Explore Dublin

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The Museum of Literature Ireland, MoLI, is the heart of Dublin city, surround by many cultural gems to explore, as well as great places to stay and eat. Here are some suggestions for where to go next after your visit to the museum – with a literary thread running through them.

Where to visit

National Library of Ireland

A prominent location in the ‘Scylla and Charybdis’ episode of James Joyce’s Ulysses, the National Library of Ireland is renowned for its stunning reading rooms and for its varied collections, comprising over twelve million artefacts. With its main building located on Kildare Street, the library is made up of four buildings, all located in Dublin 2 – a must for anyone visiting Dublin.

Little Museum of Dublin

The Little Museum of Dublin, located on the other side of St Stephen’s Green to MoLI, is home to many exhibits on Irish culture, history and literature. Famed for its Little Walking Tour of Stephen’s Green, as well as for its Big Little Treasure Hunt, the Little Museum offers events and exhibits both indoors and outdoors, making it the perfect place for learning about the history and culture of the city of Dublin.

Irish Writers Centre

Located in the heart of Georgian Dublin in Parnell Square, the Irish Writers Centre strives to support and encourage the writers of Ireland, and to promote the flourishing Irish literary scene. Hosting events which include artist talks and the popular ‘Takin’ the Mic’ reading events, the Irish Writers Centre is a perfect place to meet Irish writers and creatives, and to foster one’s own creativity.

Poetry Ireland

Located in No. 11 Parnell Square East, currently under renovation, Poetry Ireland is an organisation committed to the promotion and development of the craft of poetry in Ireland. Poetry Ireland welcomes poets and lovers of poetry to reading events, writing workshops, publication events and more. They also accept submissions for their journal, Poetry Ireland Review, as well as for their literary pamphlet Trumpet, providing ample opportunities for anyone to share their work.

James Joyce Centre

The James Joyce Centre, on North Great George’s Street, is home to artefacts, artwork, information and exhibits that all pertain to the eponymous Irish writer. Visitors will see the famous preserved door to Number 7 Eccles Street, residence of Leopold and Molly Bloom in Joyce’s Ulysses, as well as murals detailing each episode of Ulysses in the courtyard. Visitors are also encouraged to partake in the digital scavenger hunt, for the chance of winning a prize from the giftshop.

Chester Beatty Library

Known as one of the finest museums in all of Europe, the Chester Beatty Museum is in Dublin Castle and features exhibitions made from the personal collections of Sir Alfred Chester Beatty spread across two galleries: “Sacred Traditions” and “Arts of the Book”. Ranging from the historic netsuke statues of Japan to the paintings of the French impressionists, the Chester Beatty offers a diverse range of artefacts, literature and artwork sure to capture one’s interest, wherever they may lie.

Where to eat and drink

The Commons Café

Our very own Commons Café provides a delightful selection of all-day breakfasts, toasties, homemade desserts and coffees. Adorned with artwork depicting literary quotes, and with a beautiful outdoor seating area in our courtyard, the Commons at MoLI offers a place to relax during your visit to the museum. From the courtyard there is easy access to the MoLI gardens, featuring the famous ash tree depicted in James Joyce’s graduation photo, as well as a secret gateway into the beautiful Iveagh Gardens.

Tang

A Middle-Eastern restaurant at the top of Dawson Street, Tang has a wide array of dishes across four menus:  breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner. With a commitment to sustainability and activism, as well as a sense of community between both staff and customers, Tang is the perfect place to eat while out and about in central Dublin, no matter the time of day.


Hartigan's

Deeply entrenched in the history of the city, Hartigan’s proudly describes itself as ‘a country pub in the city’. Known for its creamy pint of Guinness, Hartigan’s holds literary significance as it was featured in both Flann O’Brien’s At Swim-Two-Birds and Maeve Binchy’s Circle of Friends, and is a known favourite of many of Dublin’s famous literary figures, past and present.

Where to stay

Staunton's on the Green

Nestled between St Stephen’s Green and the Iveagh Gardens, with beautiful views of each, Stauntons On The Green comprises three Georgian houses from the 18th century. Right next door to MoLI, this historic hotel offers seasonal breaks no matter the time of year, allowing guests to stay within walking distance of many of Dublin’s finest attractions for any occasion.

College Green Hotel

Located on Westmoreland Street with a view of Trinity College, the College Green Hotel boasts a history rich with literary significance. The most central five-star hotel in Dublin, guests can currently avail of their ‘Romance in the City’ package, including a two-night stay in a Signature Heritage room or suite, as well as a private White-Glove Tour of MoLI’s ‘Happy Ever After’ exhibition.

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