MoLI - Museum of Literature Ireland

MoLI - Museum of Literature Ireland

Overview

MoLI, the Museum of Literature Ireland, is Dublin's museum of Irish writing, set in historic Newman House on the south side of St Stephen's Green. Opened in 2019 as a partnership between University College Dublin and the National Library of Ireland, it brings Ireland's writers to life through manuscripts, voice, sound and immersive rooms, rather than leaving literature behind glass.

The highlight of the collection is Copy No. 1 of Ulysses, the first copy of James Joyce's novel, inscribed by the author. Allow one to two hours for a self-guided visit, then take a book into the Readers' Garden or stop at The Commons Café.

What to see at MoLI

MoLI's galleries tell the story of Irish literature through original manuscripts, letters, recordings, film and interactive installations. The National Library of Ireland's Joyce collection is at the heart of the museum, with Copy No. 1 of Ulysses on display alongside exhibitions on the writers who have shaped how the world reads Ireland, from the classics to the voices writing today. Exhibitions change through the year, so check moli.ie for what is on during your visit.

A house full of literary history

Newman House is made up of two Georgian townhouses: No. 85, built in 1738, and No. 86, built in 1765, both known for their ornate plasterwork. In 1854 they became the first home of the Catholic University of Ireland under John Henry Newman, the forerunner of University College Dublin. James Joyce studied at the college here at the turn of the twentieth century, and the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins taught at it in the 1880s. The Historic House Tour takes you through the restored rooms.

Tours

Alongside self-guided admission, MoLI runs hour-long guided tours of the museum and of the historic house, plus a White Glove Tour for a closer look at the collection, arranged on request. Group visits can be booked at a discount. Book tickets and tours online at moli.ie.

Garden, café and shop

The historic courtyard and Readers' Garden, shaded by a tree around 200 years old, are a quiet place to read in the middle of the city. The Commons Café serves Irish produce in the house's original student dining halls, and the MoLI Shop can be visited without a museum ticket.

Getting there

MoLI is at 86 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 (D02 XY43), on the south side of the Green and about three minutes' walk from Grafton Street. The St Stephen's Green Luas stop (Green Line) is a two-minute walk away, many Dublin Bus routes stop nearby, and there are two Dublin Bikes stations across the street.

Make a day of it: St Stephen's Green is across the road, the Iveagh Gardens are just behind the museum, and The Little Museum of Dublin, the National Library of Ireland and the National Gallery of Ireland are all a short walk away.

Good to know

  • Allow one to two hours for a self-guided visit; guided tours last about an hour.
  • Last admission is one hour before closing.
  • MoLI is closed on St Patrick's Day (17 March), 24 to 26 December and 1 January.
  • Booking online in advance is recommended, especially for tours.

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