Not quite an open book -take a wander through Literary Dublin !

Not quite an open book -take a wander through Literary Dublin !

If you’re planning a trip to Dublin with your family, study group or even sporting team, a tour of literary Dublin is a must. One of only 4 cities in the world which has been designated a UNESCO city of literature, our tradition goes back thousands of years. Just think about some of the famous writers born here…James Joyce and the Nobel prize-winning trio of Yeats, Shaw and Beckett. Not to mention modern day greats like Roddy Doyle, Maeve Binchy and Joseph O’Connor.

In Dublin, everyone has a view on the arts and literary landmarks ‘litter’ the city. So where do you start? That’s a good question but we’ve found over the years that there are a few things that just must be seen.

Why not book-end your whole day with the ultimate Dubliner, James Joyce? Not far from us here in Celtic Group Hostels is the James Joyce centre at 33 North Great Georges street devoted to giving everyone a better understanding of his writings and the man himself. Then, why not amble north of O’Connell street and visit the Dublin writers’ museum on 18 Parnell square. You’ll find a beautifully restored Georgian building which will give you a whistle stop tour of the 300 years of writing in our fair city.

Then, just a ten minute ramble over the river Liffey to Trinity college, home of the book of Kells. It’s not all about Nobel prizes and bestseller lists! The original book of Kells is kept in Trinity Library. It’s written on vellum and contains all four gospels written in Latin. It’s right at home in one of Ireland’s most prestigious universities and we guarantee you’ll feel a lot smarter as you head out to your next stop – Marsh’s library is in Dublin 8 and holds thousands of books from the last 300 years and is Ireland’s first Public library. After that, just a short train ride away to Sandymount, you’ll find the home of Joyce himself.

And that’s skimming the surface. Our trip planning service has been helping folk from all over the world get the most of literary Dublin and we can give you either very basic pointers or plan out your trip. While there are many hostels in Dublin in which you can stay, not many want to make sure you get the best out of our city. Use us as much or as little as you’d like. Just turn up on time with your group and we’ll have the rest organised.