ABOUT THE HOUSE

The short story 'The Dead' is the last in Joyce's book The Dubliners. This building is one of the world's premier literary address. 15 Usher's Island was the home of James Joyce's aunts, Mrs. Lyons and Mrs. Callanan and her daughter Mary Ellen. Members of the Joyce family, when they were old enough, celebrated Christmas each year at number 15 where Joyce's father would carve the goose and make festive speeches. Fond memories of parties in his aunts house stayed with him all of his life and proved to be the inspiration for the setting and many of his characters from his most critically acclaimed short story.

15 Usher's Island can be hired out for up market corporate or private events. It is the most unique venue in Dublin. Whether it is a discreet dinner for 15 or a buffet for 150. We are not a restaurant and all food is brought in by arrangement with approved caterers. Please see about the venue for more information.

THE RESTORATION

The restoration has brought the house back to its condition as of 1904 and the setting for The Dead. But of course as the house dates back to 1760 there is always some job of work to be done.

Even as recently as 2000 the house lacked a roof and top floor which had been removed in the 1970s. The entire back wall had lost its structural stability. It had developed a serious bow and was within three weeks of blowout. Had the back wall gone, the remained of the house would have imploded.

We rebuilt the back wall for the whole five floors and then put on a new top floor and new roof. Scaffolding was erected over the entire of the back wall which was then taken down brick by brick. The windows, including the extra large rounded stairs windows, were carefully removed and preserved. The structure was so fragile that all work had to be done by hand. Twelve hand driven piles were inserted to form a new foundation for the new back wall. These piles go down to the sand bar where the Vikings parked their long boats 1000 years ago.

All the fireplaces had been stolen as were the delicate fan lights and mahogany doors. The stairs however remained almost entirely intact. We have decorated the house using lost colours discovered behind switches, shirting boards and door frames. The paint is organic and the shades mixed by hand. The organic paint allows the walls to breathe thus slowly releasing the damp trapped for 20 years in the internal walls - twenty years with no roof.

The art gallery is a showcase for artists. We host an eclectic mix of the famous and the unknown, Irish and non-Irish. The literary heart of the house is located in the dining room on the first floor. As a young man Joyce was a regular guest here. This is the very room where Joyce's father stood at the head of a well laid table, cut the goose and gave the after dinner speech.

Dinner parties held in this room recreate the atmosphere of The Dead. It is available for private or corporate use. A unique experience for anybody!

THE HISTORY

In the mid 18th century Usher's Island became fashionable. Mr. Joshua Pim is recorded as a merchant on Ushers Island in 1770. This description continues in Watson's Dublin Almanac until 1775 when he is given a numbered address (15) for the first time and is then described as Joshua Pim and Son, Merchants. The property stayed in the Pim family until 1850s when it was later acquired by William J. Smith. The Smith family business was, inter alia, grain, seed, commission agent, forage contractors, corn merchants, and later coat merchants for about 100 years until, 1952, when P.J. Fagan is recorded as owner and M. Smith and Son and tenants. It was during the Smith ownership in the 1890s that the house was home to Joyce's grand aunts.

THE FUTURE

We have been amazed by the interest shown in this restoration project. People from all walks of life, from near and far have kindly asked (or firmly insisted) that they be allowed to be associated with the house. Hopefully this web site is the first welcome on the mat of 15 Usher's Island where people have asked to be allowed to contribute towards the restoration by way of sponsorship - financially or in kind - to facilitate the on-going restoration and preservation project. The house will be a vehicle to the great Irish talent of the past and will provide a gateway for the creative people of the present and future.

Sponsorship of various events taking place in 15 Usher's Island is needed this year from the private or corporate sector. If you or your company are interested in being part of these centennial celebrations by way of sponsorship please email Brendan Kilty, Project Director through our contact page.

PARTNERING OPPORTUNITIES

Sponsorship/partnership opportunities are available. Just send us an email to or call Karen at 01 672 8008 (Intl+353+1 672 8008).

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A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL

We could not have made it this far without a lot of help from a lot of people. Ongoing help is much appreciated. Many thanks to them all.... [View List]

WEB LINKS

15 Usher's Island is pleased to recommend the following links to sites for James Joyce and Irish Arts resources on the web: ..... [Click Here]