Top 10 Facts about James Joyce

By Go City Expert
Published: July 18, 2024

Want to learn some interesting facts about James Joyce? You’ve come to the right place!

Born in Dublin in 1882, Joyce was one of Ireland’s most influential and celebrated authors. Best known for Ulysses, published in 1922, he combined different literary techniques in one landmark novel that is considered one of the most difficult to read in the English language. The team here at the Dublin Pass have put together their own selection of favourite facts about James Joyce:

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1. Bloomsday celebrations take place every year on June 16. The day is named after Leopold Bloom, the chief protagonist from Ulysses, and events take place on the same day as the events of the book itself. Think people in Edwardian dress and marathon reading sessions.

2. What’s so special about June 16? It’s the day that Joyce had his first date with wife-to-be Nora Barnacle. Poets Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath later chose June 16th as their wedding day in tribute to the novel.

3. Joyce’s works were forbidden in China under Mao, as he was considered decadent and bourgeois. However, Finnegans Wake became an unexpected bestseller in 2013 and Ulysses has also enjoyed Chinese success.

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4. Ulysses has inspired the songs “Breathe” by U2 and Kate Bush’s “Flower of the Mountain”.

5. British war censors, who read a serialised version of Ulysses before the main publication date, apparently thought that it was a spy code, as the text was so bewildering.

6. Physicist Murray Gell-Mann read the word ‘quark’ Joyce’s novel Finnegans Wake and liked it so much, he proposed it as the name of the particle in the 1960s. (The word hadn’t previously existed in English, although quark cheese had of course been around in different parts of Europe for a while.)

7. James Joyce was a famous polyglot. As well as learning Norwegian as a teenager in order to read Henrik Ibsen’s work in its original language, he studied French at university and spoke Italian with his children. He also studied Irish, German, Greek, Hebrew, Russian, Finnish, Polish and possibly other languages too.

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8. The first edition of Ulysses had a print run of only 1,000 copies. In 2009, one of these copies sold at auction for £275,000.

9. Molly’s monologue in Ulysses consists of 4,391 words. However, it no longer holds the record of ‘longest sentence in the English language’ – Jonathan Coe’s novel, The Rotters’ Club, has one with 13,955 words!

10. Joyce died in Zurich in 1941. His final words are said to have been “Does nobody understand?”. You can find out more fascinating facts about Joyce at the James Joyce Centre in Dublin, with organised events, exhibitions and literary walking tours. Alternatively, why not check out his books at your local library? "There is no past, no future; everything flows in an eternal present." James Joyce

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Bronze statue of Molly Malone in Dublin city center.
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3 Days in Dublin

