Student Ambassador Giovanna Galvani takes you on a literary journey through Dublin! From James Joyce’s Tower to the Museum of Literature Ireland and iconic pubs inspired by Irish authors, discover how the city brings literature to life.
I was 20 when I read The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, and it left me in awe. That “oh-my-god-I-can’t-believe-what-I’m-reading” feeling stayed with me for years. So, when I walked past the Oscar Wilde statue in Merrion Square Park recently, it felt like a reunion, like something meant to be.
Dublin inspires you to read Irish authors. Their influence is everywhere—not just in English literature, but across the city itself. Trinity College definitely changes once you know the characters from Normal People by Sally Rooney, and Wilde is not the only one with tributes over the town. You can’t escape it—and why would you want to? Connecting with a culture through its literature is one of the most powerful experiences!
So, if I was new in Dublin and wanted to find some inspiration to grab that book and give it a try, here are the places I’d go to:
1. James Joyce Tower and Museum
If you take the Dart train to Dun Laoghaire, not only will you get to know one lovely spot near Dublin to have a good fish and chips or walk around a Sunday market, but you’ll also have the chance to experience, in-loco, the first scene of James Joyce’s masterpiece, Ulysses—and for free.
The James Joyce Tower is run by volunteers who offer quick tours (which I highly recommend). You’ll learn not only about Ulysses but also about Irish history, so it’s a win-win situation.
When you leave the tower, I’m sure you’ll want to know more about Joyce. I got my edition of Dubliners at the Sunday market right after I left, and it was so worth it. I believe this is a good introductory book for James Joyce since reading Ulysses can demand a bit more from the reader, even for those who have English as their mother tongue. But I’ll get there, and I’ll remember the view from the top of the tower once I start my journey.
2. Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) 
Exploring Dublin’s museums? Add MoLI to your list for a deep dive into Irish authors, from classics to contemporary works. Tickets cost €14.50 for adults (€12 for students), but it’s worth it.
The museum is housed in a stunning Georgian building that was once the first campus of University College Dublin (UCD). Beyond literature, there’s an immersive exhibit on Irish Gaelic—great for training your ears to more than just the bus stop announcements!
If you’re based in Dublin for a while, you’ll recognize some places from a map displayed in the museum, full of references to Joyce’s stories across Dublin. He left Ireland at a young age but only wrote stories set in Dublin. That’s beautiful.
3. A pint at The Bernard Shaw or Pygmalion
Not all literary inspiration comes from museums. Some of Dublin’s best spots for food and drinks are nods to Irish authors, like The Bernard Shaw in Dublin 9 and Pygmalion in Dublin 2. Both are tributes to George Bernard Shaw, the Irish playwright and Nobel laureate.
What I really like about The Bernard Shaw is that it is, at the same time, a great place to eat, drink, watch sports, and go to a party. They have a Street Food Yard, the Eatyard, which is always decorated, and it’s the perfect place to meet friends and grab something nice to eat. I haven’t been to one of their parties at the Racket Space yet, but it’s definitely on my list.
Pygmalion, near George’s Street Arcade, is one of my favourite places for weekend cocktails (yes, we’re all on a budget as students, but once in a while, it’s worth it!). The food (from The Little Pyg) is amazing, and the atmosphere is perfect for dancing or just treating yourself.
Though their connection to Shaw is mostly in the names, these spots sparked my curiosity to learn more about his work. I hope they’ll inspire you too!
Giovanna Galvani is studying at Dublin City University via Education in Ireland