June 16, 1904

Historically known as Bloomsday, June 16, 1904 marks the day during which all of Joyce’s Ulysses takes place. Joyce chose the date as a way to commemorate his first date with Nora Barnacle. “Bloomsday” was not established until 1954, on the 50th anniversary of the book’s events. In Dublin, several people dress in costume and retrace Leopold Bloom’s route through Dublin. Landmarks, like Davey Byrne’s pub are visited. Readings of the book are also a common event of the day.