Sweny's Pharmacy

Former pharmacy in Dublin, Ireland with literary connections
53°20′31″N 6°15′02″W / 53.34188°N 6.25056°W / 53.34188; -6.25056Inaugurated1847[1][2]Design and constructionArchitect(s)unknown

Sweny's Pharmacy, or F. W. Sweny & Co. Ltd. is a former Victorian-era pharmacy, now a used-book store, in Dublin, Ireland most notable for appearing in James Joyce's 1922 novel Ulysses. The pharmacy is one of many Joycean landmarks scattered throughout Dublin,[3] and has become a literary tourist attraction, particularly on Bloomsday (16 June) when fans of Joyce visit the premises to celebrate the book.

History

Built in 1847 as a GP's consulting room, the building was later adapted to include an apothecary; it eventually opened as a 'dispensing chemist' named "F.W. Sweny and Co (Limited)" in 1853 when pharmacist Frederick William Sweny took over.[4][2] The Sweny family who operated the pharmacy also lived in the house to which it is attached.[3] The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage notes that a "Mark Sweny, M.D., general medical practitioner and accoucheur" operated from the site as of 1862.[3]

In the nineteenth century, Lincoln Place was also the site of a Turkish baths and a number of medical facilities (including an ophthalmic hospital).[3] Sweny's chemist and apothecary would have served supplies, including soap, to those who used these services.[3]

President of France Emmanuel Macron visited Sweny's in August 2021.[2][5]

As of February 2022, PJ Murphy was noted as running Sweny's.[5]

Ulysses

Sweny's Lemon soap

In the book, the character of Leopold Bloom buys a bar of lemon soap while waiting for a prescription.[4] Lemon soap can still be bought in the shop as a souvenir.[6]

See also

References

  1. ^ Fitzgerald, Genevieve (13 January 2017). "Dublin Treasures - Sweny's Pharmacy". dublin.ie. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  2. ^ a b c "News". sweny.ie. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Sweny, 1 Lincoln Place, Dublin 2, DUBLIN". Buildings of Ireland. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  4. ^ a b "Sweny's Pharmacy". Atlas Obscura. 31 October 2017. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  5. ^ a b Kane, Robbie; Dillon, Brian (2 February 2022). "Watch: Historical Sweny's chemist celebrates 100 years of James Joyce's Ulysses with special readings". dublinlive.ie. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  6. ^ "News". sweny.ie. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  7. ^ "1860 – Turkish Baths, Lincoln Place, Dublin". Archiseek - Irish Architecture. 1 March 2013. Retrieved 18 August 2023.