North at 50 Recap – A Weekend of Poetry, History, and Discovery
Seamus Heaney HomePlace was thrilled to host a weekend of special events to mark the 50th anniversary of Heaney’s poetry collection, North. Held from 20th – 23rd February, these events celebrated the timeless power of Heaney’s work while connecting it to recent archaeological discoveries and ongoing reflections on the past.
2025 marks the 50th anniversary of North, Heaney’s fourth collection of poems which delves into the violence and political turmoil of Northern Ireland during the Troubles. Through vivid imagery, Heaney draws on ancient remains – particularly ‘bog bodies’ – to explore the intersection of history, violence, and preservation. Poems such as ‘Bog Queen’, ‘The Graubelle Man’, ‘Punishment’, and ‘Strange Fruit’ offer poignant reflections, making them as relevant today as they were when first written.
In early 2024, ancient human remains found in a bogland just outside Bellaghy were recovered and identified as those of a teenage boy aged between 13 and 17. After carbon-dating, it was determined that the remains were between 2,000 and 2,500 years old. Remarkably well-preserved, the remains included partial skin, a kidney, and a femur – although the head was missing. The discovery was hailed as a unique archaeological find for Northern Ireland. Following this, National Museums Northern Ireland was engaged as the organisation responsible for preserving archaeological finds from our past. Coincidentally, just before HomePlace’s special weekend of events commenced, it was revealed that the remains actually belonged to a young woman, thought to have been killed as part of an Iron Age ritual or sacrifice. She is believed to have been between 17 and 22 years old and stood around 5ft 6in (1.7m) at the time of death. The remains are now known as ‘The Ballymacombs More Woman’. Niamh Baker, Curator of Archaeology at National Museums Northern Ireland, spoke to BBC News, highlighting the significance of the find, particularly the cut marks on the vertebrae and evidence of decapitation which suggests a ritualistic act.
To commemorate this archaeological discovery and pivotal moment in literary history, HomePlace hosted a series of captivating events. The first took place on Thursday 20th February with the annual HIVEsplaining concert from the HIVE Choir. Known for combining song with science, the choir focused this year on the enigmatic world of the bog, weaving together historical and ecological insights through original songs inspired by Irish boglands. It was a memorable evening exploring both the beauty and mystery of peatlands.
On Friday 21st February, we welcomed Professor Turi King to The Helicon. A world-leading scientist, television presenter, and award-winning speaker who is passionate about communicating science to the public, Professor King captivated the audience as she discussed her expertise in genetic research. Famous for her groundbreaking work in forensics, history, genealogy, and archaeology, she shared insights from her work, including the discovery of King Richard III’s remains, her former NI casework, and the relationship between Y chromosomes and British surnames. She also explained how forensic DNA techniques and genealogy can help us understand more about who we are. A variety of questions from the audience helped all present learn how to progress tracing ancestry and recommendations on the best tools to use.
Saturday 22nd February saw Seamus Heaney HomePlace host a one-day symposium in collaboration with National Museums Northern Ireland, focusing on the discovery of the ‘Ballymacombs More Woman’. Unprecedented demand for tickets for this sold-out event demonstrated the level of interest in the local ‘bog body’ find. The well-preserved Iron Age remains marked a historic first for Northern Ireland, sparking discussions among experts about the preservation of bodies in bogs, their cultural significance, and how these ancient finds inspired Heaney’s poetry. Leading expert archaeologists and historians including Professor Melanie Giles, Eammon Kelly, Isabella Mulhall, Dr. Vicky Ginn, Niamh Baker, Professor Eileen Murphy, and Professor Gil Plunkett discussed the extensive body of work surrounding ‘bog body’ discoveries and the historical insights that can be gained from them. They also discussed European and Irish ‘bog bodies’, kingship, and ritual sacrifice, with a particular focus on the archaeological importance of the ‘Ballymacombs More Woman’. The day concluded with a talk by James Costello O’Reilly exploring bogs and ‘bog bodies’ in the poetry of Seamus Heaney.
The symposium offered a deep dive into how ‘bog bodies’, like those Heaney immortalised in verse, connect us to our ancient past. One attendee remarked, “A fascinating cross-disciplinary gathering of archaeological, literary, and environmental experts on bogs — our very own deep reservoir of stories. I learned so much about the importance of bogs to our planet, how literature has both devalued the bog and made it mystical again, and what nails, bones, and clothing of bog bodies can reveal about prehistoric societies.”
The weekend’s events concluded on Sunday 23rd February with an enchanting evening of poetry and music. Renowned actor Paul McGann, known for his roles in Doctor Who and Withnail and I, read a selection of poems from North, bringing Heaney’s words to life. Some of the poems he read included ‘Sunlight’, ‘Antaeus’, ‘Punishment’, and ‘Bog Queen’. Alongside him, world-class pianist Charles Owen performed beautifully crafted solo piano pieces, creating a seamless blend of music and poetry. Together, McGann and Owen provided an unforgettable experience, reflecting the magic of Heaney’s legacy.
Additionally, local Bellaghy resident Pat Brennan curated an intriguing library display that ran throughout the weekend, offering visitors the chance to explore works on bog bodies such as Seamus Heaney’s ‘Bog Poems’ and P.V. Glob’s ‘The Mound People’.
Reflecting on the weekend’s events, Cathy Brown, Manager of Seamus Heaney HomePlace said: “This special weekend was a true celebration of Seamus Heaney’s literary and cultural legacy, reminding us of the power of history, poetry, and the land itself. As we reflect on North, it is clear that its relevance endures, continuing to inspire new conversations, discoveries, and explorations”.
A heartfelt thank you goes to all those who participated and contributed to making this weekend of events a truly special occasion!
