan ahead: Hotels book up and transportation can be expensive.

3. Visit the Dublin Writers Museum. Located next door to a wonderful art museum, the Hugh Lane Gallery, the Writers Museum features an eclectic collection of literary memorabilia including notes, first editions and lots of biographical information about some of Dublin’s most famous writers. Among the collection you’ll find a first edition of Bram Stoker’s "Dracula."

4. Have a pint o’ Guinness while reading a play by Sean O’Casey. Many of this Irish playwright’s works are set in Dublin’s pubs, which form a backdrop to his explorations of key moments in Irish history, such as the Irish Civil War and the Easter Rising of 1916. Some of his most famous plays include "The Shadow of a Gunman," "Juno and the Paycock" and "The Plow and the Stars."

5. See a play at the Abbey Theatre. This Dublin landmark, which opened in 1904, featured William Butler Yeats’s play "On Baile’s Strand" as its very first performance. Later playwrights whose plays opened at the Abbey include Sean O’Casey and John Millington Synge.