Today is Bloomsday but what is it?
Bloomsday, named after the book's protagonist Leopold Bloom, sees people dress as characters from the book, act out parts of the story and retrace the characters' journey across Dublin.
Here's everything you need to know about Bloomsday.
James Joyce and Ulysses
Bloomsday celebrates the life of James Joyce and his most well-known book, Ulysses. Joyce is considered one of the most important literary figures of the 20th century.
He was born in 1882 in Rathgar, Dublin. Studying English, Italian and French in UCD, he went on to write many books.
In Ulysses, we follow the protagonist Leopold Bloom as he meanders through Dublin during the course of an ordinary day, June 16, 1904. James Joyce in 1930. Pic:GettyImages Bloomsday
The first Bloomsday celebration took place in 1954, the 50th anniversary of the book's events. Since then, year after year, people have organised a festival to commemorate the book and June 16 became known as Bloomsday.
Public readings and reenactments are common throughout the city, especially at locations featured in the book. James Joyce lookalikes during a world record attempt for the largest gathering of James Joyces lookalikes in one location as part of Bloomsday celebrations in 2013, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin. Pic:Collins
One popular activity people undertake is to retrace Leopold Bloom's journey through Dublin city.
The journey starts in Sandycove and finishes on Eccles Street, right behind the Mater Hospital. John Shevlin dressed as James Joyce during Blomsday celebrations in 2013 at the James Joyce Centre, Dublin. Pic: Collins
People would visit all the famous landmarks from the book along the way, many of which are still around, like Davy Byrne's pub.
Some die-hard fans have also undertaken a marathon reading of the book, lasting as long as 36 hours! Atmosphere at 'A Bloomsday Breakfast in Bryant Park', the part of 'Imagine Ireland', Culture Ireland's Year of Irish Arts in America in 2011 on June 16, 2011 in New York City. Pic:GettyImages
Bloomsdayfestival.ie and the James Joyce Tower and Museum organise a range of activities for this time of the year.
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