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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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'.
What‘s Included
Live Music
Guides In-person
Alcoholic Beverages
Options
The Poetry Stroll: A Literary Walking Tour (Sweny's Pharmacy)
Reviews
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Amazing tour, music and walk!
Sergio P,Jun 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I found out about this really beautiful tour while I was visiting Sweny’s Pharmacy because I needed to replace a tool. Starting from a historic location, the tour (which lasts around one hour) takes you through the park and features poems by Irish poets, accompanied by original music from the musician himself. I would definitely recommend it to anyone — tourists and locals alike!
This tour is a gem! ✨
chloegS4228TH,Apr 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a can’t miss experience, 11/10! I love Irish literature, and this tour touches on so many key moments of the lives of the writers of that time. Remco’s music adds a gorgeous magic to the history. He leads a memorable journey through Marion Square and a few streets beyond, where he introduces Oscar Wilde’s house and the place where James Joyce met his wife Nora✨ Always nice to visit Sweny’s Pharmacy at the end, where I had a chance to buy a cake of lemon soap, the original recipe from Ulysses! This was a highlight of my trip to Ireland, and I look forward to joining him again next time.
From €22.50
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