MoLI – Museum of Literature Ireland, located at 86 Saint Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, County Dublin, is a vibrant literary museum celebrating Ireland’s rich storytelling tradition. Housed in the historic UCD Newman House, where James Joyce studied, MoLI (named after Molly Bloom from Joyce’s Ulysses) opened in September 2019 as a partnership between University College Dublin (UCD) and the National Library of Ireland (NLI). It offers immersive exhibitions, rare artifacts, and a tranquil garden, earning accolades like the 2023 European Heritage Award for citizen engagement.
MoLI was established to showcase Ireland’s literary heritage, from medieval storytelling to contemporary voices, with a focus on James Joyce’s legacy. Built in Newman House, a Georgian complex and UCD’s original home, it connects to Joyce, who studied there, and other literary figures like Maeve Binchy and Kate O’Brien. The museum draws on the NLI’s 10m artifacts and UCD’s Special Collections, aiming to inspire creativity and dismantle elitist perceptions of literature through inclusive programming.
As part of Dublin’s UNESCO City of Literature, MoLI complements attractions like the Dublin Writers Museum and Trinity College’s Old Library, offering a modern, thematic approach to 1,500 years of Irish writing. Its emphasis on diverse voices—women, young writers, and lesser-known figures—sets it apart, fostering a vibrant literary community.
- Permanent Collection: Highlights include “Copy No. 1” of James Joyce’s Ulysses (1922), inscribed to patron Harriet Weaver, dubbed a “modern Book of Kells.” Other artifacts include Joyce’s notebooks, manuscripts, and letters, alongside items from W.B. Yeats, Samuel Beckett, and others, providing insight into their creative processes.
- Immersive Displays: “A Riverrun of Language,” an audiovisual installation, features sound showers of Old Irish to contemporary poetry by Paula Meehan and Doireann Ní Ghríofa, responding to visitor movements. “Dear Dirty Dublin” maps Joyce’s city through sculpture, film, and a model of 1920s Dublin.
- Rotating Exhibitions: Temporary exhibits focus on individual writers (e.g., Kate O’Brien, Nuala O’Faolain) or themes, such as “The State and Irish Writing,” exploring literature’s role in Ireland’s formation, with items like a first printing of Yeats’s “Easter, 1916.”
- Contemporary Focus: Exhibits on Irish young adult fiction and emerging writers ensure relevance, balancing historical and modern voices.
- Guided and Self-Guided Tours:
- Guided Tours: Offered hourly during peak season (March–October), these 50-minute tours, led by knowledgeable guides like Kevin or Peter, cover exhibitions and Newman House’s history. Booking is advised via www.moli.ie.
- Self-Guided Exploration: Visitors can explore at their own pace with free audio guides (English, Spanish, French, German, Italian), ideal for flexible visits.
- Historic House Tours: Weekly on Mondays, these tours delve into Newman House’s Georgian architecture and literary connections, including the Aula Maxima.
Family-Friendly Activities:
- LitLab: On Level 4, this dedicated space offers children’s exhibitions and workshops, making MoLI engaging for young visitors.
- Interactive Elements: Visitors can write letters or create works inspired by exhibits, fostering creativity across ages.
Events and Programming:
- Lectures, readings, performances, and a monthly First Fridays event (free, 6:00 PM–9:45 PM) feature live interviews, music, and screenings.
- Workshops for all ages, from early-years literacy to adult writing, plus young writer bursaries, promote inclusivity.
- RadioMoLI, a digital broadcasting studio, records author interviews and podcasts, with 80,000 listeners, augmenting global reach.
Amenities:
- The Commons Café: Run by Domini and Peaches Kemp, it serves seasonal Irish dishes in the former UCD dining halls, with vegan/vegetarian options and outdoor terrace seating. Prices are reasonable (e.g., €6–€12 for mains), and it’s accessible without a ticket.
- MoLI Shop: A booklover’s haven with signed first editions, children’s books, and local crafts, supporting the museum’s mission. No ticket required.
- Gardens: The Readers’ Courtyard and gardens feature a Joyce-linked cherry tree and a Killarney Strawberry tree, connecting to Iveagh Gardens. This tranquil oasis is recommended for reading or relaxing.
- Dedalus Library: A research lounge for browsing literary works, inviting deeper engagement with Irish literature.
