11
ARTS, CULTURE & TOURISM
THE JAMES
JOYCE CENTRE
Lovers of literature will be
in their element visiting the
James Joyce Centre. Housed
in a breathtaking 17th-century
Georgian building, the same
abode made famous by Denis
J. Maginni – the ebullient
character from Ulysses –
the centre aims to promote
understanding of the life
and works of Ireland’s most
celebrated novelist and poet.
Several exhibits draw the eye,
including furniture from Joyce’s
Paris apartment, rescued from
Nazi plunder in 1940. There’s
also a life-sized reconfiguration
of a prototypical Edwardian
bedroom, similar to Joyce’s
own. Meanwhile, venerated
artefacts that pay homage to
Ulysses make for interesting
observation. What’s more, the
centre organises and conducts
walking tours of the city based
on Joyce’s life and work. Enjoy
tracing the footsteps of Leopold
Bloom as you visit Middle
Abbey Street and the National
Library, or take the Joyce
Circular Tour to learn about the
real life inspiration behind some
of the writer’s most storied
works. All in all, there are three
floors for visitors to enjoy, and
whether you’re a writer, reader
or are simply interested in
Irish history, there’s much to
recommend here.
35 North Great George’s Street, Dublin 1
01 878 8547
