Getting a Cultural Fix in Dublin

Back in college I claimed that a semester-long class on Ulysses was enough of Dublin's culture to last a lifetime. Yet, while doing some research before leaving I got myself excited to explore the city that was home to so many great artists and writers. William Butler Yeats, James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, George Bernard Shaw: the list goes on and on.

Saturday, which was dedicated to exploring Dublin's culture, started at the Huge Lane Gallery. The gallery is now home to the Francis Bacon studio. Bacon was born in Dublin and spent much of his early years in the city. The studio, moved here from London in 1998, was donated to the museum after his death in 1992.

The exhibit started with an interesting interview with the Bacon in which he speaks about his need to work in chaos. Next was a look at a reconstruction of the studio, complete with walls used to test paint colors, stacks of books, and used rags. The studio exhibit concluded with some photos of Bacon at work in his studio and a room with six original works. Overall the visit provided a wonderful glimpse into the artistic process. Entrance to the gallery is free and the visit takes about 30 minutes.

I had planned next to visit the Dublin Writer's Museum, which is directly next door to the Huge Lane. However, leaving the gallery the skies looked too nice to go back indoors. Instead I decided to walk over to St. Stephen's Green to see the Peoples Art exhibit.

Peoples Art 2008 is a chance for aspiring visual artists to show their work. Taking place over three weekends — one in June, one in August, and once more on September 19 - 21, 2008 — the gates around the park were lined with a variety of pictures. Mostly paintings were on display and they ranged from the safe (flowers and seascapes) to the abstract.

After wandering past the art that hung on all four sides of the park, I went in for a much-needed rest. My picnic was cut short, however, due to the downpour that started not long after entering the green. Thankfully, there was a shopping center on the corner of the green and Grafton Street. Here I found three book stores. That provided more then enough activity to wait out the rain.

The next stop on my Dublin tour was Trinity College. Founded in 1592, the college is the most famous Irish university. Alumni of the college include Jonathan Swift, Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde. The Library is home to the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels and the New Testament. It is regarded as one of Ireland's national treasures.

I skipped the official tour and instead chose to wander on my own. My main intent was to find the theater's box office. Once there I purchased tickets to see Beckett's "Waiting for Goddot," which was being preformed by the AC Production. After a dinner of fish and chips, I returned to the college for the play.