Ulysses100

Sweny’s Pharmacy, a Hidden Dublin Gem

Check out this literary landmark the next time you’re in Dublin

Photo taken by the author of the window display at Sweny’s Pharmacy, Dublin, featuring a crocheted Leopold Bloom, copies of Joyce’s books, and a photograph of James Joyce himself.

At first glance, it may be easy to overlook Sweny’s Pharmacy. Tucked away on Lincoln Place in Marion Square, Dublin, this treasure looks deceptively simple. There are no flashy signs, no arrows pointing toward its entrance, no tour guides pushing their group toward the building (unless it’s June 16th). There is only white-painted ornate window-frame; the name SWENY above the door in capital letters; a small hanging sign extending overhead above the sidewalk; the words “chemist” and “druggist” in mismatched fonts over each front window.

A photograph of Sweny’s exterior, taken by the author in 2018.

The exterior of Sweny’s Pharmacy looks much like it did at the turn of the twentieth century, when James Joyce would have passed it on walks through the city. A charming chemist with that distinctive 1850s style, Joyce included the spot in his famous novel, Ulysses:

“How goes the time? Quarter past. Time enough yet. Better get that lotion made up. Where is this? Ah yes, the last time. Sweny’s in Lincoln place. Chemists rarely move. Their green and gold beaconjars too heavy to stir,”…