June 16 marks Bloomsday, the annual commemoration and celebration of the life of Irish writer James Joyce, observed on the day his 1922 novel Ulysses takes place in 1904.
Named after the book's protagonist Leopold Bloom, the celebrations have evolved into a full festival (albeit a virtual one this year).
However, if you just want to quietly observe the day without too much fuss, you could do worse than raise a glass to Joyce in one of the many watering holes mentioned in the tome.
Many of them are still standing and while the names, décor and management may have changed, the links to Joyce remain strong.
Obviously, you can only enjoy a beverage outdoors at the moment but if you want to mark the day here are a few pubs you should check out.
Davy Byrne’s, 21 Duke Street, Dublin 2
This pub is widely regarded as the ultimate Joycean watering hole. In Ulysses, Leopold Bloom famously stops in and orders a glass of burgundy and a Gorgonzola sandwich.
It’s changed a lot since 1904 and contains virtually none of the characteristics it did then but it has become a go-to for tourists keen to soak up some of that Joycean atmosphere - and the bar totally embraces it.
Even though only outdoor service is allowed at the moment, bosses are marking the day and took to Facebook on Tuesday to announce: “BLOOMSDAY is tomorrow and we will have a few special guests lined up to help us celebrate this marvellous day.
"Things will kick off from 12 noon here at Davy Byrnes. Come on by, grab a hat and a glass of Burgundy.
"We will also have some prizes to give out for those who are best dressed for the occasion.”
The International Bar, 23 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2
The world-famous The International is better known for its links to Irish comedy these days, but in 1904 it was known as Ruggy O’Donohoe’s and while Leopold doesn’t enjoy a drink there it is mentioned in episode 10 of the book.
It is also one of Dublin’s original Victorian pubs and retains a similar aesthetic to that which it would have had in the era.
It has even played host to the stage production Strolling Through Ulysses written and performed by Robert Gogan. It is currently open for outdoor drinking.
The Oval Bar, Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1
The Oval has changed a lot since its mention in Ulysses in a conversation between the professor and Myles Crawford.
It was destroyed during the 1916 Rising so none of the original fittings remain. However, the pub was rebuilt and it still has the same olde worlde charm that it would have had at the beginning of the 20th century.
It is currently open for outdoor drinks and claims to serve the best pint of Guinness in Dublin.
J. & M. Cleary, 36 Amiens St, Mountjoy, Dublin 1
While Cleary’s is most famous for its links to Michael Collins, it does get a mention in episode 16 of Ulysses.
Back then it was known as The Signal House and it still retains a classic charm although it has changed a bit since 1904. Unfortunately, is has no outdoor facilities so you will be unable to visit it this year for a Bloomsday drink.
Kennedy’s 30-32 Westland Row, Dublin 1
This pub gets a mention in episode five, under its former name Conway’s, when Bloom meets M’Coy.
In the past, the venue has celebrated its Joycean legacy by hosting a Bloomsday Breakfast but unfortunately that is off the menu this year as they has no outdoor space so is unable to open.
