http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34464 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34464 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34463 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34463 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28993 On the ground floor, two rooms of literary history cover everything from Celtic storytellers right up to the rattle and hum of contemporary writers. George Bernard Shaw, Bram Stoker, Edna O’Brien, Roddy Doyle: they’re all given pride of place. It’s here that James Joyce is described as “the world’s most famous Irishman” (which is one in the eye for Bob Geldof). The museum also features some surprising artefacts. Such as the chair on which Handel composed himself during the very first performance of the Messiah. Or the typewriter that Brendan Behan chucked through the window of McDade’s public house.
Take the stairs to the first floor and brace yourself before entering the first room. The Gallery of Writers is an eye-popping space with enough plasterwork, gold leaf and crystal to have Kirsty and Phil hyperventilating. Populated with portraits and busts of Irish writers, it also offers impressive views of Parnell Square through its big windows.
Next door, a small library contains first editions of evocative titles - Gulliver’s Travels, Dracula, Waiting for Godot. And if that lot doesn’t inspire you, the bookshop downstairs has plenty more to quicken the pulse of any reader. After all that, you’ll need a coffee break, and the museum’s bright and airy café offers the ideal pit stop. There’s also a nice little garden area, although during my visit I managed to resist its charms since it was submerged beneath six tons of snow.
The visitors’ book positively sizzles with enthusiastic compliments. One of them says: "In poetry, romanticism and spirit, Ireland stands head and shoulders above the rest of us mere mortals."
I can only agree. This hugely-enjoyable museum is a fitting showcase for Dublin’s wordy-wise elite and a splendid way to spend time in their company.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28993 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27249 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27249 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12964 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12964 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12963 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/12963 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11826
The importance of the items and the background on them is very impressive, and the museum hosts a very elegant and complete display of the works (beautiful garden enclosed within the old Dublin Castle as well).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11826 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11786 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11786 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11771
There are over fifty rooms which take you through the ages of Irish art, from 17th century painters to the extraordinary work of Jack B Yeats - WB's brother. There's plenty of Italian Renaissance painting and Dutch masters to keep you going as well, and some great modern Irish portraiture. Add a fantastically-stocked shop and two great cafes to the mix and well, you've got the makings of a whole day's worth of wonder, and occasional repose.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11771 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11770 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/11770 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7237 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7237 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7235 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/7235 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4386
The pubs are those that were frequented by the writers we learn about. There's also a stop at Trinity College, where we hear about Oscar Wilde and others. Perhaps we can be inspired by the spirit of these places (and I'm not referring to the whiskey).

It's also a great way to meet fellow travellers, as there are opportunities to chat along the way, and at the end of the crawl.

I'd highly recommend this particular brand of pub-crawl to any visitor (indeed, any Dubliner). Full details are available on the website.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4386 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4144
A better introduction to contemporary Dublin than The Commitments, as it captures something of how much the city has changed since the economic boom whilst delivering a genuine taste of Dublin's charm and cool. Most people I know watched this with a permanent smile on their face.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4144 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4140
The galleries are airy and spacious, sensitive to installation requirements and free of any overt pretentiousness. In other words, you don't have to have a deep understanding of art to enjoy the place. There is a good (if pricey) coffee shop on site.

The grounds surrounding the gallery are suitable for leisurely walking; the main avenue leads you directly to Kilmainham Gaol (about 10 minutes walk). War Memorial Gardens are nearby and the National Museum is one Luas hop away from nearby Heuston Station. Essentially, it forms the heart of the emerging museum district, and the Guinness brewery is close to hand also.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4140 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4119
The walls are chock full of the patrons' art - a democratic explosion of crap and colour that does much to brighten the dim interior. You never know, you may even pick up a future Hib-Art gem for next to nothing. Quirky. Incomparable. Essential.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4119 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4097 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4097 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4070 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4070 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3615 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3615 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3606 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3606