Dublin pubs feature prominently in Joyce’s ‘Ulysses’, and some of them are getting in on the celebrations by hosting breakfast mornings, readings, live music, and offering some themed food and drinks.
Kennedy’s, Westland Row
Kennedy’s on Westland Row will, once again, be hosting a Bloomsday breakfast from 10am. It’s the full calypso breakfast, including liver and kidneys. There will be readings from Ulysses, including Molly Blooms soliloquy, and live music.
The Church
The Church on Mary Street are getting in on the celebratory action and will be serving up a specially made cocktail, ‘The Glasnevin Shuffle’, which is €10. They’re also doing a gorgonzola sandwich and glass of burgundy for €12.
Hedigan’s, Glasnevin
Hedigan’s Brian Boru in Glasnevin will be hosting a Bloomsday breakfast from 9.30-11am, followed by readings from Ulysses by Joycean Val O’Donnell.
Davy Byrne’s
Davy Byrne’s features very prominently in Ulysses. Described in detail is the character of this ‘moral pub’ and the gorgonzola sandwich and glass of burgundy. Both of these will be available on the day. There’s sure to be a huge buzz around on the day, with the crowds gathering for readings and live music
Bull and Castle and Ryan’s
Both the Bull and Castle and Ryan’s on Parkgate Street are owned by the Buckley family, who have owned the F.X. Buckley butchers for several generations. It is from Buckley’s that Leopold Bloom got his kidneys. They celebrate this Bloomsday connection by offering a complimentary kidney taster and Joyce aperitif cocktail with each main course on the day.
The Bailey
The Bailey has, since the days under Jon Ryan, had a great literary tradition and connection. They and Davy Byrnes on Duke Street are always at the heart of the celebrations. They give out free Bloomsday straw hats that you will see people wearing all around town.
Neary’s
Neary’s on Chatham Street are celebrating by adding a new food item. Here’s what they say on their facebook page:
‘Ladies and gentlemen It’s blooms day this Friday 16th June and to celebrate we at NEARY’S are offering our guests oysters.. All this week oysters will be available on our lunch menu, 1/2 Doz oyster and brown Irish soda bread for €12 1/2 Doz and Pint €15… This is the brain food of James Joyce while he wrote Ulysses and the lead in the pencil of Leopold Bloom whilst he was in ringend. No need to thank us ladies, your welcome.’
Here’s some of the pubs that we know to have been mentioned in Ulysses. You could just a pint in one of these.
- Davy Byrnes
- The Bleeding Horse
- The Malt
- Kennedy’s Westland Row
- Mulligans
- The International
