A Self-Guided Literary Pub Crawl in Dublin: In the Footsteps of Giants
Dublin, the UNESCO City of Literature, has been the birthplace and inspiration for some of the world’s greatest writers. From James Joyce and Oscar Wilde to Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney, the city's rich literary heritage has left its mark in the annals of global literature. For literature lovers and ale aficionados alike, what better way to celebrate this history than with a self-guided literary pub crawl through the historic city?
This tour is designed for you to wander leisurely from one historic pub to another, immersing yourself in the literary past while enjoying a pint of traditional Irish beer or a glass of fine whiskey.
Stop One: The Duke
Start your literary journey at The Duke on Duke Street, a charming, unpretentious pub that has been a popular meeting spot for Dubliners since 1822. This is the starting point for the famous organised Dublin Literary Pub Crawl. You'll find a relaxed atmosphere perfect for warming up for the day ahead. Make sure to check out the plaques and pictures that celebrate the famous writers who have frequented here.
Stop Two: Davy Byrnes
A short walk from The Duke is Davy Byrnes on Duke Street, made famous by James Joyce's novel 'Ulysses'. Leopold Bloom, the central character in Ulysses, stops here for a gorgonzola sandwich and a glass of burgundy. Step in and try the same for lunch. The pub maintains an early 20th-century charm with its historic decor, so you can imagine yourself in the Dublin of the 1900s.
Stop Three: O’Neill’s
A hop and a skip away is O'Neill's on Suffolk Street. It’s rumored that this was a favorite haunt of James Joyce. The pub is over 300 years old and has a vast collection of old photos, antique snugs, and memorabilia, which creates an ambiance of antiquity. While you're there, be sure to try their famous Irish stew.
Stop Four: The Old Stand
Next, make your way to The Old Stand on Exchequer Street. A historic pub, it was a regular meeting place for Michael Collins and other revolutionary leaders who played vital roles in Ireland’s fight for independence. Irish writers have long drawn inspiration from their nation's struggle for independence, and it's interesting to think about how the conversations here might have influenced Dublin's literary scene.
Stop Five: McDaid’s
Continue to McDaid’s on Harry Street, just off Grafton Street. McDaid’s was a favorite watering hole for the literary and artistic set in the mid-20th century. Brendan Behan, a notorious drinker and a brilliant playwright, was a regular here. You'll find McDaid's to be as traditional an Irish pub as you could hope for, with a great pint of Guinness to boot.
Stop Six: The Palace Bar
Next up is The Palace Bar on Fleet Street. In the mid-20th century, it was a popular drinking spot for journalists and writers, including the renowned Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh. The Victorian decor of the pub has been maintained, with the stained-glass windows and mahogany partitions creating a cozy atmosphere.
Stop Seven: The Swan Bar
Our next destination is The Swan Bar on Aungier Street, a beautiful Victorian bar that’s largely unchanged since its construction in 1897. Irish revolutionary Michael Collins reportedly used to drink here. Rugby fans might be interested to know that the upstairs lounge is a shrine to Sean Lynch, former owner and a member of the Irish rugby team that won the Five Nations Championship in 1974.
Stop Eight: Toners
Head on to Toners on Baggot Street, one of Dublin's oldest and most famous traditional pubs. It's said that this was the only pub visited by W.B. Yeats. The poet reportedly wasn't fond of drinking, but he made an exception for Toners, attracted by the pub's quiet and unassuming atmosphere.
Final Stop: The Brazen Head
Finish your literary pub crawl at Ireland's oldest pub, The Brazen Head, which dates back to 1198. This pub is steeped in history and exudes an old-world charm. Jonathan Swift, author of 'Gulliver's Travels', was a regular patron here. Finish your day with a hearty Irish meal and maybe some live traditional Irish music, which is a regular feature here.
Celebrating Culture
A literary pub crawl is a unique way to explore Dublin’s rich literary past and vibrant pub culture. Each pub is steeped in history, with stories seeping out of the ancient woodwork and permeating the lively conversation that buzzes around the bar. In each establishment, you'll find the traditional Irish welcome is as warm as it's always been, and the beer is as good as it ever was.
Whether you're a lover of literature, a fan of traditional pubs, or simply someone with a thirst for history and good beer, a literary pub crawl through Dublin offers a unique and enjoyable way to explore the city and its culture.
This tour serves not only as a celebration of Dublin’s literary heritage but also a testament to the city’s living and breathing pub culture that has thrived for centuries. So, pull up a stool, order a pint, and let the spirit of Dublin's literary past wash over you.
The tales spun in these pubs, both fact and fiction, continue to shape the culture of Dublin city. In their essence, these stories capture the heart of the Irish people – their struggles, their triumphs, their tales of the ordinary and the extraordinary – and ensure that the legacy of these literary giants lives on.
Whether you're a visitor to our fair city or a local looking to explore the familiar from a new perspective, this literary pub crawl is a tribute to the life and works of some of the most revered writers in the history of literature. It is an invitation to see the city through their eyes, to reflect on their stories, and to raise a glass in their honor. Sláinte!
