Sweny's Pharmacy, or F. W. Sweny & Co. Ltd. is a former Victorian-era pharmacy, now a new and used book store, a Joycean cultural centre, hosting daily group readings of Joyce’s work and supporting new aspiring writers, 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) and later the Dublin Dental University Hospital.[3] Sweny's chemist and apothecary would have served supplies, including soap, to those who used these services.[3]
As of February 2022, PJ Murphy was reportedly 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]
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