Ulysses - One Day in a Novel
Published on 12th June 2026
Famously the events of Joyce’s Ulysses take place over the course of one day in Dublin, as Leopold Bloom makes his way across the city. In celebration of Ulysses on its special day, why not make 2026 the year you start (or revisit) Joyce's masterpiece? Why not also explore other titles set over the span of just one day?
Read James Joyce's Ulysses
Borrow Ulysses from your Library.
Listen to Ulysses with RTÉ Podcasts.
Books Set Over One Day
Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
A single day in a woman’s life, Virgina Woolf’s novel details a day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway in post-First World War England.
Borrow the Book from your Library.
One Day by David Nicholls
One day, but over many years. David Nicholls, aptly named One Day tracks the relationship of Dexter and Emma over 20 years on Saint Swithin’s Day (July 15th).
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Saturday by Ian McEwan
On Saturday, 15 February 2003, Henry Perowne, a neurosurgeon goes about his day while a large demonstration is taking place in London. As his day goes by, he ponders the meaning of the protest. An exploration of the meaning of life in a post-modern, developed world.
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They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
A young adult romance novel that follows two teens named Mateo and Rufus, who find out they only have one day left to live.
Borrow the Book from your Library.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? By Philip K Dick
Famously adapted into Ridley Scott’s film Blade Runner, Philip K Dick’s dystopian science fiction novel follows bounty hunter Rick Deckard who must hunt down escaped android in a post-apocalyptic San Francisco.
Borrow the Book from your Library.
Ruth & Pen by Emilie Pine
One day, one city, two women: Ruth and Pen. Neither known to the other, but both asking themselves the same questions: how to be with others and how, when the world doesn't seem willing to make space for them, to be with themselves?