Bloomsday, a celebration of James Joyce’s iconic novel Ulysses, is a vibrant event that takes place annually in Dublin, Ireland. On the 16th of June, literary enthusiasts, locals, and tourists gather to commemorate the day on which the events of Ulysses unfold. Bloomsday offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s rich literary history and experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of Dublin in the early 20th century. If you’re planning to visit Dublin in 2023, here are some exciting ideas on how to make the most of Bloomsday.

1. Attend the Official Bloomsday Celebrations: Start your Bloomsday experience by joining the official festivities. The James Joyce Centre organizes a wide range of events, including guided walking tours, theatrical performances, lectures, and literary readings. These activities will transport you back to the Dublin of 1904, the year in which Ulysses is set, allowing you to retrace the steps of Leopold Bloom and Stephen Dedalus.
2. Explore Dublin’s Literary Gems: Dublin is renowned for its rich literary heritage, and Bloomsday offers an ideal occasion to explore the city’s literary landmarks. Visit the National Library of Ireland, where you can view the original manuscript of Ulysses. Immerse yourself in Joyce’s world by visiting the James Joyce Centre, which houses an extensive collection of his works and personal items. Don’t forget to stop by Sweny’s Pharmacy, mentioned in Ulysses, where you can still purchase lemon soap as mentioned in the novel.
3. Join a Guided Walking Tour: Embark on a guided walking tour that takes you through the iconic streets of Dublin, following in the footsteps of Leopold Bloom and other characters from Ulysses. Professional guides will bring the novel to life, sharing fascinating insights and anecdotes about the places mentioned in the book. Walking tours offer a unique opportunity to see the city from a different perspective and appreciate the intricate connections between literature and the urban landscape.
4. Dress in Edwardian Attire: Immerse yourself in the spirit of Bloomsday by dressing up in Edwardian attire. Many Bloomsday enthusiasts don period costumes, recreating the fashion of the early 20th century. By participating in the dressing tradition, you’ll feel a deeper connection to the characters and the time period in which Ulysses is set. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to capture memorable photos and truly embrace the Bloomsday atmosphere.
5. Indulge in Bloomsday-inspired Food and Drink: Sample the culinary delights that Dublin has to offer by indulging in traditional Irish dishes mentioned in Ulysses. Many restaurants and pubs in the city create special Bloomsday menus featuring dishes like kidney pie, Irish stew, and gorgonzola sandwiches. Sip on a glass of burgundy or enjoy a pint of Guinness while toasting to Leopold Bloom’s famous quote, “Good puzzle would be to cross Dublin without passing a pub.”
6. Attend Literary Readings and Performances: Throughout Bloomsday, various venues across Dublin host literary readings and performances related to Ulysses. These events feature talented actors, writers, and poets who bring the characters and stories to life through dramatic readings and interpretations. Attending these performances adds an extra layer of appreciation to Joyce’s masterpiece and showcases the enduring influence of Ulysses on contemporary literature and culture.

Find out more at Bloomsday Festival 2023 – James Joyce Centre, Dublin, Ireland