Steeped in a history and heritage that takes in the Anglo Saxons, the Vikings and many towering titans of 20th-century literature, Dublin is one of those cities that screams ‘Culture’ with a capital ‘C’. Galleries, gardens and Guinness; castles, cathedrals and craic – Dublin has enough thrilling things to do to keep even the most jaded sightseer happy for days at a time. Dublin is also an eminently walkable city, with a compact center and relatively flat (if occasionally cobbled) terrain. But don’t let that stop you getting your bearings on a hop-on hop-off bus tour. As well as preserving your feet for bar-hopping in the evening, the tour comes with live commentary that’s full of blarney, and calls at an epic 23 (count em!) Dublin landmarks, including the castle, St Stephen’s Green, Kilmainham Gaol and the Jameson Distillery, to name just a few. Our guide picks out some of the best of these and wrangles them into an almost-manageable itinerary for your three days in Dublin. Dive in for our top recommendations, including: Dublin Castle Christ Church Cathedral The Molly Malone Statue The Book of Kells St Stephen’s Green Temple Bar Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship The Guinness Storehouse Day 1: Historic Dublin Our recommended first stop (whether exploring by bus or on foot) is Trinity College, the esteemed 16th-century Dublin seat of learning which counts such literary legends as Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, Jonathan Swift and Bram Stoker among its alumni. Guided tours of Ireland’s oldest university give you the lowdown on these and other famous students as you stroll its leafy, cobbled squares and admire grand neoclassical buildings including the Campanile (pictured), Provost’s House and Chapel. Step inside the ornate Museum Building to admire its soaring marble columns, domed central hall and extraordinary carvings. On encountering the towering shelves of the Old Library’s atmospheric Long Room for the first time, you might be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped straight into the pages of a Harry Potter novel. It’s here that you can observe the Book of Kells, a remarkable ninth-century manuscript that details the four gospels of the life of Christ and is the undisputed star of the Trinity College show. No trip to Dublin would be complete without snagging that all-important selfie by the bronze statue of sweet Molly Malone, fictional star of the old ‘Cockles and Mussels’ ballad, as she hawks her wares along Suffolk Street. We challenge you not to find yourself humming the tune to yourself as you head onto Grafton Street. This is Ireland’s premier shopping street, a pedestrianized cornucopia of capitalism that’s chock full of big-brand stores, plus dozens of bars and restaurants at which to pause for refreshment and watch the buskers and street performers. You never know, you might even spot Ireland’s next megastar – musicians including Damien Rice and Bono started their careers right here. After lunch, leave Grafton’s carnival atmosphere behind and make for nearby St Stephen’s Green, an idyllic Victorian oasis of manicured gardens, vibrant flower beds, and all manner of monuments and sculptures. Look out for Henry Moore’s abstract memorial to W.B. Yeats and the imposing bust of James Joyce and. You could even go full Dublin immersion mode and finally get around to tackling Ulysses (or at least a few pages of it) in a quiet spot by the duck pond. If you’re not yet all sightseeing-ed out, you might also consider squeezing in one of the nearby museums, among them the mighty National Gallery, Irish Whiskey Museum and Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA). But you came here for the craic as well as the culture, right? In which case, get ready for an evening of rabble-rousing Irish entertainment in the cobbled lanes of the Temple Bar district. The most iconic pub here is the Temple Bar itself, with it’s distinctive red facade, colorful hanging baskets and live bands. But really there are dozens of typical Irish bars to choose from here. We recommend bar-hopping to find the best craic, with an occasional dram of whiskey and/or pint of Guinness to keep your energy levels up! Day 3: Medieval Dublin and Mmmmore Guinness We’re going to take it a little more easy with a trip to Dublin’s medieval quarter on day two. And, yes, there will be more Guinness in the evening. But first up is 13th-century Dublin Castle, with its sumptuous state apartments, ancient Viking defenses, and beautiful castle gardens. Once home to the dark tidal pool (Dubh Linn) from which the city takes its name, the gardens now form an ornamental oasis perfect for strolling or simply watching the world go by. You’ll also want to make a pilgrimage to Christ Church Cathedral, the city’s oldest building at nearly 1,000 years young. There’s loads to see and do inside this medieval gothic masterpiece. Seek out the crypt with its ancient memorials and mummified cat and rat, immortalized in Joyce’s Finnegan’s Wake. Admire the vaulted ceilings and soaring stained glass windows, and pay your respects at the final resting place of Richard de Clare, 2nd Earl of Pembroke aka Strongbow. You can even view a rare copy of the Magna Carta and the heart of 12th-century saint Laurence O’Toole. Fascinating stuff. Cathedral fanatics can continue their religious experience at nearby St Patrick’s, named for Ireland’s legendary snake-hater. Or pop just next door to Dublinia where you can travel back in time to get a taste of what Dublin life was like in Viking and medieval times. Alternatively, having whet your appetite for Temple Bar last night (how’s the head, by the way?) it’s worth returning to for a mooch around its many independent shops, cute cafés and cool galleries. You were promised Guinness, so Guinness you shall now have. Hit up the Guinness Storehouse for your fix of the black stuff, accompanied by 360-degree views of the city from its 7th-floor Gravity Bar. You can also stock up on cans in the shop, where other souvenirs of your visit include Guinness coffee, Guinness cookbooks and Guinness apparel. Day 3: Immerse Yourself in Irish Culture On your final day in Dublin, it’s time to fully immerse in the city’s rich culture. And no, we don’t mean more Guinness. Today is the day to stop by one of the museums or tours you missed along the way. The National Gallery, with its extensive collection of art spanning the last seven centuries, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Caravaggio, Goya and several Irish artists, is particularly good. Then there’s the Irish Whisky Museum – great for understanding Ireland’s long-standing relationship with the hard stuff – and the Jameson Distillery, great for sampling it for yourself. Join a literary walking tour that takes in the Dublin Writers Museum, Gutter Bookshop and a cozy pub like Toners, once frequented by Joyce, Stoker and Patrick Kavanagh. Looking for something a little less... highbrow? Visit King’s Landing and Winterfell and go beyond the wall on this studio tour of some of Game of Thrones’ most iconic locations. If you really want to get under the skin of Irish culture, we’d suggest choosing just one of these and pairing it with a visit to the aptly named EPIC Irish Emigration Museum and Jeanie Johnston Tallship. Between them these two fascinating museums peer deep inside Ireland’s soul. Go on a moving and revealing journey through Irish identity and heritage at EPIC and discover the tallship’s critical role in helping thousands of desperate people flee the Great Famine in search of a better life in North America. Save on things to do in Dublin Save on admission to Dublin attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
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Things to do in Dublin when it rains

