As featured in recent article in The Wall Street Journal by Matt Kronsberg.
’If Los Angeles feels like it was designed for the driver, and New York City for the subway passenger, Dublin, one could say, was made for the pedestrian. Its reputation as a city best experienced on foot was secured a century ago with the publication of James Joyce’s Ulysses, a novel with an emphasis on perambulation. It remains true today; few places better suit a weekend of wandering. And you’ll find few better guides than historian Donal Fallon, author of the new book Three Castles Burning: A History of Dublin in Twelve Streets, and host of a popular social history podcast. On a recent stroll, Mr. Fallon was repeatedly stopped by denizens, eager to share discoveries and pose for selfies. That a historian can be a local celebrity testifies to the degree to which the past remains present here.’ Full article here

‘Three Castles Burning touches many parts of Dublin’s history, from the Vikings to the economic domination of Guinness to the ongoing housing crisis. Citing the literary and political work of figures such as James Joyce, William Pearse, and Hanna SheehySkeffington, Fallon ties well-known Irish legends to lesser-known but still impactful activists and buildings. Readers will enjoy learning about hidden architectural details or unassuming plaques marking important events that might otherwise escape notice throughout the city. Archived and present-day photographs accent interesting facts and historical vignettes, pairing nicely with Fallon’s accessible writing. Well-researched and full of interesting facts, this book is sure to surprise even Dubliners and makes a perfect companion for any walking—or armchair—tour around the city.’ Grace Rosean, Booklist

Information for customers based in the USA:
- eBook available on amazon.com here.
- Print edition; international delivery is available through our website or can be purchased directly from our US distributor Casemate here. (Copies available in US from Dec 8th 2022)

On the Dublin streets we walk every day, there are hidden reminders of the lesser-known heroes and events that have contributed to the evolving story of our capital.

The city’s motto, ‘the obedience of the citizens produces a happy city’, may feel outdated and loaded today but the three burning castles of its ancient coat of arms have come to represent the indomitable spirit, creativity and vision that define this big town.

Inspired by the No. 1 podcast, Three Castles Burning: A History of Dublin in Twelve Streets champions the activists, workers, architects, poets, migrants, artists and merchants who have made and remade the city we know and love by going beneath the many layers of twelve key streets where they lived and worked. Because, in the city Joyce called the ‘Hibernian Metropolis’, the disobedience of its citizens is the cornerstone of its past, present and futur

Streets featured: Henrietta Street, Watling Street, Fishamble Street, Rathmines Road Lower, South William Street Parnell street East, James Joyce Street, Ship Street, Church Street, Eustace Street, Pearse Street (to Westland Row), Moore Street.