Literary Dublin: 10 Things To Do in Dublin for Book Lovers

I knew when I visited Dublin that I wanted to dive into some of its literary culture. It is, after all, home to some of my favorite authors from classics like Oscar Wilde to more modern writers like Sally Rooney, plus James Joyce (who I have, until my trip, been too intimidated to try). And Dublin is a UNESCO City of Literature. But what do you actually do as a book-lover once you arrive in Dublin?

Besides wondering through the historic streets, I honestly wasn’t sure before I went. But I found an amazing amount of bookish activities, from libraries and museums to pub crawls and book shopping.

So, if you’re a bookworm like me, here are sites and activities you don’t want to miss in Dublin!

Literary Things To Do in Dublin

1. See the Book of Kells

Display panel showing an illustrated alphabet from the Book of Kells, with each letter represented by ornate, colorful manuscript artwork. The letters are richly decorated with intricate Celtic designs, human figures, animals, and geometric patterns, demonstrating the elaborate artistry of this medieval illuminated manuscript. Informational text at the top explains the historical development of certain letters in Latin script. — Before you see the Book of Kells, the museum exhibits give you a look at the details of the illustrations and lettering.

When it comes to Dublin’s most famous books, I think it’s probably a tie between the Book of Kells and James Joyce’s Ulysses. And you can see both in Dublin!

The Book of Kells is definitely one of the most popular things to do in Dublin. It’s a very old gospel text illustrated by monks around 800 A.D. No one is 100% sure where it came from, but it’s thought to have been brought over from the Isle of Iona. And it’s well-known because of its detailed illustrations and calligraphy throughout.

You can visit the Book of Kells at Trinity College, where it has been housed since 1661.

There is a small exhibit when you enter the building, and be sure to check it out because it explains so much about the lettering and illustrations in the book. While I didn’t read every display, I’m glad I took some time in here, because it made me appreciate the Book of Kells so much more.

After the museum area, you can view the actual book. No photos or videos are allowed, and they rotate through which pages are displayed so that no page ever gets too much exposure.

If you’re a fan of books as a physical object, this is definitely a must-see for you!

Pro Tip: Buy your tickets ahead of time. And consider pairing it with a Trinity Trails tour for more context about Trinity College!

2. Visit the Trinity College Library

Interior view of the Long Room at the Old Library in Trinity College Dublin, featuring a high vaulted wooden ceiling, two levels of dark wood bookcases filled with old books, and a line of marble busts along the central aisle. A large illuminated globe installation hangs dramatically at the far end of the hall. Crowds of visitors walk through the space, taking in the historic and grand atmosphere. — The Long Room at the Trinity College Library is still amazing even with most of the books removed for renovation!

Visiting the Long Room at the Trinity College Library was definitely one of the things I was most looking forward to in Dublin. I love beautiful book spaces, and this one did not disappoint!

Even though most of the books were removed during my visit, it was still an incredible space to see! And luckily, they still had a couple of shelves with books in them, so I could still get the effect of what it is like.

If you’re visiting the Book of Kells, a ticket to the library is included in your Book of Kells ticket. After the Book of Kells, you just go right up the stairs into the Long Room!

3. Visit Marsh’s Library

View down a bright, narrow corridor of Marsh's Library in Dublin, lined with tall wooden bookshelves filled with antique books. Decorative carved details and framed prints adorn the shelves. At the far end, a person sits at a wooden desk in a reading room, lit by natural light and overhead hanging lamps. The space feels historic, quiet, and scholarly. — I loved visiting this smaller library in Dublin! Less crowded for sure and a better look at old books!

Because I wanted to get as many library experience into my time in Dublin (and because it was super close to my hotel) I also visited Marsh’s Library.

This smaller library is right behind St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and it was the first public library in Dublin! There are two main rooms here, and while I did think it was beautiful, I’ll admit that it’s not as jaw-dropping at the Long Room at Trinity College.

One thing I really liked here though was how close you could get to the books to see them. They were, of course, roped off, but I could still get close enough to see the detailed stitching in the spines and the way they are worn. (This was so unlike the libraries we visited in Prague, where we just had to stand at the outside of the room and take pictures!)

4. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Interior of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, featuring ornate wooden choir stalls with red velvet cushions, colorful tiled flooring, and a vaulted ceiling with tall arches. Historic flags hang from the upper walls, and stained glass windows illuminate the space at the far end. Tourists are visible in the background, exploring the grand and historic church. — I thought St. Patrick’s in Dublin was so beautiful!

This may not seem related to literary Dublin sightseeing at first, but St. Patrick’s Cathedral is actually where Jonathan Swift, of Gulliver’s Travels and A Modest Proposal fame, was Dean for over 30 years!

While I, like so many other people I imagine, knew of him mostly because his literary work I studied in high school, most of his life was actually dedicated to his service at this church.

It’s also a beautiful cathedral to visit (I personally liked it better than Dublin’s other famous Cathedral, Christ Church). And you can see where Jonathan Swift is buried.

5. Go on a Literary Pub Crawl

Night view of O'Neill's Pub on Suffolk Street in Dublin, Ireland. The traditional Irish pub features a green facade, large bay windows with warm lighting inside, and vibrant hanging flower baskets. A red neon sign displays the pub's name, and the street is quiet and dimly lit by vintage-style lamps. — Since I’m not really a night life person, a literary pub crawl was a great way to see Dublin in the evening but with a structured group.

One of my favorite literary activities I did in Dublin was a literary pub crawl! This is the one I booked and it was fantastic!

Our hosts performed excerpts of famous Irish works and classic Irish tunes for us, while we went around to some of the pubs that some of Dublin’s most famous writers used to frequent.

