Dublin is renowned for its vibrant pub culture and excellent pint of Guinness. Yet, thanks to the many influential writers, poets, and novelists who once called the city home, Dublin has a rich literary heritage that cannot be ignored.
As a UNESCO City of Literature, the Irish capital doesn't just celebrate great writers of the past like James Joyce and Samuel Beckett, it nurtures and promotes the future of literature through book festivals, citywide reading and writing programs, grants and bursaries for emerging writers, and dedicated museums and libraries.
In addition, each year, €100,000 (approx £87,400) is awarded to the winning author of a single work of fiction as part of the International Dublin Literary Award. The longlisted and shortlisted titles were chosen by public libraries worldwide, creating a community of writers.
You don’t have to study literature or enter writing competitions to immerse yourself in Dublin’s culture, as the streets are full of subtle and not-so-subtle nods to the world of literature. Any free walking tour of Dublin will take visitors past bridges named after legendary writers such as Seán O’Casey, past statues of late novelists such as Oscar Wilde, and past centuries-old libraries such as Marsh’s Library.
Whilst it's so easy to enjoy the past and present of literature by walking the streets of the Irish capital, we’ve rounded up additional guided tours and events in Dublin that are perfect for culture lovers.
As mentioned, Dublin has a vibrant pub culture that can’t be missed. The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl is a truly unique way to experience Dublin’s pub culture and learn about some of the city’s literary greats.
Throughout the tour, guests will visit four historic pubs in the centre of Dublin, whilst being told the comical story of “the pub, the poet, and the pint” with quotes from Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, Brendan Behan, and Samuel Beckett.
Tour prices range from €18 to €20 (approx £15 to £18), and begin at The Duke Pub.
The Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) on St Stephen’s Green celebrates the world’s literary legends with immersive exhibitions and treasured collections. Visitors can experience the sound of Irish literature in an immersive installation or see the first copy of James Joyce's Ulysses in person.
In addition to their permanent exhibitions, MoLI hosts rotating exhibitions, such as Oscar Wilde's De Profundis, a film installation that rediscovers one of the greatest love letters ever written. De Profundis was the only work that the Dublin-born writer completed during his two-year imprisonment. This temporary exhibition is running until August 2026.
General admission starts at €12, whilst one-hour guided tours start at €18.
The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript that depicts the four Gospels of the Christian New Testament. It has survived over 1,200 years and is now one of Ireland's greatest cultural treasures.
Inside Trinity College’s Old Library, considered to be one of the world's most beautiful libraries, culture lovers can marvel at the Book of Kells, explore the Long Room, and experience the digital exhibition in the Red Pavilion.
Tours start from €21.50 (approx £19), and last 90 minutes.
No matter what genre you are interested in, Dublin hosts some great book festivals, which are attended by thousands of people every year. Here are some of the very best for culture lovers:
International Literature Festival Dublin, founded in 1998 and held every May, brings together new faces and household names for readings, discussions, debates, workshops, performances, and screenings. Over the years, the festival has hosted writers from all over the world, including Arundhati Roy, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Richard Ford, and Jo Nesbø.
The Dublin Book Festival, founded in 2006 and held every November, supports Irish writers and Ireland’s historically indigenous publishing industry. Over four days, the free festival showcases the diversity of Irish publishing, allows emerging authors to take centre stage, and showcases inspiring women of Irish literature.
Murder One Festival, founded in 2018 and held every October, is a weekend-long celebration with crime reading and writing masterclasses. Over the years, the festival has hosted internationally renowned crime-writing stars, including Ruth Ware, Steve Cavanagh, Gillian McAllister, Amanda Cassidy, Conor McAnally, and Catherine Ryan Howard.
There’s no doubt that avid readers, writers, and poets will enjoy wandering the literary streets of Dublin, visiting libraries and bookstores, and admiring the named bridges. However, to elevate your literary experience in the Irish capital, consider joining one of the mentioned tours or attending a world-class book festival.
