As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the publication of James Joyce’s magnum opus Ulysses it is nice to remember that day in 1904, by walking in his footsteps and visiting places that Leopold Bloom saw on his walk.
Explore James Joyce’s Dublin – Five Things to See and Do
James Joyce Centre
The James Joyce Centre at 35 North Great George’s Street is a great starting point. This museum is a labour of love, and hosts exhibitions talks, and walks. The door from No. 7 Eccles Street, Leopold Bloom’s house is here. It did spend some years on a landing of the Bailey Pub on Duke Street.
Davy Bryne’s Moral Pub
Davy Byrne’s was and is a popular pub with the literary set and one where Joyce used to drink and was also mentioned in Ulysses. Recent research by UCD’s, Frank Bouchier-Hayes, revealed Joyce’s favourite drink was brandy with orange Curaçao. You can expect to see it on the cocktail menu in Davy Byrne’s. Joyce was known to enjoy a drink in the Oval Bar on Middle Abbey Street and Kennedy’s on Westland Row (formerly Conway’s). I would suggest visiting the Joyce house, but as he lived in more than 15 addresses from Phibsborough to Bray, it might be a bit tiring.
Books Upstairs
This peripatetic independent bookshop is now on D’Olier Street, passing through a number of addresses over the year. It stocks new and second editions of Joyce’s work and the knowledgeable staff is always happy to advise. There is a café where you can peruse your purchases. Books Upstairs, D’Olier Street, Dublin 2.
Museum of Literature Ireland (the MoLI)
The recent addition to the museums of Dublin is the place to put James Joyce and Ulysses100 into context. One of the exhibitions is the story of the Joyce family, James, Nora, Giorgio, Lucia, and the grandson, Stephen. There is an exhibition curated by Nuala O’Connor, Love, Says Bloom until July 3. The MoLI is also a good place to keep in touch with events planned during Ulysses100.ie.
Bloom’s Day
The story of Leopold Bloom in Ulysses is about his journey through the city on one fine day on June 16th, 1904. Bloom’s Day as it has become known is recreated around the city and the country with various events and people dressing up. For some years the Irish Youth Federation has been doing a cycle ride around the city, with cyclists dressed in costumes from 1904. It is a great day out and a fundraiser for this important service. The plans for Blooms Day 2022 are in the early days yet but check in here to see what is coming up.
Characters including the Lord Mayor of Dublin celebrating Bloom’s Day in 2014