By Jennifer Ciotta

Bram Stokerâ??s Dublin of today is still filled with the authorâ??s presence.  For instance, the Bram Stoker Experience, a museum dedicated to the chills of Dracula and the life of the author himself, is located just outside of center city. Along the tour are themed, interactive exhibits such as: Time Tunnel to Transylvania, Draculaâ??s Castle, Blood Visit and Draculaâ??s Lair.  The Director Guide is a well-known specialist in both the Dracula and Stoker categories. 

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Located in the heart of Dublin is Trinity College, where the author attended college, known for its divine beauty as well as excellent education.  A tourist can take a walk through the stunning College Chapel, completed at the turn of the eighteenth century.  It contains colorful stained glass windows and a dazzling ceiling.  Tours of the campus are available nine times a day, guided by students who tell stories of famous alum.  The Book of Kells serves as a major attraction with its four gospels dating back to 800 AD.  Two volumes are on display, one open to scripture and the other to an elaborately decorated page.  A quick visit to the philosophy building is a must for Stoker fans, since he earned both his B.A. and M.A. in the subject. 

Stoker managed the Lyceum Theatre for many years, and today it is in its fourth reincarnation.  The exterior comes alive with Broadway banners hanging from the windows, announcing the arrival of huge shows such as The Lion King and Jesus Christ Superstar.  After a twelve million pound renovation, the theatre went from pop concert venue to plays, musicals and ballets.  Inside the gold embellishments and balconies with red velvet curtains make the experience similar to the grandeur of Stokerâ??s managing days. 

A final stop is the Golders Green Crematorium, the final resting place for the author.  One can throw millet or poppy seeds on Stokerâ??s ashes, a tradition to scare away vampires, but the groundskeepers probably wonâ??t allow it.  Historically the Crematorium is one of the oldest in Britain thus ashes of other famous figures reside here as well.  Some names include: Sigmund Freud, Anna Pavlova, Peter Sellers and H.G. Wells.