James Joyce
Bloomsday
Bloomsday (2024)
The Bloomsday Festival is a yearly celebration in Dublin that commemorates the life of Irish writer James Joyce and his book Ulysses. The event takes place on June 16th, the same day the book is set, and includes activities such as readings, performances, and guided walks through the city.
Bloomsday in Dublin
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Day: Sunday 16 June
Bloomsday in Dublin
The festival has been organized by the James Joyce Centre since 1994, which also serves as a museum and cultural center promoting local literary celebrations. The festival attracts visitors from all over the world and has become an important part of Dublin's cultural heritage. The Bloomsday Festival in Dublin will be held from June 10 until June 16, 2024. Visit the event's website here.Location: Dublin, Ireland
Bloomsday lectures
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Day: Thursday 13 June
“As far … as corrupt Paris lies from virgin Dublin”: James Joyce in Paris
Although Joyce physically left Ireland, he frequently wrote about Dublin, showing the strong connection to his homeland. Ellen Howley, an Assistant Professor at DCU, gives a lecture on Joyce's Parisian journey, tracing his literary interactions and work from the 1920s bohemian life to the tense pre-war 1930s. Joyce's relationship with Paris is highlighted, illustrating its significance in his life and work, despite never returning to Ireland. Visit the event's website here.
Bloomsday exhibtions
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Day: Tuesday 11 June
James Joyce Centre: Come and See Me
"Come and See Me, I’m a Crossword Puzzle" is an exhibition dedicated to Lucia Joyce, an influential modern dancer and artist of the 1920s in Paris. Despite being institutionalized for schizophrenia for forty years, Lucia's passion for art never faded, as she continued to create illustrations for her father, James Joyce's works. The exhibit, curated by Dr. Deirdre Mulrooney, showcases Lucia's drawings, letters, photos, and personal belongings to illuminate her creative legacy and resilience. It's hosted at the James Joyce Centre and is accessible with an admission ticket priced at €7 for adults and €5 for students and seniors. Visit the event's website here. -
Day: Tuesday 11 June
James Joyce Centre: Ulysses an Odyssey by Suzanne Freeman
"Ulysses: An Odyssey" is an exhibition by Suzanne Freeman that brings James Joyce's classic novel "Ulysses" to life through 18 display cases. It offers visual representations of key moments and motifs from the book, using everyday items like Stephen's key and Bloom's cigar to illustrate the events of a single day in 1904. The display provides a vivid depiction, making it easier to grasp the complex characters and intersecting stories of "Ulysses," and represents the interwoven vignettes with detailed maps for clarity. Visit the event's website here. -
Day: Wednesday 12 June
Joyce and Heaney Connections
The Bloomsday Festival features a free guided tour titled 'Seamus Heaney: Listen Now Again,' where participants explore the links between Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney and renowned author James Joyce. The tour delves into Heaney's life, work, and his early drafts, unpacking the influence of Joyce. Although there is no admission fee, attendees are required to book their spot to join this cultural experience that celebrates the legacy of two literary giants. Visit the event's website here.
Bloomsday music
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Day: Sunday 16 June
Fragments of Lucia: A Solo Guitar Performance by Joseph Chester
"Fragments of Lucia" is a musical homage to Joyce’s Daughter. Lucia. She had been a promising dancer and illustrator, but spent 47 years institutionalized due to mental illness, passing away in a harsh asylum. Through his music, Chester aims to honor Lucia and give voice to her silent history. Two performances at 4pm and 8pm. Ticket price €15. Visit the event's website here.