The Poetry Stroll: James Joyce's Dublin

Discover Dublin’s soul with live music and poetry, exploring James Joyce’s legacy. Immerse in cultural tales and melodies on this unique tour.

Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Sweny’s - Sweny’s Pharmacy operated as a pharmacy from 1847 until 2009. Its Victorian interior remains intact, and it is famously mentioned in James Joyce’s novel, Ulysses. In chapter five, the main character, Leopold Bloom, purchases a bar of lemon soap there. Today, Sweny’s Pharmacy stands as a tribute to James Joyce, one of Ireland’s most…
What's Included
  • Live Music
  • Guides In-person
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic beverages
Additional Information

The Poetry Stroll offers an exploration of James Joyce’s Dublin through the mediums of poetry and music, using the artist’s own paths as a guide through the city. Although Joyce is primarily celebrated as a writer, he was also a singer and poet, and it is through this perspective that his world is revealed: Dublin at the dawn of the twentieth century….

Location
Sweny's Pharmacy
Lincoln Place
Go to Sweny's Pharmacy, 1 Lincoln Pl, Dublin at 3pm. There's a sign outside above the door and in the windows you'll see many black and white pictures (of James Joyce and Oscar Wilde), as well as books and other paraphernalia. I will meet you inside, the guy with the guitar, that's me.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(10 Ratings)
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Jonathanhp3683nc
Apr 27, 2026
We loved Poetry Stroll by Remco - Poetry 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q9076cebobp
Apr 27, 2026
An Enlightened Afternoon - I 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Helenww1678hz
Mar 31, 2026
Best Experience of Our Whole Trip! - We 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hmapa
Mar 23, 2026
Probably the best experience in Dublin (and one of the best in our lives) - Wonderful, 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
813noraw
Feb 12, 2026
Re-Joyceing on a Wonderful Stroll - Remco’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)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Simonatb1111nk
Jun 9, 2025
A walk to remember - Remco'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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
691rosav
Jun 6, 2025
Amazing experience, don’t think just go! - The 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z8750trjulieh
Jun 3, 2025
A Tour to Cherish: Beautiful songs and stories that bring us into the world of the great Irish Writers. - I 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sergio
Jun 2, 2025
Amazing tour, music and walk! - I 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chloegs4228th
Apr 20, 2025
This tour is a gem! ✨ - This 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $26
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).