James Joyce Tower & Museum
James Joyce Tower & Museum
James Joyce Tower & Museum
4.5
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Museum housed in a seaside tower that inspired the setting of the first chapter of Ulysses; features memorabilia and a fantastic view of the coast and the surrounding countryside.
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< 1 hour
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4.5
304 reviews
Excellent
201
Very good
92
Average
10
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Duncan
5 contributions
Dec 2022
Definitely worth a vist, whether you're a fan of Ulysses or not. If you are a fan of Ulysses, you don't need to be persuaded to visit; if you haven't read it, the tower itself, the associated history, and the surrounding area is still reason to make the trip. Two very friendly guides gave me a tour when I visited.
Written 20 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maryofmassachusetts
Plymouth, MA691 contributions
Jan 2023
A good take when in Dun Laoghaire, learning history and chatting with the energetic volunteers about the legacy of James Joyce.
Written 30 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Evster
Galway, Ireland64 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
We were strolling for a swim at the 40 foot which is adjacent to this Martello tower. When I seen it was open my interest peaked. The tower celebrates James Joyce and Ulysses which was based in Dublin. In fact, the tower itself features.
We were met by two fantastic volunteer guides who really made the experience. They were knowledgeable and passionate about Joyce. As a trio who had not every read Joyce, we learned so much in a short time. I would recommend this museum to anyone as it is the perfect place to learn a bit and climb Martello tower!
We were met by two fantastic volunteer guides who really made the experience. They were knowledgeable and passionate about Joyce. As a trio who had not every read Joyce, we learned so much in a short time. I would recommend this museum to anyone as it is the perfect place to learn a bit and climb Martello tower!
Written 9 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jon K
Doncaster, UK8 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
We were really looking forward to visiting this place, both being familiar with the tower setting from Ulysses and the surrounding beaches and waters around Ssndycove. The museum is well organised and hugely informative with lots of interesting exhibits and artefacts. I was particularly fascinated by Joyce’s death mask, a macabre moment staring into the writer’s seemingly tranquil features. We were accompanied on our tour by Gerry, one of a number of friendly and well informed volunteers who assist in running the place. He served us well as we left enlightened and further emboldened to tackle the novel again after exploring the heart of one of its central iconic features. Thanks, Gerry and the rest of the team. We definitely feel like we deserve another visit one day. Highly recommended if you’re a fan of Joyce, worth a visit even if you’re not!
Written 16 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gordon W
1 contribution
Mar 2022 • Family
Exceptional. The setting is tremendous and the content absorbing but what sets it apart is the passion of the volunteers, hat-tip to the man from Dunfanaghy.
Written 27 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StephenCross
Dublin, Ireland18,001 contributions
Apr 2020 • Couples
This is a hard to find memorial to James Joyce and recognises Bloomsday which is still a big event in the area every year.
Written 15 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StephenCross
Dublin, Ireland18,001 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This is a super Museum that is hard to find as it’s right down on the water side. Really well worth a visit.
Written 19 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carolyn D
Brighton, UK148 contributions
Sep 2019
I did not think I would be that interested in this tower but it was amazing. The staff were very friendly and the events that took place here were so interesting. The view from the top is also beautiful. Great little place that far exceeded expectations.
Written 17 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seehanes
United Kingdom188 contributions
Feb 2020
If you are in the Sandycove area it would be difficult to justify not visiting the James Joyce Tower. The tower is one of a series of small defensive forts that were built along the Dublin coastline in the early 1800s. There is access to all levels including the open roof from which views are impressive. If the tower itself is not sufficient reason to attract attention, then the James Joyce perspective may tip the balance. Joyce stayed here for six nights in September 1904, when he was 22 years old, as a guest of his friend Oliver St. John Gogarty who was leasing the tower. On the sixth night fellow guest Samuel Chevenix Trench dreamt he saw a black panther and proceeded to shoot at the creature - terrifying Joyce who immediately fled. The tower provides the scene for the opening pages of Joyce's novel Ulysses. Biographical information and interesting photographs of Joyce form part of the display here. There is also a black panther, for good measure. Staff are friendly and helpful. There is no admission fee, but donations can be made at the discretion of visitors.
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa C
London306 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
The museum is based in the pint sized Martello tower that Joyce stayed in for a brief time. It’s a very pleasant short walk around the bay from Dun Laoghaire. The museum is staffed by knowledgeable volunteers and on the ground floor has a superb collection of mementos, books and items pertaining to James Joyce. The first floor is set to look how it might if he was still in residence and the narrow winding spiral staircase will take you up to the rooftop view. Well worth the stroll and a visit.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What train station in Dublin would I go to catch a train to The Tower?
glicken77
Salem, MA9 contributions
Take the Dart at Connoly Station
olgamaughan
Cavan, Ireland1 contribution
what time do the tours start and how long do they last? Thank you
Brendan W
Birmingham, UK855 contributions
The tours start from 10 am and last about 45 minutes. All the tour guides are volunteers and are very good.
Yvonne4795
Antrim, UK8 contributions
Is this attraction open in January 2017 and if so what are the opening times
plewco
Halifax, UK24 contributions
According to their leaflet, it is open 7 days a week 10 am to 6 pm in summer and 7 days a week 10 am to 4 pm in winter, 365 days a year. and email. Admission is free, but they do appreciate contributions.
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JAMES JOYCE TOWER & MUSEUM (Dún Laoghaire) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about James Joyce Tower & Museum
- We recommend booking James Joyce Tower & Museum tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 James Joyce Tower & Museum tours on Tripadvisor
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- Restaurants near James Joyce Tower & Museum:
- (0.62 km) Cavistons
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