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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June 16
Bloomsday at Blooms: Afternoon Tea at the Belvedere Hotel
Celebrate Bloomsday from 1:30 to 3:30pm with a special afternoon tea at Blooms Restaurant in the Belvedere Hotel. Enjoy gorgonzola sandwiches, banbury cakes, rhubarb tarts, and other treats inspired by "Ulysses," accompanied by fine teas. You can also try Joyce’s favorite drink, prosecco with orange curacao, for an extra €8. Tickets are €30. Visit the event's website here. -
June 16
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 -
June 15
Bloomsday at the James Joyce Tower
Experience the first episode ("Telemachus") of James Joyce's Ulysses in a live performance at the Martello Tower. Directed by Liam Hourican and featuring Oliver Flitcroft, Darragh Shannon, Daniel Mahon, and Geraldine Plunkett, this adaptation vividly recreates the 1904 story of two young men with literary aspirations. Dive into the historical settings and lifestyles of Joyce's novel through this engaging production. Performance on June 15th: 8am, 9:30am, 11am, and 2pm. June 16th: 9:30am and 11am. Tickets: €15. Visit the event's website here. -
June 12
Molly’s Soliloquy Performed by Cáitriona Ní Threasaigh
Cáitriona Ní Threasaigh performs Molly Bloom's famous soliloquy from James Joyce's "Ulysses". This performance, held in the round room of the Martello Tower, transports the audience to Molly's home on Eccles Street as she reflects on her day and life. Ní Threasaigh has delivered this soliloquy at notable venues, including for the Irish president on Bloomsday 2013 and annually at the James Joyce Tower in Sandycove. Tickets cost €5. Visit the event's website here. -
June 11
Footsteps of Leopold Bloom (Walking Tour)
The Footsteps of Leopold Bloom Walking Tour retraces a route from James Joyce's "Ulysses," focusing on the "Lestrygonians" episode. This 2-hour, 2-kilometer tour runs from 11-16 June, beginning at the James Joyce Centre and ending at the National Museum. It explores Bloom's thoughts on food's social, political, and cultural impact, while highlighting Dublin's colonial architecture. Ideal for fans of Joyce and the novel, tickets are €20, or €15 for concessions. Visit the event's website here.
Bloomsday lectures
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June 13
“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 exhibitions
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June 12
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. -
January 1
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. -
January 1
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.
Bloomsday music
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June 16
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. -
June 11
Joyce’s Dubliners Interpreted in Song by Hibsen
The James Joyce Centre invites you to enjoy a remarkable musical interpretation of James Joyce’s "Dubliners," performed by the Irish folk ensemble Hibsen. On Tuesday, June 11th, at 7:30 pm, Hibsen will present their acclaimed album "The Stern Task of Living," which features a song for each of the 15 stories in "Dubliners." Hibsen, formed by artists Jim Murphy and Gráinne Hunt, launched the album at the Bloomsday Festival 2023. Tickets are €20 per person. Visit the event's website here.
Bloomsday in Derry & Donegal
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June 13 - 17
YES
"YES" is part of the Ulysses European Odyssey (UEO) 2022-2024, held in Derry and north-east Donegal. This event celebrates the 100th anniversary of James Joyce's "Ulysses" with a unique focus on women artists. Over 30 female artists from 16 countries will present 40 events, including dance, music, literature, and public art. The festival runs from June 13-17, 2024, and showcases the significant contributions of women to the arts and culture. Visit the event's website here.Location: Derry & north-east Donegal