Bloomsday is a unique literary celebration that commemorates James Joyce’s iconic novel Ulysses. The day is named after the main character, Leopold Bloom. The novel follows the life and thoughts of Bloom, Stephen Dedalus, and a host of other characters (real and fictional) on June 16th, 1904.

Bloomsday celebrations come in many different forms, including readings, performances, walking tours, concerts, and even breakfast! People are known to dress up like the characters, following the routes they take, and enjoy dance and song throughout the day in the city. It is a celebration of not just Joyce but of Dublin itself.

Visit the festival website for the full programme. This year’s festival takes place on June 11-16.