James Joyce is among generations of UCD alumni with far-reaching impact

Since 1854, University College Dublin has fostered original thinking, supporting scholars to create ideas that have had an impact across the world and through the ages. More about UCD’s fascinating history can be discovered here.

UCD has been a major contributor to the making of modern Ireland. Many UCD students and staff participated in the struggle for Irish independence and the university has produced numerous Irish Presidents and Taoisigh (Prime Ministers) in addition to generations of Irish academic, business, professional, cultural and sporting leaders. Among UCD's well-known graduates are: civic and commercial leaders (Peter Sutherland, David O'Reilly, Tony O'Reilly); authors (Maeve Binchy, Roddy Doyle, Flann O'Brien, Emma Donoghue); actors (Gabriel Byrne, Sinead Cusack, Brendan Gleeson); directors (Neil Jordan, Jim Sheridan) and sports stars such as Irish international rugby star Brian O'Driscoll and former Manchester United and Ireland captain Kevin Moran.

Perhaps the best known of UCD's graduates is the writer James Joyce who completed his (opens in a new window)Bachelor of Arts in 1902. UCD is proud to celebrate one of the fathers of modern literature. "The intimacy and the talkativeness of UCD and of the Dublin cultural scene afforded Joyce the possibility to begin to give birth to himself as a writer." states Anne Fogarty , Professor of James Joyce Studies, Director of the Dublin James Joyce Summer School, former President of the (opens in a new window)International James Joyce Foundation and co-editor of 'Voices on Joyce'.

As the alma mater of James Joyce, UCD celebrates the writer in several ways. The UCD James Joyce Research Centre was established in 2006 to promote research on the work of James Joyce. It offers MA and PhD degrees in Joyce Studies and also runs a programme of activities devoted to advancing international academic exchange and public debate about the many facets of Joyce's legacy.

The University has commissioned a series of writings on Joyce, with contributions from such esteemed contemporary writers and academics as Roddy Doyle, Declan Kiberd, Mary Morrissy and Joseph O’Connor.

Bloomsday celebrations

June 16th, or 'Bloomsday', synonymous with James Joyce and his novel Ulysses, is the most important honours day at UCD, in which honorary degrees are awarded on the basis of positive achievements and contributions. In recent years, Bloomsday honourees included Daniel Day-Lewis for his contribution to art through film and, for contributions to justice, former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese.