Love books? So do we. The International Literature Festival Dublin (ILFD) is back this May, and it’s the perfect time to explore the city’s rich literary roots. While the festival itself is packed with brilliant events, we’ve also pulled together a list of themed spots around Dublin where you can hop off and soak up the story for yourself.
Why Not Pair a Festival with a Tour?
Why stop at the festival gates when you can extend the experience? We’ve rounded up some of our top stops scattered across the city centre. Follow in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, and Samuel Beckett as we guide you through the cobbled streets and storied lanes that inspired some of the world’s greatest writers.
Hop off at....
- Museums
- Statues
- Landmarks
Stop 2 Parnell Square North
A must for Joyce fans is the James Joyce Centre. Housed in a beautiful Georgian townhouse, the centre hosts exhibitions, walking tours, and events that bring Joyce’s world and works like Ulysses and Dubliners — vividly to life. It's a fascinating attraction that adds real context to Dublin's literary world.
Stop 5 Merrion Square West
At Merrion Square Park, you'll find one of Dublin’s most beloved tributes — the Oscar Wilde statue, lounging with typical flair on a rock, surrounded by stone pillars etched with some of his most iconic quotes. It’s a brilliant stop for a breather during the festival, and a chance to reflect on Wilde’s sharp wit, literary legacy, and Dublin roots.
Nearby, tucked away on Lincoln Place, Sweny’s Pharmacy is a hidden gem for Joyce fans — and one of the most charming literary spots in Dublin. Immortalised in Ulysses, this tiny Victorian chemist still smells of lemon soap and echoes with history. Pop in to browse second-hand books, join a reading session, or simply soak up the atmosphere where Leopold Bloom once stood. It’s the kind of place where literature steps off the page and into real life.
Stop 7 St. Stephen's Green
Make time for the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI), where immersive exhibitions and original manuscripts celebrate Ireland’s literary past, present, and future. The venue offers a fresh, modern take on the writers who’ve helped shape Irish culture.
Stop 10 College Green
Home to thousands of historic texts and the world-famous Book of Kells, a 9th-century masterpiece of storytelling and art. Whether you're a fan of ancient manuscripts or just want to wander somewhere truly iconic, Trinity is the perfect stop to soak up the literary magic that makes Dublin so special.
Stop E Spencer Hotel
Cross a landmark named for a literary giant on our Docklands Tour! Stretching over the River Liffey, the Samuel Beckett Bridge is one of the city’s most striking modern landmarks. Designed to resemble a harp – Ireland’s national symbol – the bridge pays tribute to Beckett’s legacy while linking Dublin’s historic heart with its contemporary Docklands.
Gain quick and easy access to all these amazing attractions and sights with our Hop-On Hop-Off bus—perfect for uncovering true local gems and Dublin’s literature-themed stops.
