In mid-June, several members of the JJAO travelled to Ireland to be on hand for various events related to the day in the life of Leopold Bloom and Stephen Dedalus as chronicled in Ulysses. On June 15 they gathered in Phoenix Park to board the buses
The buses took them to the main entrance of Arás an Uachtaráin – home of our gracious hosts, President of Ireland Michael D. and Sabina Higgins. We were ushered into the front hallway with its gallery of past presidents.
In one of the stately rooms, we met with Mr. Joyce himself – actually John Shevlin who welcomes the opportunity to pose as James Joyce.
Out in the gardens a marquee tent and round tables had been erected for food, drink and entertainment.
The entertainment included a play that summarized all 18 episodes of Ulysses as well as singers performing songs referenced by Joyce. The fare included elegant sandwiches and desserts as well as refreshments.
Bloomsday itself – June 16th – found the members following their own itineraries to trace the steps of Stephen and Leopold through various performances and gatherings put on across the city including Davy Byrne’s ‘moral’ pub.
Outside Sweny’s Chemist, people lined up to take their turn inside to purchase a bar of lemon scented soap.
Scenes and excerpts from Ulysses were performed and read from Sandycove’s Martello Tower to Wynne’s hotel. The day wrapped with a music session at the Teachers’ Club in Parnell Square where James Joyce took singing lessons.
