Bloom again navigates Dublin

Ireland’s capital turned back the clock almost 100 years Monday as enthusiasts of author James Joyce donned Edwardian garb to celebrate “Bloomsday.”

Throughout a city that is more prosperous than in Joyce’s time, fans and would-be readers of his hefty novel “Ulysses” took time to celebrate the 99th anniversary of the day in 1904 when the main character, Leopold Bloom, braved the perils of early 20th century Dublin.

On the street outside the Joyce Center in north Dublin, stilt walkers circumnavigated the crowds and costumed actors read from the book while hundreds feasted on breakfasts including fried kidneys -- the main dish Bloom cooks for himself and almost burns in the opening chapters.

“I know it’s a bit touristy, but it’s a good enough way to just celebrate what I think is possibly the greatest book ever written,” said David Clarke of Melbourne, Australia.