I was surprised to see this sign still here – albeit, a little faded. The sign is on Nassau Street, at the end of the block containing the Dental Hospital. It overlooks the railings and playing fields of Trinity College.
Of course the hotel itself no longer functions. Finn’s hotel is where Nora Barnacle worked, and James Joyce first met her near here in 1904. Their first date was on June 16th that year. Joyce based the character of Molly Bloom in Ulysses on her, and June 16th is now celebrated every year as ‘Bloomsday’.
Not too far away either is Sweny’s Chemists – where Leopold Bloom bought some lemon-scented soap for Molly – fact and fiction continue to intermingle.
These days Sweny’s is maintained by volunteers, dedicated to preserving the shop – find out more : Sweny’s Pharmacy
