Dublin Writers Museum, Dublin City

Updated On: February 18, 2024 by   Ciaran Connolly

Ireland has always been renowned for its strong literary history. It is the home of some of the worlds greatest poets, writers, storytellers and more. At the Dublin Writers Museum you can explore the city’s great poets, writers and literature that have played a huge role in shaping the city, both culturally and socially. 

If you love literature then this is one of those attractions you can’t pass by. There, you can uncover the work and life of Ireland’s greatest writers, whose works have travelled far and wide. 

Some of these iconic writers include James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, W.B Yeats, Jonathan Swift and so many more. You’ll be quite surprised by how many wonderful writers Ireland has.

On a visit, you will get the unique opportunity to see the first edition of the famous Dracula by Bram Stoker as well as the much loved Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift. You’ll also see personal belongings of many of these Irish writers including pens, typewriters, quills and more that were important to them in helping to create their iconic work that will always live on. For example, you will find replica of Samuel Beckett’s phone, opening night programs of Oscar Wilde’s Lady Windermere’s Fan, and the first edition of Pomes Penyeach by James Joyce. The museum also has many portraits of these Irish writers.

The whole creation of the Dublin Writers Museum is to give people an insight into the works of Irish writers, helping to put a face to the famous names and telling you their unique story, their upbringing, personal life and what inspired their writing that will surely capture your attention.

History of the Dublin Writers Museum

The museum was first created in 1991 to help add to Dublin’s culture scene, as literature has always been one of its strong points and this was a good way to acknowledged and remember Irish writers who have left a mark on the world with their words.

Before the museum, Dublin’s literary heritage was scattered around the city, so the museum was proposed to provide a one-stop view of the most groundbreaking Irish literary writers. 

What to Expect Inside the Dublin Writers Museum

The Museum is beautifully located in an 18th-century Georgian mansion and within close walking distance to another popular attraction; Hugh Lane Gallery. We recommend checking the Hugh Lane Gallery; it is free and worth a visit!

Dublin Writers Museum is filled with all the wonder surrounding Irish literature for you to explore; a clear and compact museum that will give you an insight into the creative Irish minds. You can enjoy a personal digital audio tour, that helps to fill in the literature wall displays with more detail. The audio tour is available in multiple languages, including: English, French, Italian and German.

Stop by the Irish bookshop located there as it has an amazing selection of Irish writers and Irish literature books to indulge in Irish history. The museum also holds occasional events, exhibitions and readings for all the literature lovers!

Museum Opening Times and Prices

Opened daily all year long:

• Monday- 10:00am -17:00pm
• Tuesday- 10:00am -17:00pm
• Wednesday- 10:00am -17:00pm
• Thursday- 10:00am -17:00pm
• Friday- 10:00am -17:00pm
• Saturday- 10:00am -17:00pm
• Sunday- 11:00am – 17:00pm

Pricing:

• Adults:€7.50
• Child: €4.70
• Family Tickets: €20.00

Have you ever been to the Dublin Writers Museum Before? Do you have a favourite Irish Author? Let us know in the comments below.

More Dublin Travel Blogs worth checking out:

Seamus Heany: His Life, Work and Successes | Lisa McGee: Talented Writer from Derry | Dublin’s Literary Pubs | Famous Irish Authors Who Helped Promote Irish Tourism