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.
| Sweny's Pharmacy | |
|---|---|
 Sweny's Pharmacy on Bloomsday, 2020 (with the Davenport Hotel in the background) | |
  Location in central Dublin | |
| General information | |
| Type | Various |
| Architectural style | Victorian |
| Address | 1 Lincoln Place, Dublin 2, D02 VP65 |
| Coordinates | 53°20′31″N 6°15′02″W / 53.34188°N 6.25056°W |
| Inaugurated | 1847[1][2] |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | unknown |
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
.JPG)
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
- Turkish Baths, Lincoln Place, a nearby establishment which also appeared in Ulysses (demolished in 1970)[7]