1904 – On this date, James Joyce had his first date with Nora Barnacle; ultimately, it became the date on which everything takes place in his masterpiece, Ulysses.

Irish History, , , , , ,

Today is Bloomsday when Leopold Bloom, the main character in James Joyce’s Ulysses takes a long rambling walk around Dublin. Joyce picked this date as it commemorates his first date with his future wife, Nora Barnacle.

Ulysses is wonderful writing and for some, well nigh impossible to read! If you wish to get an idea of what all the fuss is about, listen to an audio recording of Ulysses by Irish actors Jim Norton and Marcella O’Riordan. Ulysses, by Irish actors Jim Norton and Marcella O’Riordan.

Photo: James Joyce with Nora Barnacle in 1909

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