Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
James Joyce Tower and Museum
This squat martello tower at Sandycove was originally built to repel a Napoleonic inva-
sion, but it became famous chiefly because of its association with James Joyce. The great
author lived here briefly and made it the setting for the opening of his novel
Ulysses.
Un-
fortunately, the museum, which is run by volunteers, has a history of temporary closures
due to funding problems; visitors should call ahead to check its current status. If open,
the museum's round exhibition space is filled with literary memorabilia, including photo-
graphs and rare first editions. For a fine view, climb the claustrophobic, two-story spiral
stairwell sealed inside the thick wall to reach the rooftop gun mount.
Cost and Hours:
Free, March-Oct daily 10:00-18:00, hours may change or museum
may be closed in 2014—call ahead or check website to confirm, open by appointment only
Nov-Feb, tel. 01/280-9265,
www.jamesjoycetower.com
.
National Maritime Museum of Ireland
Maritime exhibits fill a former church with model steamships, brass fittings, accounts of
heroic rescue attempts, and a huge lighthouse optic (lamp lens, installed where the altar
once stood). As earnest as it is, landlubbers may find it underwhelming.
Cost and Hours:
€5, daily 11:00-17:00, Haigh Terrace, tel. 01/280-0969,
Plays and Concerts
The Pavilion Theatre offers performances in the center of town (€10-25, box office
open Mon-Sat 12:00-17:00, closed Sun, Marine Road, tel. 01/231-2929,
Swimming
Kids of all ages enjoy swimming at the safe, sandy little cove bordered by rounded rocks
beside the martello tower.
$ Ferry House B&B,
with four high-ceilinged rooms, is a family-friendly place on a
dead-end street (Sb-€40-50, Db-€65-75, Tb-€90, Qb-€110, €5 discount if you pay cash
