SWENY'S TODAY

Up until February 2009 Swenys traded as a working pharmacy and many of its customers still drop in from time to time, but it is now a place for nostalgia and a place to chat. We read Ulysses the catalyst for the shop, standing and sitting where Joyce himself stood and hear his words aloud in the setting he described with such clarity from his memories of the city. We can watch Leopold Bloom through the shop window, as he makes his way from the church to the top of Westland Row and crosses over to collect a compound for his darling Molly in Swenys. As he waits, he takes in the smells and sights of the Pharmacy and wonders at the potions concocted in this place. Some of these concoctions are still here, preserved in the pharmacist’s drawer, un-opened. He is told that he will have to call back for the lotion and he asks if he can also buy a bar of lemon soap which he is told may be settled for when he returns. He heads off for a Turkish bath a few doors away, carrying his mystical talisman for the remainder of the book.

Towards the end of 2009 the first group of volunteers moved into Swenys, cleaned its face and opened its doors.


Not in Dublin?

No problem, you too can become a virtual volunteer as we need all the support we can get. This is a not-for-profit operation and so far it has not been able to meet its costs. Become a friend on Facebook and find out what is involved.

It now doubles as a book shop stocking a wide range of Irish Literature and of course sells primarily the lemon soap, but most of all it is a space to visit and soak up the nostalgia. The current volunteers are not Joyce scholars they are connected by Swenys and the joy of meeting people. They are multi-lingual, multi-talented individuals with great skills for tea making and listening. Swenys is a journey and we are delighted that so many have joined us.

Swenys has become a tourist destination welcoming walking tours and the independent tourist and in the evenings hosts many cultural events for small groups. It can also be reserved privately, by clicking this link.

We look forward to meeting you!