NEWMAN HOUSE
Two superb Georgian townhouses, including a museum dedicated to James Joyce, located just off Grafton Street.
Five minutes from Grafton Street, this complex is a fine example of Georgian architecture. Founded in 1854, Newman House was originally a Catholic institution to compete with the prestigious Protestant Trinity College. The building is made up of two superb Georgian townhouses that reflect the elegance of this architecture that reached its peak in the 18th century. The houses are famous for their plaster mouldings.
The house at number 85 (the smallest) was built in 1738 by Richard Castle. It is decorated with baroque statues by two Swiss artists, the Lafranchini brothers. The house at number 86 (the largest) was begun in 1765 and belonged to a rich landowner who decorated it with superb plaster frescoes in the Irish Rococo style. In the mid-19th century, these two mansions were purchased by the Catholic University of Ireland, the forerunner of the present University College Dublin.
The Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI), founded at number 86 Newman House, is a museum dedicated to the most famous Irish writer, James Joyce. The permanent collection contains the original of his novel Ulysses. Of course, the museum also offers the opportunity to learn more about other famous Irish writers such as Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett or George Bernard Shaw. The museum also offers public readings, writing workshops, etc. In short, a must-see for all literature lovers.
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