Welcome to MoLI – the Museum of Literature Ireland. The museum is a partnership between University College Dublin and the National Library of Ireland, set in the University’s original home here on St Stephen’s Green.
As you explore MoLI, look out for the QR codes to give you more information on exhibits throughout the museum, in English and other languages.
You are standing in No. 86 St Stephen’s Green, the historic home of the Catholic University of Ireland, the precursor of University College Dublin. The site consists of two of the city’s finest 18th century Georgian townhouses and the university’s Victorian assembly hall, the Aula Maxima. The houses have beautiful plasterwork and windows, so do make sure to look up as you pass through the rooms.
The English poet Gerard Manley Hopkins lived here during his time as Professor of Classics at the university, and our most well-known Irish writer James Joyce was a student here. He graduated in 1902 – you can see his photograph on the wall in this room, taken in our back garden. Other famous Irish writers who studied here included Flann O’Brien, Kate O’Brien, Maeve Binchy, and Mary Lavin.
Continue through the door to more exhibits – our shop, cafe and restrooms are in the basement level 0.
