Dublin Writers Museum

Museum · Phibsborough

Dublin Writers Museum

Museum · Phibsborough

4

18 Parnell Square N, Rotunda, Dublin, D01 T3V8, Ireland

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Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by Alamy
Dublin Writers Museum by Alamy
Dublin Writers Museum by Alamy
Dublin Writers Museum by Alamy
Dublin Writers Museum by Alamy
Dublin Writers Museum by Alamy
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null
Dublin Writers Museum by null

Highlights

Nestled in a stunning 18th-century townhouse, this intimate museum traces Dublin's rich literary legacy with rare books, artifacts, and an ace audio tour.  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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18 Parnell Square N, Rotunda, Dublin, D01 T3V8, Ireland Get directions

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18 Parnell Square N, Rotunda, Dublin, D01 T3V8, Ireland Get directions

+353 1 872 2077
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wheelchair accessible restroom

Last updated

Jul 31, 2025

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@afar

"Sure, you fall in love with Paris through the literature about the city—Hemingway immortalized Paris, F. Scott Fitzgerald spent time there and so did James Joyce. However you can do the same with Ireland . Joyce is still beloved in his native Ireland and you can learn all about him, along with many other Irish writers like Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker, at the Dublin Writers Museum. If you make it to Dublin and you don’t stop by here, you have wasted a trip and should begin planning another."

The Perfect Weekend in Dublin
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@cntraveler

The Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) in Dublin Brings James Joyce’s Legacy into the Present | Condé Nast Traveler

"Yes, this UNESCO City of Literature already has the Dublin Writers Museum, The Old Library of Trinity College Dublin, and The James Joyce Center."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-new-museum-of-literature-ireland-dublin
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@cntraveler

10 Best Museums in Dublin | Condé Nast Traveler

"Open since 1991, this intimate museum, which is set in a gorgeous 18th-century mansion, pays tribute to Irish writers—the playwrights, poets, and authors who comprise Dublin's strong literary heritage. The museum is laid out chronologically, starting with the origins of the Irish storytelling tradition (and a facsimile of the Book of Kells) and progressing from there. Some notable items on display include an early edition of Gulliver’s Travels from 1804, programs from the openings of Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband from 1895, and Brendan Behan’s typewriter. A bookshop sells works by writers featured in the museum and modern-day Irish authors like Edna O’Brien and Colm Tóibín. Avid readers will nerd out over the options, and most certainly walk away with something in hand." - Nicola Brady

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-museums-in-dublin
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@cntraveler

Dublin Writers Museum, Dublin, Ireland — Museum Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Zoom out. What’s this place all about? Open since 1991, this small and intimate museum pays tribute to Irish writers—the playwrights, poets, and authors who make up Dublin's strong literary heritage. Set in a gorgeous 18th-century mansion right by the Garden of Remembrance, it’s a quiet, almost meditative, space. Ye shall know them by their permanent collection: How was it? The museum is laid out chronologically, starting with the origins of the Irish storytelling tradition (and a facsimile of the Book of Kells) and progressing from there. Some notable items on display include an early edition of Gulliver’s Travels from 1804, programs from the opening of Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband from 1895, and Brendan Behan’s typewriter. Upstairs, you'll find a stunning Gallery of Writers, with a lavish Georgian ceiling decorated with four panels depicting the four seasons, as well as the museum’s library. But also by their new shoes. How were the exhibits? Occasional temporary exhibitions, including an in-the-works exploration of female writers, tend to change once a year. What did you make of the crowd? The crowd—mostly literary aficionados and bookworms—remain quiet and respectful as they navigate the museum. On the practical tip, how were facilities? Hard to get lost. Any guided tours worth trying? Tickets come with a free audio guide, which is easy to use and worth listening to. Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it? A bookshop sells works by writers featured in the museum and modern-day Irish authors like Edna O’Brien and Colm Tóibín. Avid readers will nerd out over the options, and most certainly walk away with something in hand. Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere? There’s no longer a tearoom on the premises, but there is a quiet little garden where you can sit for a while. If you want an incredible lunch, head to Chapter One, the Michelin-starred restaurant located in the basement of the building. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? This is a relatively small space, so you can be in and out in 90 minutes." - Nicola Brady

https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/dublin/dublin-writers-museum
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Courtney Casey

Google
I found it very interesting to learn how many influential writers were from Ireland and Dublin. Each section of the museum had in depth details. You could spend a few hours there reading the information. They also had audio guides that gave a small amount of information and background on each writer. So depending on how in depth you want the experience you could listen to each section and be done within an hour or you can stay and read each poster as well.

