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Bloomsday in Dublin

Has anyone participated in Bloomsday activities in Dublin? Would love any information (walking tours? Book in advance?).

Posted by
31 posts

Bloomsday in Dublin has gone from a one day celebration to an entire week of festivities. My wife and I have been there three times for the celebration. The James Joyce Centre is ground zero for all things Bloomsday. It will have information on walking tours, concerts, plays, readings, and lectures. Davy Byrnes Moral Pub is the party center on Bloomsday complete with Gorgonzola cheese sandwiches and glasses of Burgundy. At Sweeney's Drug Store, my wife and I took part in a reading from Ulysses. There is so much to do, including dressing up in Edwardian costume, that one can't possibly do all of it. I would book a room well in advance.

Posted by
14809 posts

I was in Dublin on Bloomsday during my first trip to Dublin. I wasn't aware of it but it was fun. You will see people dressed in period costume all around the city.

The Davenport hotel is less than one block from both Sweny's pharmacy and Kennedy's pub.

Posted by
470 posts

In 1997, when I visited the James Joyce Centre, I met a relative of the author himself. Joyce's grand-nephew was on the staff. He and I talked for an hour in the coffee shop. I wish I could remember the gentleman's name.

That was 25 years ago, and the grand-nephew would probably be in his 70s or even 80s. However, if one relative was on staff, there might be others.

If you visit during Bloomsday and make it to the James Joyce Centre, you could meet some of his descendants if you ask. The grand-nephew was wonderful.