A Literary Adventure Begins

As a former city planner turned travel writer, I have always been drawn to the vibrant urban landscapes and hidden gems that cities have to offer. Dublin, with its rich literary heritage and lively pub culture, was calling my name. I had heard whispers of the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl and knew it was a must-experience for anyone with a love for literature and a thirst for adventure.

The evening began at the Duke Pub on Duke Street, a short walk from my hotel. As I entered the pub, I was greeted by Colm Quilligan, the charismatic founder of the crawl. The room buzzed with anticipation as fellow ‘crawlers’ gathered, ready to embark on this unique journey. Colm, along with a fellow actor, kicked off the night with a lively rendition of Samuel Beckett’s ‘Waiting for Godot.’ The laughter was infectious, setting the tone for the evening.

Strolling Through Literary History

With spirits high, we ventured out into the Dublin night, following our guides down Dawson Street and across to the historic Trinity College. Here, amidst the grandeur of the Trinity College Library, we were regaled with tales of literary giants like Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett, both alumni of this esteemed institution. The stories were not only informative but delivered with a humor that had us all in stitches.

Our next stop was the Bank of Ireland building, formerly the Irish parliament. Here, Colm shared stories of Dublin’s past labor struggles, accompanied by a rousing song led by James Larkin. The narrative was rich, painting a vivid picture of Dublin’s storied past. We then made our way to O’Neills, a period pub that has been a haunt for Trinity College students for generations. It was time for a break and some ‘serious drinking time,’ as Colm put it, giving us a chance to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy a pint.

A Night of Laughter and Lore

The crawl continued to the Old Stand, another historic pub with ties to Michael Collins and the War of Independence. Here, Colm regaled us with tales of Brendan Behan, James Joyce, and W.B. Yeats, each story more entertaining than the last. The laughter was constant, a testament to the engaging storytelling and the camaraderie among the group.

Our final stop was Davey Byrnes Pub, famously frequented by James Joyce. As the night drew to a close, we were treated to a quiz, testing our knowledge of the stories shared throughout the evening. The prizes, sponsored by Jameson, added a humorous twist to the end of the tour. It was a laughter-packed two hours, filled with great entertainment and a deeper appreciation for Dublin’s literary legacy.

The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl is a must-do for anyone visiting Dublin. It’s an experience that combines the city’s rich history with its vibrant pub culture, offering a night of laughter, learning, and a few pints along the way. I left with a smile on my face and a newfound love for Dublin’s literary past.