George Bernard Shaw's Birth Place, Dublin

One of Ireland's most celebrated literary sons representing the golden generation of Irish writers, George Bernard Shaw was born at 33 Synge Street, in a simple two-story house near the Grand Canal, Dublin in 1856.

The accolade – "Author of Many Plays" – on the plaque outside his birthplace is indeed somewhat an understating tribute to the renowned playwright whose novels and plays are part of the world literary heritage and whose genius was recognized during his lifetime with a Nobel Prize for literature.

Shaw was not born to affluent parents, which is evident from the home's simplicity. Carefully restored to its Victorian charm, the residence produces the appearance that the family have just gone out for the afternoon. The neat terraced house is as much an exhibition of Victorian Dublin domestic life as of the early years of George Bernard Shaw himself: full of nostalgia and the atmosphere of another time.

It was here that young Shaw began to gather the store of characters that would later populate his books. From the drawing-room where his mother held many musical evenings, to the front parlour and children’s bedrooms, this charming dwelling offers a wonderful insight into the everyday life of Victorian Dublin, and is a true pleasure to visit. The museum opened to the public in 1993.