The James Joyce Cultural Centre


by Helen Kelly - Date: 2008-06-21 - Word Count: 403 Share This!

The house was built in 1784 by Francis Ryan, for the then Earl of Kenmare, Valentine Brown - this area was quite the place to be in the 18th century. However in the 19th century it fell into disrepair and by 1982, 12 houses on the street had been demolished. Number 35 was saved by Senator David Norris, a Joycean scholar and along with funding and lots of help the building was opened in June 1996.

For a start James Joyce never actually lived in this house, but he did have an association with it through Prof. Dennis J. Maginni, who ran a dance class there. Maginni was a well-known character around Dublin and pops up many times in the classic Ulysses. Another association with the house would be through Joyce's friend Constantine Curran - it was through his photographs that number 35 was restored to its former glory.

What can you expect to see here in the house?

The Guinness Library holds translations of Joyce's work, all you ever wanted to know about Joyce and his work as well as other related topics that would be of interest to the avid Joyce fan. Reproductions of portraits of Joyce's family can be seen in the Kenmare room (named after the Earl of Kenmare). Lectures and functions are also held in this room. Exhibitions at the centre include James Joyce & Ulysses and International Joyce. Furnishings from the apartment of Joyce's friend and advisor, Paul Léon, the original front door from Number 7 Eccles Street (fictional character Leopold Bloom from Ulysses lived here) and Joyce's death mask can all be seen here.

Feeling peckish? Check out Ulysses café, formerly a dining room as well as the Maginni Room. It's open Thursday to Saturday and it has a real Parisian (where Joyce spent much of his working life) atmosphere, serving croissants and coffee.

All that aside you can really capture the spirit of James Joyce. A series of events held from the 6th to the 12th of July, celebrating the life and works of one of Ireland's most famous sons. Events are held at various venues throughout the city, therefore it's advisable to check the James Joyce Centre website for further details.

How to get here…

From O'Connell Street take a right onto Parnell Street and North Great Georges Street is the first street on the left.

Opening times…

The James Joyce Cultural Centre is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 5pm.

Related Tags: james joyce cultural centre, dublin city hotels

Check out our Dublin city hotels page. You can also book accommodation all over Ireland with GoIreland.com.Helen Kelly writes for the Ireland Travel website GoIreland.com.

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