Patrick “Paddy” Breen

Google
Lived in the city for years and didn't know this gem was here a great tribute to some of Ireland's finest writer's. The works of Wilde, Beckett, Joyce are kept here along with many more definitely worth a visit if you come to the city.

Steve Evans

Google
Interested in Irish authors and poets? Then the Dublin Writers Museum is worth a stop. Many exhibits and the audio tour is included in the very reasonable ticket price. Don't miss the bookstore in the back of museum.

Robert Stevens

Google
While I enjoyed it, it is not worth the 7,50€ price of admission even though the building is beautiful and you can see some.

Silent K

Google
It should amalgamate with The James Joyce Centre as while the building is an elegant example of its time, the contents are sparse and border on amateur. Clearly they do not own enough manuscripts and original material to warrant the museum’s title. The cheerless front desk doesn’t help as they relieve you of your entry fee. Disappointing given my expectation on what it could have been. I’d bypass this place and head straight to the Francis Bacon exhibit in the gallery next door.

Luciano Rodrigues

Google
Nice museum if you are interested on the Irish writer's history, but doesn't worth the 7,50 euro they charge you.

Meg Orton

Google
A beautiful old building with an enormous amount of information on Irish writing history. Reminded me of the museums of old.

Ciaran McLarnon

Google
A good few artifacts in this fabulous period house. Not overwhelming; allow about an hour and a half to see everything.
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Gaelen C.

Yelp
If you are an academic, you'll fricken love this place! It's quality. The building itself is gorgeous and worth seeing whether you are really into writers or not.
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Nick M.

Yelp
I don't know if it's just me but writers are cool... well some more then others. Double cool for Dublin to have a museum dedicated to some of the greatest (couple of my favs) writers in the world and who just happen to be from Ireland. I know that most people Zzzzz when thinking about Museums and to be honest this one will probably have the same affect on you, but if you like History and have a love for printed word, this is write up your alley (haha, see what I did there with right and write). Besides it's something different and it only costs 7.50 Euro. You know the drill, walk around looking at old stuff in glass cases, listen to some audio, and say things like "wow" or "interesting". They feature talented writers such as James Joyce, Bram Stoker, Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde and Ireland's four winners of the Nobel Prize for Literature; William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett, and Seamus Heaney. I actually did learn a few new things while I was there, like how Oscar Wilde was a real bad ass and how a lot of them hung out with each other. So, instead of losing some brains cells drinking in a pub all day, you can expand your mind by learning a little something for a hour. But then again you will probably hit the pub after and forget it all. What are you going to do?! Check it out!
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Mary C.

Yelp
I hate that I don't agree with pretty much everyone else who has reviewed this place. I hate the fact that, though I am probably the biggest bookworm in the world, and even wrote a thesis on Irish literature and drama, I thought this museum was a big snooze. I thought the audio guide was a neat idea; each exhibition case was numbered so you just punched in the number and the guide gave you some information about it. The general idea was to go in order, but that was actually kind of a problem. A bunch of people came in directly after us and they were all bunched up right behind us, trying to do the cases in order. But as a result, there was 10 people trying to see into one case... while the others around the room remained free. They kept pressuring my friend and I to move along, giving us exasperated looks. It was so bizarre! At the same time, I didn't like the audio guide; it kind of seemed weird to go to a museum about writing and not actually read any of the written descriptions of the items, which were full of more information. The collection is really small, mostly first editions, and just takes up a couple of rooms. I was hoping to see more personal items and correspondences, but there were very few of these items. I thought it was just basically a waste of time and money, and that's coming from a huge literary nerd.
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Alexandra M.

Yelp
The Dublin Writers Museum is probably one of my favourites in the city. I can't believe I waited so long before coming here. For a small fee of something like 7 Euro, you can spend hours in the old Georgian house looking at really old copies of books and photographs of all the famous writers. The museum provides you with individual audio commentary and there's loads of information on wall panels. The exhitbition starts with Swift and contemporaries and ends with Behan. There's a giftshop, a cafe and the most beautiful solarium with head busts of famous scribblers.
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Annie L.