Rainy Day Rescues: Dublin's Best Indoor Activities to Brighten Your Day by Mia Russell Ireland's vibrant and welcoming capital is a city that effortlessly marries rich history with modern charm. Its cobbled streets echo with tales of literary legends, its pubs resonate with the sounds of traditional music, and its cultural scene captivates art and history enthusiasts alike. With iconic landmarks like Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse, and the Temple Bar district, Dublin beckons travelers from around the world with a promise of unforgettable experiences. But what happens when the famously unpredictable Irish weather bestows a rainy day during your Dublin visit? Fret not; Dublin has a wealth of indoor activities and cozy hideaways that transform a rainy day into an opportunity for exploration and relaxation. So, grab your umbrella, slip on your raincoat, and dive into Dublin's rainy-day adventures. Raise a Glass at the Guinness Storehouse What better way to escape a rainy day than with a pint of Guinness? Use your pass to take a tour of the world-famous Guinness Storehouse and learn about the history and craft of Ireland's most iconic beer. Enjoy a pint in the Gravity Bar with panoramic views of the city, rain or shine. Located in St James's Gate Brewery, the Guinness Storehouse is a seven-story visitor experience and a tribute to Ireland's most famous export – Guinness stout. The brewery itself has a history dating back to 1759, when Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease for the property. Today, it's an essential stop for anyone seeking to explore Dublin's heritage and indulge in the art of brewing. Attractions and Activities: The Guinness Story: Begin your journey on the ground floor with a history lesson. Learn about the ingredients, brewing process, and the man behind the brand, Arthur Guinness, in a fascinating multimedia exhibition. Gravity Bar: Make your way up to the Gravity Bar on the seventh floor for panoramic views of Dublin. Rain or shine, the vistas of the city are breathtaking. It's the perfect spot to savor a complimentary pint of Guinness, freshly poured, and appreciate the cityscape. The Tasting Rooms: Explore the tasting rooms and discover the diverse flavors of Guinness. You will learn how to savor and appreciate the distinct tastes of this world-renowned stout. Interactive Experiences: The Guinness Storehouse is brimming with interactive experiences, from pouring the perfect pint to learning how to craft a Guinness cocktail. Head to the Guinness Storehouse on a rainy day to uncover the secrets of this iconic brew, savor its flavors, and toast to the charm of a city that shines even when the skies are gray. Sláinte! Delve into Dublin's History at Dublinia Journey back in time with an immersive historical experience at Dublinia. Nestled in the heart of Dublin's historic city center, Dublinia is a unique attraction that delves into the medieval history of the Irish capital. Dublinia's core focus is on medieval Dublin, offering an interactive journey through the city's past. Use your pass to enjoy free entry to Dublinia. Explore the Viking and medieval periods with lifelike exhibitions and hands-on displays. Attractions and Activities: Viking Dublin: Begin your journey by stepping into a Viking warrior's home, complete with authentic artifacts. Discover the tale of the Viking settlement of Dubh Linn (Dublin) and its impact on the city's development. Medieval Dublin: Continue exploring the medieval era, where you can stroll through a medieval street, visit a medieval merchant's house, and learn about trade, crafts, and everyday life. Medieval Games: Get hands-on with history by playing medieval games and dressing up in period clothing. It is a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Let Dublinia transport you to a time when Vikings roamed the streets, and knights defended the city. It is an engaging and educational adventure that will make your rainy day in Dublin memorable. Go Gallery-Hopping at These Rainy Day Havens for Art Lovers Dublin's galleries often provide insights into Ireland's cultural heritage and contemporary art scene. They are not only refuges from the rain but also gateways to a world of creativity, beauty, and history. Dublin's galleries often provide insights into Ireland's cultural heritage and contemporary art scene. Engage with the art and gain a deeper understanding of Irish culture. So, when Dublin's skies weep, let these art galleries be your haven for inspiration and discovery. National Gallery of Ireland: Located in the heart of Dublin on Merrion Square West, this gallery houses an extensive collection of European and Irish art, spanning centuries. Use your pass to enjoy free entry to the gallery along with a complimentary guidebook. Admire works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Caravaggio, and