North Dublin is at the heart of the great writer, James Joyce.
In this small but intensely historical area, are locations in his life and writings, especially the famous novel, Ulysses. (Above : Molly Bloom in the 1967 movie version of the novel).
Author and historian Eamon Delaney brings us on a tour, showing us where the Duke of Wellington got married and where Eamon De Valera lived – real life people who are also characters in Joyce’s works. There are readings throughout.
The tour begins in Phibsborough where Joyce lived with his family, and proceeds down Eccles Street where Leopold and Molly Bloom lived in Ulysses.
On the way, we pass Nelson Street, the setting for Brendan Behan’s play The Hostage and named after the famous British Admiral, about whom Joyce had many jokes.
Above : Lord Wellington and Admiral Nelson.
We go along Dorset Street, where Leopold shops for breakfast, and see Temple Street Church, which features in Ulysses and in the short story The Boarding House.
We go up the North Circular Road, much discussed in Ulysses, and then left at Innishfallen Parade, where Joyce lived with his family, and where his young brother George died.
We go towards the Royal Canal, and face Claude Road, where Joyce’s father lived, and on to Cross Guns Bridge, across which Paddy Dignam’s famous funeral scene passes in Ulysses. We conclude with a powerful reading of this scene – reflecting on life and death.
Above : James Joyce and his daughter, Lucia.
The next tour is on Wednesday, 14 January starting at 11.00 at Phibsborough Library. Duration is about 2 hours and price is 18 euro.
Contact eamondelaney2@gmail.com to book a place, or call 087 9465974. Payment in cash on the day, or via PayPal here :
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