Dublin, Ireland — The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has launched ‘Bloomsday & Beyond – Celebrating Ireland, Island of Writers,’ an expanded international cultural programme marking Ireland’s literary legacy—from James Joyce to a new generation of Irish authors, poets, and playwrights.
This year’s initiative sees over 60 Irish Embassies and Consulates worldwide hosting literary events and activities that highlight the diversity and global appeal of Irish writing. The programme builds on the traditional Bloomsday celebrations by embracing a broader spectrum of Irish literary voices, past and present.
To extend the reach of Irish literature to new global audiences, the Department is coordinating the distribution of thousands of Irish-authored books, translated into more than 20 languages. These books will be shared in partnership with libraries, schools, universities, NGOs, bookshops, cultural institutions, media outlets, and public spaces in host countries.
A Global Showcase of Irish Storytelling
The programme includes a specially commissioned short film featuring writers and readers from Indonesia, India, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Mexico, France, Canada, and China, who reflect on their favourite Irish authors and the resonance of Irish literature within their own cultures.
The digital launch of Joyce: A Global Odyssey—a collaborative exhibition by the Department and the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI)—also forms part of the campaign. This online exhibition is available via the Bloomsday & Beyond hub at Ireland.ie/Bloomsday.
Tánaiste: Celebrating Creativity and Global Connections
Speaking at the programme’s launch, Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD, said:
“Bloomsday & Beyond 2025 builds on the legacy of our global Bloomsday celebrations to showcase the full range of Irish literature—from Joyce to the vibrant voices emerging today. It is a celebration of Irish creativity and an opportunity for our diplomatic network to collaborate with global partners in promoting the cultural richness of the island of Ireland.”
Programme Highlights Around the World
- India: Celebrated writer and Hindustan Times columnist Mayank Austen Soofi will visit Dublin to participate in Bloomsday festivities. During his stay, his popular column will be temporarily rebranded “Dublinwale”, offering readers a literary lens on the Irish capital.
- China: Under the banner “Dublin to the Yangtze Delta,” the Irish Consulate General in Shanghai will host a weeklong celebration of Irish literature from 13–20 June across Shanghai, Nanjing, and Suzhou. Highlights include public readings, literary discussions, and a unique ‘Blind Date with Irish Books’ at local bookshops.
- Greece: The Embassy of Ireland in Athens will take part in Refugee Week Greece by hosting an Irish culture stand and organizing a youth-focused literature workshop on World Refugee Day (20 June), promoting inclusion through storytelling.
- Denmark: In collaboration with the Copenhagen Jewish Festival, the Irish Embassy hosted “Literary Threads from Lithuania to Ireland” on 4 June. Irish poet Simon Lewis shared readings from his award-winning work, alongside stories of 18th-century Jewish migration from Lithuania to Cork and its impact on Jewish Irish identity.
Celebrations at Home in Ireland
In Dublin, the James Joyce Centre will present the annual Bloomsday Festival from 12–18 June, offering film screenings, art exhibitions, public readings, and literary walking tours. The Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) will host a vibrant programme of events tailored for Bloomsday audiences. Full schedules are available at moli.ie and bloomsdayfestival.ie.