Yelp
Entrance to the museum with set you back €7.50 but if you can get a group together, it will pull the price down to €6.50. It's a very well done tour, not as boring as some people may presume! You have the option of headphones to guide you through the museum. They really have crammed a lot in so you will feel that you have got value for money. They have a library with first edition and rare books that you can investigate. It concentrates on the literary greats from the city from past to present, it not only looks at their work but interesting facts about them which you may not of known. The artwork and displays are beautifully presented and you can finish off the tour with some tea in the coffee shop.
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Michelle M.

Yelp
All I can say about the Dublin Writers Museum is it is not worth your time or money. It's small and unimpressive. Go spend an hour or two of your time elsewhere. I'm even a BOOK NERD, and I'd say this place is very forgettable. Not impressed. Cheers!
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Laura G.

Yelp
It seemed like something to do, but I wish I had skipped it. Unless you were an English major in college, not really worth the price of admission.
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Qype User (amant_…)

Yelp
Dublin's writers museum which opened in 1991, is a pretty good attempt at this cities rich literary heritage, and the lovely 18th C. building that's it's housed in on the north side of Parnell Square is one of it's real strengths. The rooms with original ornate interiors are superb, particularly the upper salon, known as The Gallery of Writers. As to the influences of such an impressive selection of writers from Jonathon Swift to Samuel Beckett, well they do gloss over a lot of the ancient origins, the celtic myths & legends and the bardic traditions of story telling are all given very little mention, whats needed is a little imagination here I think, as such works were themselves huge flights of the mind. I never forget the first time I went in here there was a really nice old chap doing a guided tour with only a Canadian Girl and myself, and he was so absorbing and passionate about Irish literature and the role that Dublin had played in such writers lives. He introduced me to Flann O'Brien, and was quite adamant that I should read 'At swim two birds', reciting from memory lengthy passages of it, which inspired me to read what has since become a favourite book. I did previously love Oliver Goldsmith, W.B. Yeats' poems and Sean O'casey's plays, also Brendan Behan was a hero, but this inspired me to read more. My favourite thing in the museum is a first edition of Patrick Kavanagh's 'The Great Hunger', which famously had 24 lines cut from the 2nd stanza, by the publisher who got cold feet at the supposed heated language! Furious, Paddy went round bookshops writing in this missing stanza to every copy he could find! Those missing lines in his spindly hand are visible in a copy they have here. A suitably inspiring environment.
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Joshua R.

Yelp
I appreciate the earnest nature of this place, and the fact that they've done a nice job detailing the long-lived connection behind identity and literature in Ireland. There is a LOT to read on each panel of the exhibit, and I can easily see a group of writers working with some poor curator who is trying to corral them into a semblance of brevity, as the descriptions of each era get longer and longer... I was there on an empty mid-week day, and I imagine with a crowd of people inside it would feel quite cramped, but I was lucky to have the place virtually to myself. But overall, the museum was just a little too static for my tastes, but there is a lovely solarium where I can imagine sitting and writing my own great works, dreaming of the day when my own statue would grace that very spot...
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Laura M.

Yelp
In order to understand Ireland, you have to know about its writers. Joyce, Beckett, Wilde, Yeats, Bernard Shaw, and C.S. Lewis are just a few of the prolific Irish writers featured in this museum. The museum is organized wonderfully, and is also run with audio-headsets; you receive one at the beginning of the tour and walk through the museum listening to the histories and stories of each writer. In the back of the museum is a cafe that serves delicious pastries and coffees. The gift store is also located at the back of the museum, and has a huge variety of items. You have to visit the Dublin Writers Museum to truly experience Ireland for what it is, and was.
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Finlay O.

Yelp
Like Ireland? Like Irish writers? Then you will like it here. Great place to spend a rainy afternoon.
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Melanie M.

Yelp
The Dublin writers Museum is housed in a building dating from around 1780 and renovated in 1991 by Dublin Tourism and reopened as the Dublin Writers Museum in the winter of 1991. It houses a collection of rare editions, manuscript items and memorabilia relating to a long list of Irish writers. There is a temporary exhibition room, a gallery and library of rare books, a book shop and an space for readings and lectures. In the house next door there is an area where writers can meet talk and work.
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Susan D.

