Bloomsday in Galway: Stories of James Joyce and his muse Nora Barnacle

Join us in celebrating James Joyce and Nora Barnacle love story with a series of special events across Galway City.

Nora Barnacle, Galway-born and forever entwined with the story of James Joyce, was his muse, confidante, and greatest inspiration. Her childhood home, now a private house museum – the smallest museum in Ireland – preserves treasured photographs, personal memorabilia, and excerpts from the passionate correspondence shared between the couple. Through Nora’s story and Galway’s literary heritage, we understand the enduring bond that inspired Joyce’s imagination and shaped some of the most celebrated works of twentieth-century literature.

Join us in celebrating their love stories with a series of special events across Galway City. Dress in your most elegant Edwardian-inspired attire and step into the world of Joyce and Nora. You can also rent/buy your outfit at the best vintage shop in Galway Planet Retro Vintage.

Wander the streets they knew, discover the stories that shaped them, and immerse yourself in a truly Joycean experience inspired by Ulysses.

👒11:00 – 12:30 James Joyce and Nora Barnacle Walking Tour

Galway was Joyce’s second favourite Irish city, and appears either directly or in reference to, in all his works. Explore the relationship of Oliver St John Gogarty (Buck Mulligan) and Galway, Nora Barnacle and her Galway life, Joyce’s visits to Galway (he visited twice), and Galway events and places mentioned in Joycean literature – and why.

Start Location: Pádraic Ó Conaire statue, Eyre Square
End Location: Caprice restaurant, 1 Church Lane

🍔1:00 pm –Ulysses-inspiredBrunch

Location: Caprice Restaurant

Taste some of the popular food mentioned in Ulysses to tap into the world of Leopold Bloom. Edwardian background music and lovely atmosphere await you at Caprice.

🏠11:00 am – 4:00 pm Visit Nora Barnacle House Museum

Location: 8 Bowling Green, 2-minute walk from Caprice restaurant.

This event is supported by the Wild Atlantic Way and the James Joyce Centre.