- A visit lasts 1–2 hours for self-guided exploration or 2–3 hours with a guided tour and garden/café time. The three-floor layout suits quick or leisurely visits.
- Cost: Tickets are €10 (adults 18–59), €8 (children 6–17, seniors 60+, students), free for under 6s, jobseekers, carers, and frontline workers. Guided tours are included; online booking via www.moli.ie is advised to skip lines. Dublin Pass and DoDublin Days Out Card holders get free entry.
- MoLI is fully wheelchair-accessible with level entry and lifts. Information brochures and audio guides in multiple languages cater to international visitors. Photography is allowed (no flash in restricted areas).
- Atmosphere and Reviews: With a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, MoLI is praised for its “beautiful, immersive” exhibits, “tranquil” gardens, and welcoming staff. Visitors highlight the Joyce collection, multimedia displays, and café’s ambiance, though some feel Joyce overshadows other writers. It’s ideal for literature enthusiasts, families, and casual visitors seeking a cultural stop.
- Criticisms: Some note the museum’s smaller size or Joyce-heavy focus, and the café can feel formal without “tempting smells.”
- Location and Getting There: At 86 Saint Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 (D02 XY40), MoLI is a 2-minute walk from Saint Stephen’s Green Luas, 15 minutes from Trinity College, or 20 minutes from O’Connell Street. Dublin Bus (11, 15, 16) and Dublin Bikes stop nearby. Pearse Street DART is 1.3 km away (15-minute walk). No on-site parking; use pay-and-display structures nearby.
- Nearby Attractions: Combine with Saint Stephen’s Green, Iveagh Gardens, Little Museum of Dublin, Chester Beatty Library (10-minute walk), or Trinity College’s Book of Kells (15-minute walk). Grafton Street’s shops and cafés are adjacent.
What’s New:
- MoLI is open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:30 AM–5:30 PM (last entry 4:30 PM), with Bank Holiday Monday openings. Peak season (March–October) includes 7-day access from 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (last entry 5:00 PM). No changes are noted, but confirm via www.moli.ie.
- A new temporary exhibit on an individual writer, following past showcases of Kate O’Brien and Nuala O’Faolain, highlighting contemporary or underrepresented voices.
- Continued thematic displays, such as connections between Irish literature and international cities, or the role of women in Irish writing, drawing on NLI and UCD collections.
- Bloomsday Festival (June 14, 2025): MoLI will host events for Bloomsday, celebrating Ulysses, likely including special tours, readings, or performances in the gardens or broadcasting studio. Joyce-related exhibits, like his Ulysses notebook, will be highlighted.
- First Fridays Expansion: The free First Fridays (6:00 PM–9:45 PM) will continue, with potential new performances or author talks, building on 2024’s success. These late openings attract diverse audiences, including 7,500 school visitors annually.
- Ulysses: A European Odyssey: As Dublin’s partner in this EU-funded project, MoLI will host artists from 17 European cities, launching exhibitions or events tied to European literary connections, augmenting its international profile.
- LitLab Enhancements: The family-friendly LitLab may introduce new children’s programming, such as storytelling workshops or interactive exhibits, to engage younger visitors, aligning with MoLI’s inclusivity mission.
Practical Tips for Visiting
- Getting There: Walk from Trinity College (15 minutes), take Luas Green Line to Saint Stephen’s Green (2-minute walk), or Dublin Bus (11, 15, 16). Use GPS (D02 XY40). No parking; use nearby pay-and-display. Book tickets online for peak times.
- What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes for the three-floor layout; bring a camera (flash-free in exhibits). The café and shop cover dining and souvenirs, but Grafton Street offers more options.
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for quieter visits; First Fridays for free entry and events. June for Bloomsday or March–October for extended hours and guided tours.
- Tips: Book guided tours via www.moli.ie, especially in summer. Dublin Pass saves €10. The gardens are a serene retreat; visit post-tour. Pair with Saint Stephen’s Green or Chester Beatty for a cultural day.
- Combine with Other Sites: Explore Iveagh Gardens, Little Museum of Dublin, or Trinity College’s Book of Kells. Grafton Street’s dining and shopping are steps away.
- For the latest 2025 updates, contact MoLI (+353 1 716 5900, simon@moli.ie) or visit www.moli.ie.
