The Poetry Stroll: A Literary Walking Tour (Sweny's Pharmacy)
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
The Poetry Stroll explores James Joyce’s Dublin through poetry and music, using the artist’s footsteps as a compass through the city. While best known as a writer, Joyce was also a singer and a poet, and it is through this lens that we encounter his world: Dublin at the beginning of the twentieth century.
As we walk the streets and visit the places that shaped him, the stroll shines a light on Joyce’s artistic aspirations, creative life and places he later immortalised in Dubliners, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, and Ulysses.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Sweny's
Sweny's Pharmacy was a working pharmacy from 1847 until 2009. Its Victorian interior is preserved and the pharmacy is mentioned in James Joyce's book Ulysses. In chapter five, the protagonist Leopold Bloom buys a piece of lemon soap there. Today, Sweny's Pharmacy is a monument to James Joyce (one of Ireland's most celebrated writers) and many people from all over the world travel there to step into this unique cultural Time Machine and to buy a piece of lemon soap there (the original recipe!!).
Monument to Oscar Wilde
In Merrion Square Park we visit the statue of Oscar Wilde. The renowned writer, poet and playwright is reclining on a rock and looking towards the house in which him and his family used to live. In the park I'll perform some of his poetry put to music as well as poetry composed by his mother Lady Jane Wilde, better known as 'Speranza'.
Options
The Poetry Stroll: A Literary Walking Tour (Sweny's Pharmacy)
What‘s Included
Live Music
Guides In-person
Alcoholic Beverages
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
12 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Absolutely Amazing Find!!
Paradise56347843809,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Me, my grandma, and my mom went on the tour and all three absolutely adored it! I loved poetry, but my mom doesn’t at all and she still absolutely loved it. He has the most beautiful voice and the songs nearly brought me to tears (and I’m not super emotional about music). He was super friendly, informative, and made learning so so fun! I’d recommend for literally anyone, even if you’re not into music or poetry, for the fun experience and amazing conversation! Not to mention, the Sweny’s shop is such a fun start and end to the tour, with loads of history that you’d never expect! By far my favorite find of Dublin!!
Puts the Joy in Joyce
Z5922IZkamilj,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Remco, you are humble, but have a true gift and passion for what you do. Thank you:)
We loved Poetry Stroll by Remco
jonathanhP3683NC,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Poetry Stroll was an excellent, engaging experience with beautiful poetry and songs. This was the highlight of our first ever trip to Dublin. Remco brings old songs alive and writes and performs his original settings of Irish poetry. Highly recommend the tour from Sweny’s pharmacy which focuses on James Joyce but also includes Oscar Wilde and his family and AE George Russell. Remco makes everyone feel welcome and had us all singing together at the end! A lovely tour that starts and ends at a site from Ulysses that is amazing itself!
An Enlightened Afternoon
Q9076CEbobp,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I arrived a Sweny's Pharmacy, home to lovers of James Joyce, at 3:00 and joined 5 others for song/poetry tour lead by Remco Jacobs. He brought literature expertise, a wonderful voice and a plethora of background knowledge to the experience as we learned more of the world of Joyce, Wilde and others. It is a must do. Reach out and get aboard.
Best Experience of Our Whole Trip!
helenwW1678HZ,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We happened to hear about this tour while visiting Sweny’s and decided to come back to do it on a whim. That was definitely the best decision we could have made, because this tour ended up being the best part of our whole trip! The songs are beautiful, a mix of folk songs and original ones based on poems, and the walk around the Merrion Square area gives it all a wonderful atmosphere. Remco is a great host and musician, and was kind enough to write down the folk songs he played so I could find them later. Very charming, unique Dublin experience that I would recommend to anyone!
Probably the best experience in Dublin (and one of the best in our lives)
hmapa,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful, unforgettable tour with a great storyteller and a great musician. Passionate and informed accounts 9n James Joyce, his life and work, and that of other great Irish writers. Highly recommended by all means.
Re-Joyceing on a Wonderful Stroll
813noraw,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Remco’s Poetry Strolls are a celebration of Irish literary giants through song and story. Capturing the true essence of Joyce—who possessed a fine tenor voice and a deep love for singing—Remco brings to life his poetry and prose which is full with musicality. These wonderful compositions allow us to experience the works of Joyce, Wilde, and AE (George Russell) in a truly unique way. Starting at the iconic Sweny’s Pharmacy (Ulysses) before heading outdoors, the sound of Remco’s guitar and voice fills the air where these artists once strolled. Even when the rain in Merrion Square falls 'softly, softly falling'—echoing Joyce’s poem 'Rahoon'—being serenaded in the elements is nothing short of magical! Nora B. (The other Nora Barnacle)
A walk to remember
simonatB1111NK,Jun 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Remco's stroll is a unique and intimate experience through the neighbourhood's literary history. Revolving around the lives and work of James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and Thomas Moore, their writing comes all the more alive through Remco's beautiful songs, which put their poetry to music. Setting off from the magical bookstore/old pharmacy Sweny's, you are plunged right away into another century. I would recommend this wonderful experience to locals, tourists, friends, lovers, literary buffs and novices.
Amazing experience, don’t think just go!
691rosav,Jun 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The poetry and music stroll is absolutely amazing. There are many things to see in Dublin, but this is definitely an experience you don’t want to miss. Remco’s music is very captivating, and gives a unique insight into the real life experiences of these writers and poets. That along with the special places you visit along the tour made this a great experience for me and my (Dublin born) partner! DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!
A Tour to Cherish: Beautiful songs and stories that bring us into the world of the great Irish Writers.
Z8750TRjulieh,Jun 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I loved the tour. Remco had the most beautiful collection of Songs related to James Joyce, Thomas Moore, Oscar Wilde and Wilde's mother. It was intriguing to get to know these writers through music and storytelling.
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