Goya and a renowned collection of Irish paintings dating from the 17th to the 20th centuries. Hugh Lane Gallery: Situated on Parnell Square North, this gallery features modern and contemporary art and the relocated studio of Irish artist Francis Bacon. IMMA (Irish Museum of Modern Art): Nestled within the historic surroundings of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, affectionately known as IMMA, is a cultural gem. The gallery’s collection spans a wide range of contemporary and modern art, featuring works by Irish and international artists. Use your pass to enjoy complimentary admission to the IMMA (Irish Museum of Modern Art) and discounts in the IMMA shop. Meander Around Dublin’s Museums When Dublin's famous drizzle descends and umbrellas fill the streets, do not let the weather dampen your spirits. Embrace the opportunity to explore Dublin's rich cultural heritage by visiting its world-class museums. National Museum of Ireland: Nestled in the heart of Dublin's bustling city center, the National Museum of Ireland stands as a guardian of the nation's history, culture, and archaeological treasures. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply seeking refuge from the rain, this museum is a must-visit destination. National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology: Use your pass to step into the hallowed halls of the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, and you will find yourself on a captivating journey through Ireland's ancient past. Located on Kildare Street in Dublin, this museum is a treasure trove of historical artifacts and archaeological wonders. National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History: Nestled within the historic Collins Barracks, the National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History beckons visitors to explore Ireland's rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship. Rainy days become the perfect excuse to immerse yourself in this treasure trove of decorative arts and history. Use your pass for free entry and a complimentary National Museum of Ireland Decorative Arts & History Guidebook. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: In the heart of Dublin's Docklands, where tales of emigration and triumph abound, stands EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. This captivating museum is a tribute to the Irish diaspora, highlighting the incredible journeys and contributions of the Irish people across the globe. Use your pass for free admission to the museum and a discount in the gift shop. National Print Museum: Nestled within the historic Garrison Chapel in Dublin's Beggars Bush, the National Print Museum Ireland is a hidden gem for enthusiasts of typography, design, and the enduring craft of printing. Regardless of the weather outside, this museum promises a captivating journey into the world of printing. Use your pass to enjoy a National Print Museum – Guided Historical Tour Chester Beatty : Nestled within the heart of Dublin Castle, the Chester Beatty is a remarkable museum that beckons visitors to embark on a transcendent journey through the world's diverse cultures and artistic traditions. The museum houses a world-class collection of manuscripts, rare books, paintings, prints, and decorative arts from cultures spanning Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. On a rainy day in Dublin, let the city's museums be your sheltered havens of exploration and discovery. As the rain taps on the windows, you'll find inspiration, history, and culture waiting within, ready to turn a drizzly day into an enriching experience. Top Tips for Visiting Dublin on a Rainy Ray: Visiting Dublin on a rainy day can still be a delightful experience if you are well-prepared. Here are some top tips to make the most of your rainy-day adventure in the Irish capital: Pack the Right Gear: An umbrella: A reliable, wind-resistant umbrella is a must. Dublin's rain can be unpredictable, so it is better to be prepared. Waterproof clothing: A good raincoat or waterproof jacket with a hood will keep you dry and comfortable. Check Weather Updates: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and radar updates to plan your activities accordingly. Indulge in Comfort Food: Treat yourself to traditional Irish comfort food. Warm dishes like Irish stew, shepherd's pie, or a bowl of seafood chowder can be incredibly satisfying on rainy days. Stay Patient: Dubliners are used to rainy days, and life goes on as usual. Embrace the Irish spirit, and do not let a bit of rain dampen your mood. Remember that rain is part of Dublin's charm and often adds to the city's cozy atmosphere. With the proper preparations and a positive attitude, you can enjoy your rainy day in Dublin to the fullest!
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Famous Irish Historical Figures