Yelp
As Annie below says, this museum will set you back about 7.50 (as I type this, I'm back home in Pittsburgh, PA so I only have the $$ on my computer). I have to admit that I absolutely love to read. I adore books, both fiction and non-fiction, and my card at the Carnegie Library is so worn out from use, it looks like it went through the rinse cycle in the wash. So when I read about the Dublin Writers Museum in my travel guide, I just knew I had to visit it. This museum isn't nearly as dry and boring as you may think. Naturally the focus is on famous Irish writers, both on a national and local level. Some of my favorite authors include Oscar Wilde (esp "The Picture of Dorian Gray") and James Joyce. While I enjoyed the movie "Waiting for Godot," I find Beckett to be a difficult read. But anyway, back to the museum. It mostly occupies an 18th century house. There, you will find the gallery, exhibition area, and library. The museum rooms provide a history of Irish writers throughout history, up until the present. One room showcases writers up until the late 19th Century, the other features 20th and 21st Century authors. I enjoyed the audio tour available, especially in that I could pause the audio as I saw fit. The annex building has a coffee shop and to me, there is no better way to spend a quiet afternoon than sipping on some Joe while turning the pages of great literature. As far as I'm concerned, Amazon.com can keep its Kindle. Nothing beats the printed word and paper.

Annie S.

Yelp
This museum is small and sweet. It should be updated with more current authors. Dusty and quaint. The audio was not updated with current exhibits.
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Qype User (Marzip…)

Yelp
While my friends decided to head down to the Guinness Factory I was on a literary search to discover the truth about Ireland's most well-known writers - and where else to go but the Writers Museum, located in an 18th century townhouse in Dublin. The lady at the door was lovely and informative, and even gave me a discount with my ISIC card, with an audio tour thrown in as well. The museum is only two storeys, but it packs a fair bit of history and culture in, as well as a shop, cafe and a great library collection. They have a range of first editions, portraits and personal possessions. The writers featured are those who've made an important contribution to Dublin's, Ireland's or international literature. There's everything from Dracula, The Importance of Being Earnest (I didn't realise Wilde was Irish, I only ever heard of his stories when he lived in England) and Ulysses; and everyone from Yeats, Shaw, Pearse and Joyce. A lot to learn and a lot of interest to gain from the Dublin Writers Museum.
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Tally Y.

Yelp
An essential stop on any English major/Literary enthusiast's visit to Dublin. Some of the writers showcased here I had heard of and others I was able to discover thanks to the extensive detail on their lives and works. The ground floor is the best part of the museum. There are two main rooms where all the information and artifacts on the writers are located. They also go in chronological order ending with the 20th and present day trends in Irish writing. However, everything seems to be crammed into these two rooms. If you go upstairs there is a lovely ballroom like area with some writer portraits but not much else. The gift shop was also a let down, being located in the very back of the building almost like an after thought. Overall I think this place is worth a visit, at least once.
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Sue G.

Yelp
I didn't know what to expect. but l loved the self guided listening tour and the exhibition cases. I had a lovely afternoon and I would highly recommend to all those who have an interest in literature.
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Qype User (nowrou…)

Yelp
Ireland has produced some of the greatest writers in history and this museum is dedicated exclusively the works and achievements of great writers such as W.B. Yeats, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Samuel Becket, Patrick Kavanagh. A first edition of Bram Stokers 'Dracula' which was very unusually written in Dublin. The museum is pretty small so it only took me about 50 minutes to have a look round and see some of the manuscripts. I'd advise anyone planning to go here to go and see some other museums after visiting this one. Dublin has a lot to offer.
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Qype User (Autumn…)

Yelp
As someone who loves both Dublin and writing, the Dublin Writers Museum was an obvious place for me to visit. The original 18th century mansion in which the museum is housed is overwhelming at first sight, but I soon lost myself in examining the letters and works of a Who's Who of Dublin literary culture. I was particularly interested in finding out as much as possible about Jonathan Swift and W.B. Yeats but there's also plenty for fans of James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde et al to indulge in. When you've had enough of looking at such curiosities as Beckett's 'phone, you can pop into The Gallery of Writers where you can meet all the great wordsmiths face to face. Well, sort of. You'll actually find yourself amidst a collection of world class portraits and busts made in the images of the greatest of Irish literary greats. If you need a sit down and a caffeine/sugar boost after all the exploring and learning, there's a comfy coffee shop in the annexe behind the main museum. I highly recommend the hot chocolate. And if you want to take home an example of the literature produced by Dublin writers, there's a bookshop on the same floor as well. Needless to say, my visit to the museum inspired me to spend quite a bit of time and money in there! It was worth it though, as the whole afternoon left me feeling culturally enriched and a bit smug.
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C and S A.

