Seamus Heaney HomePlace Celebrates Poetry Day Ireland 2026 with Home in Words and Wonder

We were delighted to welcome pupils from Bellaghy Primary School to Seamus Heaney HomePlace on Thursday 28th May for Home in Words and Wonder, a special creative learning event held in association with Poetry Ireland to mark Poetry Day Ireland 2026.

This free community engagement programme invited pupils to spend a day immersed in poetry, creativity and collaboration, all inspired by the theme of ‘Home’ – a subject deeply connected to the life and work of Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney.

Throughout the day, pupils took part in two interactive workshops designed to spark imagination and self-expression. Belfast poet Niamh McNally led a creative writing session exploring sensory language, memory and place, encouraging pupils to reflect on their own experiences and connections to home through poetry. Our Creative Learning Officer Donna also delivered an art and design workshop, where pupils explored ideas of home and belonging through visual expression.

The day concluded with a collaborative sharing session in which pupils came together to present and celebrate their creative work. Through both poetry and art, the young participants explored what ‘Home’ means to them, drawing inspiration from their own experiences, communities and surroundings.

The programme formed part of Poetry Day Ireland 2026, a national celebration of poetry and language across the island of Ireland, and reflects Seamus Heaney HomePlace’s ongoing commitment to providing meaningful creative learning opportunities for young people.

Speaking about the event, Sarah Cullen, Education Officer at Seamus Heaney HomePlace, said: “It was wonderful to welcome local schools to Seamus Heaney HomePlace for a day centred around creativity, imagination and self-expression. The pupils engaged enthusiastically with both the poetry and art activities, and it was fantastic to see them responding to the theme of ‘Home’ in such thoughtful and inventive ways.”

Claire Power, Director of Poetry Ireland, added: “Poetry Ireland/Éigse Éireann is delighted to partner with Seamus Heaney HomePlace on this engaging programme for Poetry Day Ireland 2026. The theme of ‘Home’ resonates deeply within Seamus Heaney’s work, making Seamus Heaney HomePlace a particularly fitting setting for this year’s Poetry Day celebrations. Projects such as Home in Words and Wonder highlight the important role poetry can play in encouraging creativity, communication and connection among young people.”

Home in Words and Wonder was presented in association with Poetry Ireland through the Poetry Day Ireland Bright Ideas Initiative, bringing professional artists and creative practitioners together with young people to inspire creativity and participation in poetry.