What is Bloomsday?
Written by Ciaran on June 16, 2025 | 0 Comments
June 16th is known as Bloomsday here in Ireland and in literary circles around the globe - but what exactly is Bloomsday, you may wonder?
Bloomsday is a celebration of the life and works of the Irish writer James Joyce. The day takes its name not from some manner of flower but from the protagonist, Leopold Bloom, in Joyce's 1922 classic Ulysses.
A photo of a first edition of the book Ulysses by James Joyce, published by Paris-Shakespeare, 1922. No. 302 of a limited edition of 1000 numbered copies, held by the State Library of New South Wales RB/0131.
Why is Bloomsday June 16th?
All becomes clear for those who have managed to work their way through the 265,000 words that make up this epic and celebrated tome - all of the events of the novel take place on just one day in Dublin: Thursday, 16 June 1904.
That particular date wasn't without importance for the author, either. It reportedly marked Joyce's first date with Nora Barnacle, the author's great love and future wife.
When was the first Bloomsday?
The first historical reference to a "Bloomsday" celebration is from 1924 and comes from Harriet Shaw Weaver, a friend and patron of James Joyce. She wrote a letter to the author letting him know that a small group had gathered in Dublin to celebrate his book and wonderful achievement!
There were also events farther afield with readings in New York and parties in Paris! But the first official Bloomsday celebration in Ireland took place in Dublin in 1954 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the day immortalised in Ulysses.
Attendees of the first Bloomsday in 1954: John Ryan, Anthony Cronin, Brian O'Nolan, Patrick Kavanagh & Tom Joyce (James Joyce's cousin).
Photo Credit: Ryan-Fair Use
What Happens on Bloomsday?
In Ireland, Bloomsday is no longer just one day but rather a near week-long festival filled with readings and reenactments but also food, tours, exhibitions, screenings and plenty of fancy dress!
And just as early celebration's were not confined to Ireland, Bloomsday is a global event with Joyce, Ulysses and Irish literature more broadly celebrated around the world each June. Even the Simpsons got in on the action on their trip to Ireland in a 2009 episode. Bart and Lisa were not fans!
How to mark Bloomsday?
The first and most obvious way is to read the book - though it is much easier said than done. There is also the option to give it a listen, with many podcasts and audiobook versions to choose from. You could also watch one of the many film or TV adaptations.
If you are more at home with Bart and Lisa than a Joycean academic, there are also plenty of other ways to celebrate. You could follow Bloom's lead and be inspired to take a walk around your own home town and see what adventures await you. You could also explore what other Irish literary treats are out there - Vicky asked our team for their recommendations in Notes From Home.
Whether you choose to mark it or not, it is extraordinary that such vibrant and widespread celebrations are growing in size and number more than 100 years after it was both set and written!
Get In Touch
Have a question or something you're not entirely sure about when browsing our pieces? Please reach out. You can send us a note or give us a call—the Dublin workshop is here to make sure that you have a perfect experience from start to finish with My Irish Jeweler.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, to see what's new and upcoming. Join our Email list for early offers and special features.
Ciaran
My Irish Jeweler
Born in Co. Antrim and reared in Dublin, I was fascinated with Gaelic culture from an early age. I suppose it's not surprising given my mother inherited a grá for the Irish language from my grandfather, an Irish school headmaster. And that grá continues! My brother and sister are now Gaelic teachers here in Ireland, my niece is an award winning Irish dancer, and I proudly work to share Irish culture through our Irish and Celtic Jewelry at My Irish Jeweler!
I love researching and reading about the history of Irish design. It's at the core of what we do here at My Irish Jeweler. I find much of it so interesting that I have to share what I find. I hope you enjoy it!
Comments
Ask Gemma
