Hands up how many people have read James Joyce’s entire 265,000-word masterpiece, Ulysses? Even if you've never picked up James Joyce’s iconic novel Ulysses, you can still enjoy Bloomsday. The first celebration took place in 1954 and was organised by a group of writers and cultural figures.
Today, Bloomsday is enjoyed by everyone, with readings, performances, re-enactments, and a host of other events. So don your best boater hat and join in the celebrations for a divine time out in Dublin, in the footsteps of Leopold Bloom!
A uniquely Irish festival, Bloomsday is a celebration of James Joyce’s modernist epic Ulysses, held on the anniversary of the day featured in the book, 16 June 1904. The festival takes over the streets of Dublin that inspired Joyce and his works. Go all out and dress in the fashion of the period, sample dishes mentioned in the book and visit the featured locations for the full Bloomsday experience.
With street performances, lectures, readings, workshops and walking tours, make sure to head to the traditional Bloomsday spots of Sweny’s Chemist on Lincoln Place, Glasnevin Cemetery and Davy Byrne’s Pub on Duke Street, as well as James Joyce Martello Tower in Sandycove along the coast of south County Dublin.
When I die, Dublin will be written in my heart
James Joyce
Bloomsday, Dublin city