James Joyce Tower and Museum facts for kids
| Túr agus Músaem Shéamuis Seoige | |
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| Established | 16 June 1962 |
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| Location | Sandycove Point, Sandycove, Dublin, Ireland |
| Type | Martello tower, literary museum |
| Public transit access | Sandycove Road bus stop (Dublin Bus 59, 111) Sandycove and Glasthule railway station |
The James Joyce Tower and Museum is a famous old tower in Sandycove, Dublin, Ireland. It's special because the famous writer James Joyce stayed there for a few nights in 1904. This tower is also where the very first scenes of his well-known book, Ulysses, take place. Many fans of James Joyce visit this tower, especially on Bloomsday, which is a day celebrating his work. Good news: it's free to visit!
Contents
History of the Tower
Early Days and Joyce's Stay
The tower was once rented by Oliver St. John Gogarty, a friend of James Joyce from university. He wanted to use the tower to help bring more Greek culture to Ireland. James Joyce stayed there for six days in September 1904. He left quite suddenly after a short time.
The very first part of Joyce's famous novel, Ulysses, happens the morning after this event. In the book, Gogarty is shown as the character "Stately, plump Buck Mulligan". These are the very first words of the novel.
Becoming a Museum
Today, the tower is a museum all about James Joyce. You can see some of his personal items there. There are also other things linked to his book Ulysses, like an old "Plumtree's Potted Meat" pot. The living area inside the tower looks just like it did in 1904. You might even spot a ceramic panther statue. This represents a panther that one of the tower's residents saw in a dream.
Many people who love James Joyce's books visit the tower. It's a very popular spot, especially on Bloomsday.
How the Museum Was Created
In 1954, an architect named Michael Scott bought the tower. He had built his own house, called Geragh, right next door in 1937. In 1962, he gave the tower away so it could become a museum. Michael Scott helped start the James Joyce Museum. He even got financial help from the famous film director John Huston.
The museum officially opened its doors on 16 June 1962. This happened thanks to the hard work of a Dublin artist named John Ryan. Ryan also saved the front door of 7 Eccles Street from being destroyed. This door is now at the James Joyce Centre. He also helped organize the very first Bloomsday Celebration in 1954 with Brian O'Nolan.
Visiting the Tower
The James Joyce Tower is open from Thursday to Sunday, usually from 10 AM to 4 PM. It's free to get in, but you can book your visit online ahead of time if you want to make a small donation. The museum is run by a group called the Friends of Joyce Tower Society. They are all volunteers who help keep the museum going.
See also
- Forty Foot, a popular place for swimming in the ocean, very close to the tower.
- In Spanish: Torre de James Joyce para niños
Images for kids
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Barry McGovern reads Ulysses, Bloomsday, 2009
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North view from above the tower, 2009
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Living area in the tower, 2019
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