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    Swenys Pharmacy

    5.0 (8 reviews)
    ModerateDrugstores

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    Would you trust this pharmacist?! ;-)
    Emily C.

    "Quite possibly Dublin's worst Pharmacy." You can't help but want to get inside with a strapline like that. I must have passed this little place a million times over the years and never noticed it, until the other day. There since 1847, this little pharmacy was featured in Ulysses, and now acts as a semi museum, slash second hand bookstore, lemon-scented soap seller (in reference to that described in the book), and a space for readings. The shop is manned by volunteers, some of whom will be wearing white chemist coats, to really get into the vibe. Originally build as a GP's consulting room, then morphing into an apothecary, then a pharmacy, upon stepping into Swenys, you will see that not much has chanced since then. All the original mahogany fixtures are still there, as well as many many bottles of old lotions and potions, medical books, and yellowing photographs. It's worth having a look in there for the books alone - they sell new and second-hand editions of Joyce's works, as well as many other Irish authors. They also sell some local crafts like jewelry and some silverware, postcards, and the afore mentioned soap, with all proceeds going towards the upkeep of the literary landmark. If you're at a loose end on a lunchtime, pop in to hear some live readings, from Finnegans Wake to the Dubliners and of course, Ulysses. Apparently they serve up some tea and biscuits as well...! Deadly little spot, long may it stay standing!

    Live Joyce readings.
    Sandra O.

    I absolutely love this place and if time to myself I wander over here. If you pick the right day you can sit for a reading of Joyce's plays, Ulysses on Saturday mornings and Tuesdays and Thursdays I believe different one's. Last week I took a friend from the Ukraine as she is Joyce fan and her jaw was on the ground. She bought the famous Lemon soap referred to in the book. The people here are lovely also and even invited us for coffee after. In 2009 Sweny's ceased trading as a pharmacy and the doors closed. Some months later, while photographs were being taken of the interior of the shop, people began wandering inside in search of the famous lemon-scented soap. Sweny's had no plan to trade, it just evolved, and the doors are still open today. "Mr Bloom raised a cake to his nostrils.Sweet lemony wax.- I'll take this one, he said." Ulysses, J. Joyce (1922)

    PJ and his exquisite pharmacy! Lovely.
    Andre R.

    This is a REALLY special place in Dublin. One of the most, indeed. PJ is the owner and he'll make you feel like you've just stepped into a fantastic time-travelling machine amidst all the antique flasks and environment of his pharmacy. He organizes group readings of books by famous Irish writers, which is in itself one of the coolest experiences one can have in his/her trip to Dublin. PJ also offers a range os superbly well-scented soap bars and the best postcards in town. He is also seeling books, so it's a good chance to take home a copy of "Dubliners" by James Joyce. Ask PJ to write something on the book to you! He'll happily do it and you'll end up taking something quite unique back home. By the way, this is so nice: in chapter 5 of "Ulysses" by Joyce, the character steps into a pharmacy looking for something to his wife. This is the ACTUAL pharmacy! Little is left to tell (Beckett would have said that, I guess). I strongly, highly recommend a visit to this tiny little special unique place.

    reading Joyce

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    4 years ago

    Make sure you ask for PJ Murphy! He is a light in this world and will tell you a story and sing you a song. Worth a visit for sure!

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    Swenys Pharmacy - drugstores - Updated May 2026

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