A century of Ulysses: Ireland's most influential literary work was published 100 years ago today

Although first serialized in the American journal The Little Review a few years prior, today marks the 100th anniversary of Ulysses first being published.

Considered one of the most important pieces of literature of all time, James Joyce's second novel was published in full by Sylvia Bleach in Paris on February 2, 1922.

The book chronicles a day in the life of Leopold Bloom in Dublin in 1904. Influenced by Homer's Odyssey, the piece is known for its unique 'stream of consciousness style and (in recent years) its difficulty to read.

It proved very controversial open release, being censored in many countries, and was largely unavailable in Ireland until the 1960s.

Every year in Dublin on Boomsday (June 16, the date the novel is set), fans of Joyce celebrate the piece in a number of ways, including walking throughout Dublin to the various landmarks and sites mentioned in the book. Enthusiasts often dress up in period clothing and engage in many other activities to celebrate Ulysses, with Davy Byrne's pub, still standing today, usually considered a must-visit.

Among the highlights taking place in Dublin today to celebrate its centenary, there will be a new exhibition looking at the family life of Joyce, "Love, says Bloom", curated by Nuala O'Connor. "Focussing on the emotional heart of the Joyce family," the exhibition opens tomorrow until July 3 at the Museum of Literature Ireland.

Friends of Joyce Tower, in collaboration with DLR Tourism & Heritage, are undertaking many events today to mark the anniversary, including the delivery of a birthday cake to Martello Tower.

The complete programme from Friends of Joyce Tower is available below:

10.00am - Robert Gogan: Strolling through Ulysses
"Robert unlocks Joyce's masterpiece, bringing its characters to life and unravelling the mysteries.."

12.00pm - Caitriona Ni Threasaigh
"Performs excerpts from Penelope, Molly Bloom's soliloquy."

1.00pm - Noel O'Grady: Joyce in Song
"Tenor Noel O'Grady's interpretations and renditions of songs associated with Joyce and Ulysses are unrivalled."

2.30pm - Paul O'Hanrahan
"With his outstanding re-enactment of Telemachus, the opening chapter of Ulysses in the place where it all began."

In terms of international events, The Center Gallery in New York presents "Re:Joyce: An Evening of Joycean Art by Carl Arrington", an evening of art and readings by Carl Arrington inspired by the Irish novelist at 7 pm local time.

Here at Hot Press, you can check out reviews from our very own Pat Carty about books looking at the legacy of Ulysses and Joyce, including his takes on Daniel Mulhall's Ulysses: A Reader's Odyssey and Nuala O'Connor's Nora - A Love Story Of Nora Barnacle And James Joyce.

We also have a special look back at Bloomsday from 1904 from our archives, written by "Byron ‘Blazes’ Carty" available for your reading pleasure.

Although today is the exact anniversary, many celebrations of Ulysses turning 100 are planned throughout the year and around the world, which can be found in full at ulysses100.ie.