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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
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Kayla Walsh & Rachel Curran

World Book Day 2022: Books based in Dublin you have to read before you die

Dublin is a city rich in history and culture, producing some of the world's most famous authors including Oscar Wilde and James Joyce.

So it's no wonder that Ireland's capital has been the setting of some brilliant books, from classics like Ulysses to modern hits like Normal People.

Children's stories set in Dublin have also become a big hit, with books by author Peter Donnelly now seen in every bookshop in Ireland.

To celebrate World Book Day 2002, here is a list of the best books set in Dublin city.

How many of them have you read?

Dubliners, James Joyce

This collection of 15 short stories explores middle class life in Dublin in the early 1900s.

A must-read for anyone longing for an epiphany.

James Joyce (1882-1941) (Photo by © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

The Barrytown Trilogy, Roddy Doyle

The Barrytown trilogy is made up of The Commitments, The Snapper and The Van - the first three novels written by Doyle.

They're sweary and hilarious, and were all made into excellent films.

The President's Glasses, Peter Donnelly

Peter Donnelly's picturebook shows off Dublin in all it's glory. It follows Michael D Higgin's journey from his home in Aras An Uachtarain to Dublin Castle.

The book takes you past many Dublin landmarks as a pigeon tries to deliver the President's glasses to him.

A warm and beautiful book that gives young children an lovely tour around Dublin.

The Gathering, Anne Enright

Liam Hegarty has committed suicide, and his large family gathers in Dublin for his funeral.

This won the Man Booker Prize in 2007 so you know it's damn good.

Ulysses, James Joyce

A first edition copy of James Joyce's novel 'Ulysses' ((Photo by Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images))

Ok, so we already have a novel by Joyce on this list, but we couldn't exactly leave out Ulysses.

It's notoriously long and difficult to read, but if you finish it you'll have bragging rights forever.

Oh, and it's an amazing work of literature.

Dublin saw numerous celebrations last month to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the book.

Strumpet City, James Plunkett

Set during the 1913 Dublin Lockout, Strumpet City traces the lives of a dozen characters from vastly different backgrounds.

If you've ever wanted to know what it was like for Dubliners in the early 1900s, this is your book.

Tender, Belinda McKeon

Tender follows Catherine, a student in Trinity in the 1990s, who becomes obsessed with a charming artist named James.

It's a beautiful novel on the theme of doomed love.

Have You Seen The Dublin Vampire?, Una Woods

Have You Seen The Dublin Vampire? (Dublin Live)

Another beautiful picturebook for your children, taking you on a tour around the streets of Dublin.

From Stephen's Green to Brown Thomas, you will see all your favourite Dublin spots and even take a ride on a Dublin Bus.

The Ginger Man, J.P. Donleavy

Set in post-war Dublin in 1947, this racy novel was banned for obscenity here and in the US.

It was later named one of the Best Novels of the 20th Century by the Modern Library.

Circle of Friends, Maeve Binchy

Still from film Circle of Friends starring Chris O'Donnell and Minnie Driver (Rank Film Distributors)

Amongst other things, Circle of Friends describes what it's like to move from rural Ireland to the big city.

This is a wonderful comfort read (and the movie is also well worth a watch.)

At Swim-Two-Birds, Flann O'Brien

A send-up of Irish literature and culture, this is a work of comic genius.

It's absolutely mad, but don't give up on it too easily!

The Dead Zoo by Peter Donnelly

‘My favourite book from anywhere in the world this year’ declared Ryan Tubridy after reading this gorgeous children's book.

We follow the story of Mr Gray who takes care of the Dead Zoo in the middle of Dublin.

Another instant classic from the creator of the award-winning President picture book series.

The Dead Zoo by Peter Donnelly (Dublin Live)

Normal People by Sally Rooney

Scene from TV series Normal People starring Daisy Edgar Jones as Marianne and Paul Mescal as Connell (Element Pictures/Enda Bowe - Photographer: Enda Bowe)

Sally Rooney's book became a massive phenomenon and was famously made into a hit TV show that was loved across the world.
The book was published in 2018 and longlisted for a Booker prize. This is a story of a couple divided by class structure while attending college in Trinity.


The book even made an appearance on Barack Obama's top 19 book list for 2019.

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