Book lovers in Dublin can rejoice as Bloomsday is back on Friday, June 16.
But some people may ask themselves, what is Bloomsday all about? Bloomsday is a celebration of the legendary James Joyce, one of the most prolific Irish writers of all time.
Joyce wrote the book Ulysses, which charts the adventures of two main characters Leopold Bloom and Stephen Dedalus. It is set on a single, but memorable day in Dublin on June 16, 1904, as the two main characters meet odd characters throughout the day.
The book was published in 1922, and Bloomsday was first celebrated in 1954 here in Dublin. A group associated with Envoy, a literary magazine, planned a partial reenactment of Ulysses traveling through Dublin on the 50th anniversary of the day James Joyce set his novel.
Read more: QUIZ: Test your knowledge of renowned Dublin author James Joyce ahead of Bloomsday
Here's everything you need to know about Bloomsday 2023, what it's all about, and what exciting events are taking place in Dublin over the coming days.
When is Bloomsday 2023?
Bloomsday will be officially marked on Friday, 16 June with a host of fun activities and events taking place around Dublin to keep up James Joyce's legacy. According to the James Joyce Centre which was opened in 1996, this year's official festival runs from 12-18 June.
Why do we celebrate Bloomsday?
June 16 is the day depicted in James Joyce's legendary novel Ulysses. The novel chronicles the life and thoughts of Leopold Bloom along with other characters from 8am on June 16 1904 through to the early hours of the following morning.
While Ulysses may not be everyone's cup of tea, it's considered a masterpiece of modern literature. The book also features many of Dublin's most well-known spots like Martello Tower in Sandycove, Glasnevin Cemetery, Sandymount Strand, Clifton School in Dalkey, Princes Street, Grafton Street, the National Library of Ireland, Ormond Hotel, and the Claddagh Ring (formerly Barney Kiernan's) on Little Britain Street.
What events are happening for Bloomsday 2023?
There's plenty of brilliant events happening around Dublin to mark Bloomsday 2023, from reading excerpts from the book, music, a walking tour, and much more.
Here's the full list of events happening in Dublin this week;
James Joyce Walking Tour
If you fancy walking the famous Dublin route featured in James Joyce's Ulysses, there's a brilliant walking tour running from June 12 to June 17.
The tour's stops in the city centre include a visit to Belvedere College where Joyce studied, North Hardwicke Street, the setting of the short story 'The Boarding House', The Gresham Hotel, the setting of the final and most memorable scene of the short story 'The Dead', and the James Joyce Statue on North Earl Street.
The walking tour is 2km and it starts at the James Joyce Centre and tickets are €12 for students and seniors, and it's €15 for adults. For more information visit jamesjoyce.ie
James Joyce-inspired dance experience Go To Blazes
This year will see the return of James Joyce-inspired dance experience in Dublin from June 14-18.
The Irish Times Irish Theatre Award-winning Go To Blazes by David Bolger is back by popular demand for this year's Festival. Presented by CoisCeim Dance Theatre and the Museum of Literature Ireland in Dublin, this multi-sensorial response to Ulysses Episode 4 has earned considerable acclaim from critics and audiences alike.
The CoisCeim tickets will be on a "Pay What You Can" basis, allowing audiences to choose a price that works for them, ranging from €10 – €50. Tickets are on sale now from the official website of the Museum of Literature Ireland here.
A Joycean Evening at Dalkey Castle
Tonight, there's a special Joycean Evening taking place at Dalkey Castle from 8pm.
There will be actors performing extracts from Ulysses, Dubliners , A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man and more. Singers Simon Morgan & Donna Malone will also perform at Dalkey Castley, accompanied by Josh Johnston, in songs that James Joyce sang or which feature in his works.
Refreshments will be served. Tickets cost €22.95. For more information check out Dalkey Castle's website.
Sirens in Bloom exhibition
The James Joyce Centre and Súileir is currently featuring photographer Dublin Tom Lawlor's Sirens in Bloom exhibition as part of the Bloomsday Festival 2023.
The exhibition runs until June 18, and it features exceptional pictures portraying the women in Ulysses with an original and distinctive interpretation. Meanwhile, a photographic book is also available for purchase at the James Joyce Centre and online.
Tickets cost €7 (€5 concession), and the James Joyce Centre is open from 10:30am to 4:30pm, Tuesday to Saturday. For more information visit the James Joyce Centre's website.
Bloomsday at Glasnevin Cemetary: Poor Paddy Dignam!
Glasnevin Cemetery has been celebrating Bloomsday since 2010 and it’s now a firm favourite for Bloomsday pilgrims.
On 16 June 1904, Glasnevin was the venue for the funeral of the fictional Paddy Dignam, attended by Joyce’s protagonist Leopold Bloom in Ulysses. For Bloomsday 2023 on Friday, June 16 there will be a series of events at the cemetery including a Joycean exhibition, a new Ulysses guide, a re-enactment of the "Hades" episode of Ulysses performed by the Joycestagers, and a Joycean tour of the cemetery itself.
At 11am, there's the re-enactment by actors of the funeral procession of Paddy Dignam from the "Hades" episode of Ulysses. Then at 12 noon, there's the Joycean Tour (booking essential) of the heart of the Hibernian necropolis, Glasnevin Cemetery, which has many significant links to Joyce’s life and writing.
At 2pm there's also a special performance of Counterparts, a short story in Dubliner's by James Joyce by Jim Roche. Tour Tickets cost €13 (concessions €11) and it's sure to be a great day out for Joyce fans.
Bloomsday at James Joyce Tower and Museum
The James Joyce Tower and Museum will be hosting a brilliant full day of activities and events to celebrate Bloomsday on Friday, June 16. Here is all the activities scheduled for the day:
- 8am: An Cathaoirlach raises the flag at the Tower with readings by volunteers and visitors.
- 10am: Bryan Murray reading from Telemachus
- 11am: A Guided Tour from Joyce Tower to Glasthule
- 3pm: Readings and songs from Sirens with Morgan Cooke & Karen Kelly.
- 4pm: Druidy Druids recital of Joycean songs including “Bid Adieu”.
- 5pm: Il Coro Italiano di Dublino recital of Joycean songs & Italian arias ‘n folk songs.
For more information on other events taking place in Dublin for Bloomsday 2023 visit www.bloomsdayfestival.ie
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