James Joyce Centre

This house forms part of a terrace developed from 1768 as a result of commercial leases on the avenue leading to the Mount Eccles estate and in response to the expansion of the Gardiner Estate. The house was built by Francis Ryan and was first occupied by Valentine Browne, first Earl of Kenmare, then the premier Catholic title. The interior retains important neo-Classical decoration by Charles Thorp and Michael Stapleton, the leading stuccodores of their time, including a charioteer ceiling to the first floor saloon, and interestingly, depictions of dancing figures throughout. It also contains a depiction of the Aldobrandini Wedding. With extensive architectural, artistic, cultural, historical and political connections, the house is among the most significant on the street. Recently restored to a good standard, the house with its grand doorcase and fanlight, with incorporated lantern box, original pointing, granite basement, lamp standard and blind return all add to the architectural heritage charm and ambience of this interesting streetscape. In 1858 it became the male students’ residence of the National Board of Education. In 1898 the house was used by Professor Denis J. Maginni who ran a dance academy from the back room of the ground floor. He also was immortalised as a colourful character in James Joyce’s 'Ulysses'. Dickie Graham, whose parents are portrayed about to do an Irish dance within roundels in the studio, let the studio to Maginni. After Maginni’s death, the house was used as a dance hall and was frequented by British soldiers during the 1916-1922 troubles. The revolutionary group, Fianna Éireann, used the basement as an ammunition store and the future first president of the Republic of Ireland, Éamon de Valera, is said to have secretly addressed the party here. The building had deteriorated badly after being divided into flats in the mid-twentieth century and was in danger of being demolished along with other houses at the southern end of the street. However, Ken Monaghan, a nephew of James Joyce, highlighted the Joycean connection and, along with Joycean scholar, Senator David Norris, campaigned successfully for its restoration. It was handed over by Dublin Corporation in 1982 and inaugurated as the James Joyce Cultural Centre. Despite severe damage, most of the ceilings, cornices and over-doors remained intact and, following extensive conservation and restoration, the building re-opened to the public.