Museum of Literature Ireland
Overview
The Museum of Literature Ireland features immersive multimedia exhibitions and priceless literary artefacts, including ‘copy number one’ of Ulysses. It hosts events and performances, creative workshops and education programmes that inspire visitors of all ages to create, read and write. Changing exhibitions include one that features an in-depth look at one author at a time, while another looks at the connections between Irish literature and international cities. You can even get advice from recordings of the authors themselves.
To get the most out of your visit, it’s advisable to take the tour, 50 minutes long, led by highly knowledgeable and entertaining guides (book in advance), or download a free audio guide. Immerse yourself in the sounds of Irish storytelling across the centuries and trace the footsteps of James Joyce.
Check the website for events or even live-stream Radio MoLI.
The adjoining Courtyard and Readers Garden invites you to relax and read in the shade of the ash tree that James Joyce was photographed against at his 1902 graduation. A protected Killarney Strawberry tree, flowers and paths add to the tranquility.
The Commons Café overlooks the garden and is quickly becoming a favourite among locals. It was part of the University when Joyce was there. Come dine on a fine selection of Irish dishes inspired by literature.
Next to the Café, the MoLI shop is a book lover’s dream and includes a children's section. The shop also stocks a selection of local handmade crafts.
You don't need a ticket to visit the shop or café, and sales help support the work of MoLI.
Next to MoLI is the lovely Newman University Church, which boasts a stunning interior with notable carvings, plaques and stained glass windows.
This new museum refuses to be a throwback to the past despite being located on the historic University College Dublin premises where James Joyce and Mary Lavin once scrawled in their notebooks.
The main goal of MoLI is to fully immerse visitors in Ireland's rich literary past.
There is much more to Ireland's writing scene than Joyce, despite the fact that he is a superb writer; one moment you are ogling the first edition of Ulysses, and the next you are learning about the nation's underappreciated female writers.
Sit down on a bench next to the retirees who are enjoying a day of reading and tea in the beautiful courtyard and turn on RadioMoLI to continue the literary journey through interviews with modern authors.
Opening hours
10.30am – 6pm, Tuesday to Sunday and bank holiday Mondays.
Last entry at 5pm.
Price
Adult €10
Child, student, over 65s €8
Family €23
Adult and child €12
Children under 3 free
Jobseekers, carers free
Frontline healthcare & retail workers free
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