Co Derry pupils celebrate Poetry Day Ireland at Seamus Heaney HomePlace
.png?trim=0,61,0,139&crop=&width=640&quality=70&enable=upscale)
Throughout the day, pupils took part in two interactive workshops designed to encourage imagination and self-expression
Pupils from Bellaghy Primary School gathered at Seamus Heaney HomePlace, County Derry, on Thursday (May 28) to celebrate Poetry Day Ireland 2026 through a special creative learning event, Home in Words and Wonder, presented in association with Poetry Ireland.
The free community engagement programme welcomed pupils for a day of poetry, creativity and collaboration 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 encourage imagination and self-expression.
Belfast poet Niamh McNally led engaging creative writing sessions exploring sensory language, memory and place, encouraging pupils to reflect on their own experiences and connections to home through poetry.
HomePlace Creative Learning Officers delivered an accompanying art and design workshop focused on visual interpretations of home and belonging.
.png?trim=0,100,0,100&crop=&width=640&quality=65)
The event concluded with a collaborative sharing session in which pupils came together to present and celebrate their creative work.
Through 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, as well as HomePlace’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and creative learning opportunities for young people across the local area.
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.
For more information on Education Programmes at Seamus Heaney HomePlace, visit www.seamusheaneyhome.com/education