Bloomsday in Sandycove
Bloomsday is a yearly celebration of the Irish writer James Joyce and his novel Ulysses. The book opens right here in Sandycove, at the Martello Tower two minutes from our door, and every 16th of June readers, locals and visitors mark the day with readings, costumes, and a pint.
Two minutes from the Martello Tower, where the novel begins
A pub in Joyce country
Fitzgerald's sits near Sandycove Martello Tower, where the opening chapter of Ulysses is set
A bit of local history: the old number 8 tram, which closed in 1949, ran right past our front door on its way between Dalkey and Dún Laoghaire. In 1904, a young James Joyce took that same tram to a teaching job in Dalkey, passing through Sandycove each day - a route that later found its way into Ulysses.
Near the Tower
A short walk from the Martello Tower and the Sandycove seafront. Right on the Bloomsday trail.
Well-kept pints
Guinness, Murphy's, craft beers, Irish whiskeys, and a solid wine list. A good place to settle in between events.
Bloomsday atmosphere
A local Sandycove pub with a genuine Joyce connection. No pretence, just an honest pub where the celebrations pass through.
Weekly Joyce Readings
We host weekly Joyce readings at Fitzgerald's throughout the year. Join us on a Thursday morning for a pot of tea and a passage or two from Ulysses. No expertise required, no homework - just come along and listen.
Every Thursday morning at Fitzgerald's. All welcome.
Bloomsday week nearby
Sandycove and Glasthule come alive across Bloomsday week
Programme details may change. See the official Bloomsday Villages: Sandycove and Glasthule page for the latest event details, ticketing, timings, and availability.
Make Fitzgerald's your Bloomsday base
Drop in before a reading. Settle in after a walk. Meet friends after the Tower.
Start with a pint, come back for another, or spend the afternoon here. Fitzgerald's gives you an easy base for the day, close to the main Sandycove and Glasthule events without losing the local pub feel. This Bloomsday we're partnering with Sandycove Yard to serve food from 4pm - a solid feed after a day of celebrations.
We're close to:
- James Joyce Tower and Museum
- Sandycove seafront
- The Forty Foot
- Glasthule village
- DLR Lexicon
- Local Bloomsday readings and performances
Drinks during Bloomsday week
We'll be open and pouring all week
Guinness, Murphy's, craft beers, a full shelf of Irish whiskeys, Scotch, gin, rum, and a well-stocked wine list. Come in for a pint between events or settle in for the afternoon.
See the full bar menuPlan your visit
Getting to Fitzgerald's in Sandycove
11 Sandycove Road, Sandycove, Co. Dublin, A96 WE09
Open from 12:30 at weekends, 15:00 midweek. Late bar Fri-Sat.
DART to Sandycove & Glasthule (15 min walk to the Tower and Forty Foot). The 59 and 111 bus stops nearby. Fitzgerald's is 10 minutes from the station.
Bloomsday FAQ
Is Fitzgerald's close to the James Joyce Tower?
Yes. Fitzgerald's is a short walk from Sandycove Martello Tower, one of the key locations linked with James Joyce and Ulysses. The opening scene of the novel is set at the Tower.
Do I need to book for Bloomsday?
Fitzgerald's doesn't take bookings. It's walk-in only, but arrive early around June 16th to get a spot, especially after nearby events at the Tower.
Is Fitzgerald's suitable for groups on Bloomsday?
Yes, small groups are welcome. For larger parties, it's best to arrive early in the day when it's quieter.
What is Bloomsday?
Bloomsday is the annual celebration of James Joyce's Ulysses, held on June 16th, the date on which the novel takes place. Sandycove is where the novel opens, at the Martello Tower where Joyce stayed in 1904.