Meet the famous Irish historical figures who shaped a nation Ireland is renowned for many things - its rich culture, global citizens and so on - and a lot of that comes down to the Irish people. Meet some of Ireland's most famous Irish historical figures and learn more about their stories at EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum below. James Joyce Ireland has birthed some of the world's most adventurous and accomplished literary figures and James Joyce definitely fits the bill. Best known for A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man and Ulysses, his modernist works were truly experimental and while controversial at the time, his writing (spanning novels, short stories, poetry and more) is now held up as some of Ireland's best. Just don't ask us to explain it to you. Oscar Wilde The original dandy, Oscar Wilde was one of the world's first rockstar writers with a colourful personality and even more colourful writing (but only just). He didn't hang around in Ireland for long, drawn to vibrancy of cities like London and Paris, and his works like The Importance of Being Earnest and The Picture of Dorian Gray skyrocketed him to fame. While his life had its incredible ups, it also had pretty harrowing downs and he was was outed as a homosexual after a particularly harrowing and public trial, for which he was arrested and changed the course of his life and writing forever. John F. Kennedy John F. Kennedy, or J.F.K. as he's perhaps better known, was the first Irish-Catholic man to become the American president. Back in the 1900s, his family did as many other Irish families did and migrated to the US from western Ireland to escape the famine and made Boston their new home. He was president during one of the tensest periods of modern American history - the Cold War - and was publicly assassinated during a procession in Dallas, to the horror of people all over the world. Constance Markievicz An unlikely revolutionary hero in the 1916 uprising, Constance Markievicz was born in London and raised on a wealthy Anglo-Irish estate in Sligo. However, she soon identified with Irish nationalism and played a major role in the Irish Citizen Army. She fought at St. Stephen's Green in 1916 and fought on the Republican side in the Irish Civil War, eventually becoming the Minister for Labour in the first Irish government, making her only the second woman in Europe to have a government ministerial role. Ernest Shackleton Ernest Shackleton, a resident of Kildare, left Ireland behind for even colder climates in the early 20th century to launch a highly ambitious (and dangerous) Antarctic expedition.Over the course of his life, he travelled there four times in a number of unfortunate journeys in which he grew gravely ill, was shipwrecked and wrote long detailed logs of his journey. While he wasn't the first to make it to the South Pole (a Norwegian explorer just edged him out of that glory), his dramatic tales of survival against all odds enamoured public imagination. George Bernard Shaw A Nobel Prize winning playwright born in Dublin on 26 July 1856, George Bernard Shaw was an Irish/British playwright and political activist whose influence on theatre, culture and politics extended through his lifetime and beyond. Best known for his play Pygmalion, which was famously adapated for stage and screen with actresses Julie Andrews and Audrey Hepburn bringing the Eliza Doolittle character to life, Bernard Shaw wrote more than 60 plays in his lifetime. He has been rated a second only to William Shakespeare among many English-language dramatists given his extensive influence on subsequent generations of playwrights. St Patrick Whatever your religious affiliations, there's no denying that St Patrick is probably the most iconic figure in Irish history. While he was technically Welsh, he was enslaved in Ireland and later became a Christian missionary that changed the course of Irish culture forever. Numerous myths surround him including tales of how he chased all the snakes out of Ireland and baptised many at a well where St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin now stands. And of course, he's the patron saint of Ireland and celebratory figure behind the most Irish of holidays - St Paddy's Day. Bram Stoker Best known for his 1897 Gothic novel Dracula, Bram Stoker was born in Dublin on 8 November 1847. His popular novel paved the way for gothic lore and horror in popular culture and in his lifetime he wrote 12 novels as well as collections of short stories. A freelance contributor to The Daily Telegraph in his earlier career, he was also known as the business manager to the actor Henry Irving of the Lyceum Theatre in London. A lifelong lover of art, he founded the Dublin Sketching Club in 1874 and became friends with fellow Irish writers Oscar Wilde and William Butler Yeats.
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