Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett. Other
influential writers and playwrights include Oscar Wilde, Jonathan
Swift and the creator of Dracula, Bram Stoker. It is arguably
most famous as the location of the greatest works of James Joyce,
including
Ulysses, which
is set in Dublin and full of topical detail.
Dubliners is a collection of short stories by Joyce about
incidents and typical characters of the city during the early 20th century.
Other renowned writers include J. M. Synge, Seán
O'Casey, Brendan Behan, Maeve Binchy, and Roddy Doyle. Ireland's
biggest libraries and literary museums are found in Dublin, including
the National Print Museum of Ireland and National Library of
Ireland. In July 2010, Dublin was named as a UNESCO City of Literature,
joining Edinburgh, Melbourne and Iowa City with the permanent title.
There are several theatres within the city centre, and
various world famous actors have emerged from the Dublin theatrical scene,
including Noel Purcell, Sir Michael Gambon, Brendan
Gleeson, Stephen Rea, Colin Farrell, ColmMeaney and Gabriel
Byrne. The best known theatres include
the Gaiety, Abbey, Olympia, Gate, and Grand Canal. The
Gaiety specialises in musical and operatic productions, and is popular for
opening its doors after the evening theatre production to host a variety of
live music, dancing, and films. The Abbey was founded in 1904 by a group that
