In an age when the computer and the mobile phone have almost completely replaced pen and paper, people are rediscovering the pleasures of writing in pen and ink on good paper.

Taking the trouble to actually sit down and write a letter to a friend or relation in longhand rather than dashing off an email, makes the communication all the more special: for the recipient, getting an envelope through the door that isn’t a bill makes for a nice change even before they’ve opened the letter.

The old-fashioned fountain pen is making a comeback too; there is something reassuring about using a tool that only requires gravity and capillary action to produce beautiful results.

The Pen Corner on College Green is the perfect destination for seekers after these retro delights. The shop has been run by the Fitzgerald family for the last 82 years and is currently managed by John Fitzgerald, pictured right.

The old-style shop window display is wonderful and one could browse for ages through the bewildering array of goods on offer. High-end fountain pens are a specialty with famous brands like Mont Blanc, Waterman, Caran d’Ache and our own Cross pens vying for attention. Of course, there is a huge stock of more affordable writing instruments as well.

While the upstairs part of the shop is concerned with pens, go downstairs for the paper. There is a big selection of writing paper and envelopes as well as beautiful leather-bound diaries, address books and notebooks.

They stock the famous Moleskin brand of notebooks as used by Picasso, Matisse and Ernest Hemingway amongst others. Not actually bound with mole skins, animal lovers, but with sturdy oilcloth-covered cardboard.

The Pen Corner emanates an old-school charm and I would recommend a visit.

Personally, the 2500 Mont Blanc gold fountain Pen caught my eye. Would fit alongside my diary quite nicely…

Writing is for life folks!

The Pen Corner Ltd,
12 College Green,
Dublin 2.
Phone: 01 6793641.