Yelp
We have to recommend the coffee shop to the rear of this museum. Gorgeous lattes and the scones are to die for. If you go you have to try the home made jam. Heaven!!!!

Alex C.

Yelp
This museum might appeal to literary fanatics, but still, while it offers much information about Irish writers, there are few actual artifacts. Most of the exhibit material was contained within two rooms. Each room has ten or so glass cases of texts and books of Irish writers, and poster panels reciting information about them. There is also an audio guide that takes you through the whole tour, which lasts about 30-45 minutes. I think this museum is worthwhile if you're a fan of Irish writers, and if you happen to be in the area. Otherwise, I think it's mostly a waste of time. I mean, there is no need to hold an audio guide to your ear and walk around for 45 minutes just to get some information that you can just as easily get from a quick google search. I like to go to a museum to see things and artifacts (which this museum does offer a few, in the form of old typewriters and some original books), but this museum is really more of a guided information tour about Irish writers and their lives.

Lara C.

Yelp
I was super impressed with the Dublin Writers Museum. The tiny space is PACKED with displays chronicling the history of literature in Ireland, from its very beginnings through the 20th Century. While it's true that the museum doesn't have a lot of actual artifacts, they do have some original copies of manuscripts and small personal items that were owned by the writers. I also loved that there was an audio guide to take you through the tour, and the guide is available in 40 different languages. The museum is definitely geared towards people who are big fans of literature in general, but if you're not one of those people, you'd probably avoid going to a writers museum anyway. Definitely an important spot to visit in Dublin!
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Lisa J.

Yelp
this is a little known musuem in the heart of dublin. situated in an old georgian building opposite the garden of rememberance you could miss this place if you did'nt know it was there. it is not the biggest place and unless you are interested in writers you may not like to go here but the bookshop and the cafe and very nice and relaxed and i would certainly recommend coming in here for a coffee and a bite to eat. there used to be a giant doll house on the 2nd floor but sadly this has moved to powerscourt house in wicklow.
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John K.

Yelp
You have to wonder how interesting a writers museum can be , well this is pretty interesting. In the 19th century and early 20th Ireland punched way above its weight in literary terms.It is interesting to look at the captions , artifacts and pictures they've assembled here.It is incredible to think that Shaw , Wilde, Joyce and Beckett were in this area as Yeats even Bram Stoker, Sheridan LeFanu and Sean O'Casey and Brendan Behan were- and what weird pairings!
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Qype User (CMF08…)

Yelp
The Writers Museum gives an indepth overview into the facinating world of Irish Literature. The information is presented through an audio tour that guides you through two rooms showcasing first editions, portraits and personal belongings of many of these facinating writers. The audio tour hits just the right balance, offering plenty of intersting and historical information but stopping before it reaches overload. The tour continues up a marvelous stairwell to the original library of the house and a portrait gallery where upon you return to the beginning of the tour down stairs. The Writer's Museum is a facinating and informative journey that traces Ireland's literary tradition and culture.
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Qype User (soconn…)

Yelp
We have to recommend the coffee shop to the rear of this museum. Gorgeous lattes and the scones are to die for. If you go you have to try the home made jam. Heaven!!!!

James H.

Yelp
It's just ok. The admission is too expensive for what you see there. Skip it if you have other things to see in Dublin.

Marie M.

Yelp
I wanted to love this museum so much more than I did. The entrance fee was quite high for what's inside.

Paige H.

Yelp
This was definitely a highlight of my trip to Dublin. Being a nerd, I loved the free audio commentary. They have first editions of many books, including Dracula. If you want a brief history of Dublin through the eyes of writer's, this is the place. The upstairs is spacious, and there is also a commentary on the history of the building and such. There was a very friendly woman at the door who kidded about, we being americans, us not able to understand the accents of the audio. I also went to the gift shop, and loved the wide amount of books they had for each of the authors we had just learned about. I bought A Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, which comes with commentary in the back explaining some of the places and language, and have loved it a lot! The only reason I only give four stars is due to the size! The put most of the exhibits down stairs in a crowded space when they have so much more room upstairs.