Dublin Cemeteries Trust has announced the return of its annual Bloomsday celebrations at Glasnevin Cemetery on Tuesday, June 16, featuring a special guided Bloomsday tour and the acclaimed re-enactment of the “Hades” chapter from James Joyce’s Ulysses by the JoyceStagers.
Glasnevin Cemetery occupies an important place in Irish literary history.
On 16 June 1904 (the single day on which the events in Ulysses unfold) Leopold Bloom attends the funeral of Paddy Dignam in the novel’s celebrated “Hades” episode.
The funeral procession to Glasnevin Cemetery forms one of the most memorable chapters in Joyce’s masterpiece and offers readers a vivid portrait of Dublin life, death and society at the turn of the twentieth century.
Historian and Archives Manager at Dublin Cemeteries Trust, Dr Brian Casey said:
“Glasnevin Cemetery is woven into the fabric of Joyce’s Ulysses and the story of Dublin itself.
“There are more than 150 real-life Dubliners buried here who are mentioned throughout the novel, making Glasnevin an essential part of the wider Bloomsday story and celebrations.
“Bloomsday offers a unique opportunity to experience the city through Joyce’s eyes and to explore the remarkable connections between literature, history and the people commemorated here.
“We are delighted to continue this tradition alongside the JoyceStagers and welcome visitors from Ireland and around the world to celebrate Bloomsday with us.”
Since 2010, the JoyceStagers have presented ‘The Funeral of Paddy Dignam’ at Glasnevin Cemetery.
Their adaptation of the sixth episode of Ulysses has become a highlight of Bloomsday, attracting audiences from Ireland and abroad.
Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the famous funeral procession and “eavesdrop” on the conversations between Leopold Bloom and fellow mourners as they travel by carriage to Paddy Dignam’s grave.
The performance captures Bloom’s perceptive observations and outsider perspective, which begin to emerge during this pivotal chapter of the novel.
Later in the episode, Bloom reflects among the graves of Glasnevin Cemetery on the connection between the living and the dead, in one of Joyce’s most memorable passages:
“How many. All these here once walked round Dublin. Faithful departed. As you are now so once were we.”
Following the JoyceStagers performance at 11am, visitors can join a special guided Bloomsday tour of the cemetery at 12pm, visiting graves and locations associated with the “Hades” chapter, James Joyce’s life, and many of the historical figures referenced throughout Ulysses.
Dublin Cemeteries Trust is delighted to continue celebrating Bloomsday as part of Ireland’s rich literary heritage and to welcome Joyce enthusiasts, Dubliners, and visitors from around the world to this special annual event.
For more information about Dublin Cemeteries Trust visit www.dctrust.ie