Dublin Writers Museum

• Posted by: Editor
• On: 24/06/2024 10:20:51
• In: Dublin Travel Tips

Dublin Writers Museum is situated within an 18th Century Georgian townhouse in the north city centre. It was due to a proposal by Maurice Gorham to Dublin Tourism, that we now have the museum. However it's a shame that his idea didn’t bear fruition until long after his death. The aim of the museum was to promote interest in Irish literature and to celebrate those who wrote it.

The writers featured in the museum are those who have made an important contribution to Irish or International Literature, as well as on a local level to Dublin Literature.

There are two museum rooms which consist of a History of Irish Literature, from its modest beginnings up to modern times. Museum Room (1) houses Irish Literary History up to the end of the 19th century and Museum (2) is totally for 20th century writers.

The Gorham Library has an amazing collection of rare and 1st editions, critical works and books from special collections. And there's more! There's an Exhibition Room where temporary exhibitions can be viewed, such as "Seomra na nÓg" containing children's literature. The Gallery of Writers is another fabulous room featuring busts and portraits of Irish Writers. This room can be used for receptions, exhibits and special occasions.

Needless to say Dublin Writers Museum is home to such literary gems as Gulliver’s Travels, Dracula, The Importance of Being Ernest, Ulysses and Waiting for Godot.

And it's not all books, Dublin Writers Museum also boasts a fine collection of memorabilia, for example: letters, notes, cards, original works of art, pipes, pens, typewriters, Lady Gregory’s Lorgnette, Austin Clarke’s desk, Samuel Beckett’s telephone, Mary Lavin’s teddy bear, Oliver Gogarty’s Laurels and Brendan Beehan’s Union Card!  

The tour…

You can tour the museum at your own pace with a digital audio tour guide available in 6 different languages.

Opening Times…

January to December: Monday - Saturday 10m - 5pm
Sundays and Public Holidays: 11am - 5pm.
Late opening June, July and August: Monday - Friday 10am – 6pm.

For more information, including entrance fees etc., check out the Dublin Writers Museum website.

There's also an on-site coffee shop and restaurant. Next door is the book shop which sells some of the works of the writers featured in the museum.

At the moment Dublin Writers Museum is proud to present "The Writers Entertain" a one man performance about some of Ireland’s most famous authors. This production will run until the 30th of September, 2008.  Admission charges apply and please be advised to check in advance.

How to get here…

It's only about a 5-minute walk north of O'Connell Street and fifteen minutes walk from Connolly Station. Bus numbers 10, 11, 11B, 13, 13A, 16, 16A, 19, 19A stop nearby.

For somewhere to stay have a look at our Dublin city hotels page.