Exploring the Legacy and History

Bram Stoker in Dublin

There I stood, pressed against the glass floor to ceiling window at the top of the Guinness Storehouse. I was totally zoning out, trying to drown the crowd behind me with the “dark stuff” and a remarkable view of Dublin. I peered off into the night sky, blanketed by brown clouds that seemed just low enough to soften the city. My eyes scanned the shadows tracing down streets, around corners and puddles that bounced sparkling reflections of light. I was determined to see something -unusual. Something like a vampire. Something like Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Dublin-at-night-Bram-Stoker
Dublin takes on a whole different character at night. This is the spectacular view from the top of the Guinness Storehouse taken by me in 2013. By Christa Thompson

The legendary Victorian vamp has transcended decades and made his way into pop culture media -adored by the masses. Now more than ever, vampire enthusiasts are tuning in and turning pages to popular bloodletting, romanticized-Goth, action-packed vampire novels. I’d be willing to bet that most adults know who Dracula is, and every neck-biting fan knows who Bram Stoker is. That said, did you know he was a Dubliner? True story!

 

Bram Stoker was born in the seaside Dublin suburb of Clontarf in 1847 although he spent most of his life in Dublin city. It was there that he left a massive bite in the Victorian-era -which surprisingly has been pretty well-preserved today.

 

They don’t call Dublin the “City of Literature” for nothing. Dublin takes its famous works very seriously. Now, most of you know this place as one of my favorite cities in the world. I couldn’t think of a better destination to claim homage to the father of the Gothic-vampire subculture. So, after a few trips to Ireland, I have come up with a sweet Bram Stoker trail for you to enjoy.

 

You can catch a cab (but that would be outrageously pricey), rent a car (but driving in Dublin is straight bananas), or my personal favorite, get chauffeured in style with Blacklane Limousine’s Service in Dublin

 

The Historic Trail

 

The Bram Stoker Family Home – 15 Marino Crescent, Clontarf Dublin 3 – This was the family home of the Stokers. This is a cool link to it. It actually went up for sale last year. His Dublin City Home – 30 Kildare Street, Dublin