Offaly groups celebrate Bloomsday in Tullamore

Local groups came together in Tullamore this week to celebrate Bloomsday, the annual literary event honouring the life and work of Irish writer James Joyce.

Esker Arts and Tullamore Amateur Dramatic Society hosted a special gathering at the Bridge House Hotel on Tuesday, June 16.

Bloomsday commemorates the events depicted in Joyce’s landmark 1922 novel Ulysses.

The novel is set entirely in Dublin on June 16, 1904, following the journey of its central character, Leopold Bloom.

Festivities typically include dramatic readings, walking tours, traditional breakfasts and participants dressed in Edwardian-era costume.

Readings on the day were complemented by music from Aoise O'Dwyer, whose evocative melodies connected readings, echoing the rhythms and romance of Joyce’s Dublin.

Following the Tullamore event, the Bridge House Hotel praised those involved in making the celebration a success.

“A fantastic evening celebrating the words, wit and music of James Joyce, and it was a pleasure to host the group afterwards,” the hotel said.

The venue also thanked everyone who took part and congratulated organisers on what it described as a highly successful event.