Dublin: The Literary City, Brought to Life

Maybe it's the emotional nature of the Irish, maybe it's the turbulent history of Ireland, and maybe it's something to do with magic and faeries, but whatever the reason, Ireland's always been a hotbed of great literary talent. Here are a few of our favorites whose echoes still sound in Dublin's bustling streets.

James Joyce
Whether or not you actually understand a word of it is irrelevant—the important thing is, James Joyce's Dubliners is Dubln's quintessential literary work. In theory. It's epic, completely original, and it paints a vivid portrait of the city. (This last point is according to people who have either spent much of their life becoming Joycean literary students, or invested a nominal sum in the Cliffs Notes.)

Dublin's Extensive City Offerings

Dublin has a lot more to offer than Guinness and depressing novelists. The Temple Bar district boasts beautiful architecture, art galleries, bars, and clubs. Or get back to nature by walking along the Wicklow Way, an 80-mile path 30 minutes from the city center. The Emerald Isle's capital also has a longstanding tradition of fantastic theatre; catch the Dublin Theatre Festival, the oldest and most respected theatre festival in Europe, from late September to mid-October.

Photo Credit: Dublin by Night (Ireland Tourism Board)