What can you expect from a city that celebrates a novel’s character with an annual festival? Dublin, of course! Every 16th of June, Dublin honors Leopold Bloom, the main character from James Joyce’s “Ulysses,” with the Bloomsday festival. It’s a great idea to join a guided tour through the taverns that inspired authors like Joyce and Jonathan Swift, where they often enjoyed a drink.
For a more laid-back experience, visit the Writers Museum to explore the city’s literary history, starting with Irish poetry and Celtic legends. Don’t miss the Abbey Theatre, founded in 1903 by W.B. Yeats, where you can enjoy performances of both classic and contemporary works. Another must-see is the Book of Kells, a stunning medieval manuscript housed in the old library at Trinity College. Interestingly, UNESCO designated Dublin as a City of Literature, partly because it boasts a Nobel prize for every million inhabitants. With excellent beer and even better literature, what more could you want?
Dublin’s festival calendar is packed year-round, showcasing Irish culture, history, and traditions. Early in the year, you can attend events like the Temple Bar TradFest in January, which features traditional Irish music and culture. February brings the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival, while March celebrates St. Patrick’s Festival, the ultimate patriotic holiday. April is for book lovers and foodies, with the Literary Festival and the Dublin Bay Prawn Festival. May focuses on dance with the Dance Festival and writing with the Writers Festival. The major festivals wrap up in June with Bloomsday. The cultural scene doesn’t stop, though. August features Culture Night, and November hosts the Dublin Book Festival.
Lastly, make sure to visit the National Gallery and the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), both of which offer free admission. The National Gallery has over 15,000 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, and more, from the 13th to mid-20th centuries. The IMMA, situated in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, showcases nearly 3,500 contemporary art pieces from around the globe. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy art without breaking the bank.