This was so much fun, plus I learned a ton! And it really gives you a sense of what the streets of Dublin might have felt like to those famous 19th-century novelists.

Pro Tip: This is definitely an activity I recommend doing with someone else! I was traveling solo, but I met up with a friend who also happened to be in town for this activity and I was very glad I had someone to chat with because some of our stops included 20 minutes or so of “free time” to grab a pint in various pubs.

6. Visit the Museum of Literature Ireland

Interior of the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) in Dublin, featuring an interactive map display with colorful markers and an illuminated timeline on the wall. The exhibit highlights Ireland’s literary history, with text, images, and quotes reflected on the ceiling. The space is modern, well-lit, and designed for educational engagement. — The room all about James Joyce at MoLI.

This small literature museum was on my list, but I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to make it. So I was super glad on my last day in Dublin when it worked out for me to go!

The Museum of Literature Ireland is all about Ireland’s literary heritage and consists of several stories in a beautiful Georgian house. The first exhibit has displays for various famous Irish writers, and then you dive in more to specific writers and books from there.

There is, of course, an entire section dedicated to Joyce’s Ulysses, including a fascinating timeline of his life, a 3D map of famous Ulysses landmarks in Dublin, and a first edition of the book on display. In fact, I found it so interesting that I might possibly think about giving Ulysses, a famously intimidating book, a try.

While I was there, there was also an exhibit about Irish romance writers, which I really loved seeing!

This museum doesn’t take too long to see, really you just need an hour or two in here. But if you love Irish literature, it definitely needs to be on your list!

7. See Oscar Wilde’s Statue

Statue of Oscar Wilde reclining on a large rock in Merrion Square Park, Dublin. The sculpture is surrounded by greenery and trees, with Wilde depicted in a colorful suit, smiling and relaxed. A plaque is mounted on the rock nearby, marking the literary figure’s significance.

Fun fact: The Picture of Dorian Gray is my favorite classic book. So of course I had to stop by Merrion Square Park to see the statue of Oscar Wilde!

This statue was created by 1997 by Danny Osborne and it sits in the northwest corner of the park.

You don’t need a ton of time here, but if you’re a fan of Oscar Wilde especially, be sure to see it.

8. Tour the Oscar Wilde House

xterior of Oscar Wilde’s childhood home in Dublin, Ireland, a Georgian red-brick building with a bright blue door and iron balcony railing. Plaques on the front wall highlight its historical significance. People are walking along the sidewalk in front of the building on a partly cloudy day. — Oscar Wilde’s house is located just across the street from Merrion Square Park.

Right across from the statue of Oscar Wilde is the Oscar Wilde House, which is Oscar Wilde’s childhood home.

Unfortunately, this is one of those things I ran out of time to do. It’s definitely on my list for next time I’m in Dublin though!

Not only is this where Oscar Wilde grew up, but his mother also hosted famous salons here, which other famous writers like Bram Stoker and John B Yeats attended.

Here you can see where Lady Jane Wilde hosted her salons, where Sir William Wilde had his library, and be able to view Oscar Wilde’s childhood nursery. On some weekends you can take a special guided tour too. (Be sure to check their website!)

9. Visit the Chester Beatty Museum

Another museum I didn’t have time for but wish I did is the Chester Beatty Museum. Again, just another reason I have to return to Dublin!

The Chester Beatty Museum is known for exhibits of various artwork, manuscripts, and rare books and religious texts. And the best part about this museum might be the fact that it’s FREE!

Plus it’s right next to Dubh Linn Garden, which is such a beautiful peaceful oasis in the middle of a busy tourist area.

10. Shop at Independent Bookstores

Dublin has so many great independent bookstores, so of course I had to stop by a few! I was really glad I trashed my plan to pack carry on only and packed in a regular suitcase so I had a little extra room for books on the way home.

Here are a few bookstores you can visit:

Books Upstairs — I LOVED this bookstore! They have TONS of books, both upstairs and downstairs, and an amazingly curated selection! It’s also just a couple blocks from Trinity College, so it’s super easy to get to.
The Winding Stair — Another great bookstore, but this one actually has a restaurant attached to it. I ate there one night with a friend and it was pretty good, although you should know that you aren’t actually dining in the bookstore. They are separate spaces with separate entrances right next to each other.
Chapters — One of the most popular bookstores in Dublin, but it is a bit further removed from the main tourist areas.
Hodges Figgis — Irelands oldest bookstore! It’s also super close to Trinity College, so easy to get to!

More Things To Do in Dublin

Visit Kilmainham Gaol — Taking the tour at this notorious jail was actually one of my very favorite things I did in Dublin! Definitely book your tickets ahead of time.
Tour the Guinness Storehouse — Definitely one of the most popular things to do in Dublin!
Visit EPIC The Irish Immigration Museum — This museum all about the Irish diaspora is super interesting. You’ll especially love it if you have Irish family connections.
Take a Day Trip to Northern Ireland — I took this day-long bus tour to Belfast and Northern Ireland and I’m so glad I did! I got to take a Black Cab Tour in Belfast and see Giants Causeway.

Where to Stay in Dublin

There are lots of great hotels in Dublin. I stayed at the Hyatt Centric The Liberties and absolutely loved it! It was clean and modern and was in a convenient location while also being a bit away from the most busy tourist areas (so a bit quieter). You can read my full review here.

But there are also lots of other great hotels, which you can find in this map:

What’s Next?

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A promotional graphic for literary Dublin featuring two images: the Oscar Wilde statue reclining on a rock in Merrion Square Park, and the grand Long Room in Trinity College’s Old Library filled with book-lined shelves and marble busts. Text reads "Best Dublin Activities for Book Lovers" with a website link at the bottom.