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About
This is a special place. A moving place. An inspirational place.
Seamus Heaney HomePlace takes you on an inspiring journey through the life and work of one of Ireland’s greatest writers.
Situated between Seamus Heaney’s two childhood homes at Mossbawn and The Wood, and only a few hundred yards from St Mary’s Church, Bellaghy, which he chose as his final resting place, HomePlace is at the heart of the area that inspired so much of the poet’s work.
It’s a place where you can sense the warmth of Heaney’s relationships with local people and landscapes; where you can immerse yourself in the Nobel Laureate’s literature.
Seamus Heaney’s distinctive voice guides you through the exhibition as you get to know the people and places that inspired him. Atmospheric video projections and touchscreen displays sit alongside precious items donated by the Heaney family.
Seamus Heaney’s ink-stained wooden desk from Anahorish Primary School, a recreation of his study in Dublin and the fax machine that delivered the news when he won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1995, are among the artefacts that transport you to each momentous moment in time.
Check out the AW Programme of events here:
AW Programme
Open Ground
Explore locations linking the landscape and the literature of Seamus Heaney. Venture out to Open Ground, a series of five locations which held great significance for Seamus Heaney.
Discover places that shaped Seamus Heaney’s life and literature — Toomebridge, Magherafelt, Moyola River, Lough Beg and Bellaghy Bawn — and discover the smells, sights and sounds that make his poetry so uniquely of this place.
Seamus Heaney’s roots were in the Bellaghy area and many of his poems are equally rooted in these places. Throughout his career, he regularly drew upon the loughs, rivers and bogs he visited in his formative years.
Many of these places are unchanged and unspoilt since the time Heaney wrote about them, allowing you to see them for yourself through the poet’s eyes. Read Heaney’s work in the context in which it was inspired and see how the places of Open Ground are reflected in his writing.
Winner of NI’s Most Innovative Business (Large) at Tourism Northern Ireland's Giant Spirit Awards 2022.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Toilets for disabled visitors
Attraction Facilities
- Gift Shop
Catering
- Licensed
- Restaurant on Premises
- Serve breakfast
- Serve lunch
- Special dietary requirements catered for
- Tea-room/Cafe onsite
- Vegetarian Options Available
Children & Infants
- Accept children (Minimum age)
- Baby changing facilities
- Children's Menu Available
- Facilities for children
- Highchairs Available
Establishment Features
- Accept coach parties
- Accommodation nearby
- Cater for Corporate events
- Cater for individuals
- Cater for school groups
- Conference facilities
- Event venue
- Family Fun
- First Aid
- Gift vouchers
- Groups accepted
- Groups catered for
- Guided Tours Available
- Online Booking
- Self guided walks/cycle rides
- Shop
- Talks
- Toilets
- Visitor information
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
- Workshop
Event Facilities
- Booking Required
Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Coach parking
- Frequent bus services
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
Payment Methods
- All major credit/debit cards accepted
Travel & Trade
- Family Discount
Guide Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Adult | £12.00 activity |
| Concession | £8.00 activity |
| Child (8-16) | £7.50 activity |
| Child (under 7) | Free |
| Family (2 adults 3 children) | £29.00 activity |
| Student | £8.00 activity |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
Events
Wednesday, 1st July 2026 - Monday, 31st August 2026
One Day Experience (Self-Guided)Step into the world of Seamus Heaney with our One Day Experience at HomePlace
- more info
Tuesday, 21st July 2026 - Tuesday, 25th August 2026
Strand StrollersJoin us every Tuesday from 21st July for a relaxed buggy walk in the beautiful surroundings of The Strand at Lough Beg.- more info
Thursday, 23rd July 2026 - Thursday, 27th August 2026
Senior StrollsJoin us every Thursday from 23rd July for a relaxed stroll and friendly conversation in the beautiful surroundings of The Strand at Lough Beg.- more info
Friday, 21st August 2026 - Friday, 21st August 2026
Saturday, 22nd August 2026 - Saturday, 22nd August 2026
Pam Ayres - Doggedly Onward: A Life in PoemsPam Ayres - Doggedly Onward: A Life in Poems
- more info
Saturday, 5th September 2026 - Saturday, 5th September 2026
Memoir & Poetry: An Evening with Blake MorrisonMemoir & Poetry: An Evening with Blake Morrison- more info
Sunday, 6th September 2026 - Sunday, 6th September 2026
Sunday, 4th October 2026 - Sunday, 4th October 2026
Sunday, 1st November 2026 - Sunday, 1st November 2026
Sunday, 6th December 2026 - Sunday, 6th December 2026
The HomePlace Book ClubJoin Carol and Patricia for this relaxed and friendly book club. Meeting every month, the club chooses accessible and entertaining books relating to themes found in Seamus Heaney's work.
- more info
Saturday, 12th September 2026 - Saturday, 12th September 2026
Music, Poems & Songs for The SoulMusic, Poems & Songs for The Soul
- more info
Sunday, 13th September 2026 - Sunday, 13th September 2026
Jane Coyle: A Better LocksmithA fascinating evening exploring Jane Coyle’s new book A Better Locksmith, chronicling 40 years of Northern Ireland theatre, with readings by Ruairi Conaghan and Caitriona Hinds.- more info
Sunday, 20th September 2026 - Sunday, 20th September 2026
A Lough Neagh SequenceAn evocative afternoon exploring the beauty, crisis and future of Lough Neagh, featuring A Love Song to Lough Neagh and discussion of Tommy Greene’s new book Troubled Waters.- more info
Friday, 25th September 2026 - Friday, 25th September 2026
Seán Keane In ConcertFollowing previous sell-out performances in 2020 and 2023, we welcome Seán's return to The Helicon.- more info
Saturday, 26th September 2026 - Saturday, 26th September 2026
HomePlace: A Decade CelebrationThis special celebration marks the 10th anniversary of HomePlace featuring music and readings from a selection of special guests.
- more info
Friday, 2nd October 2026 - Friday, 2nd October 2026
The Newer World: An Evening with Sebastian BarryJoin acclaimed Irish novelist Sebastian Barry as he discusses his latest novel A Newer World, a lyrical story of one man’s life in the aftermath of the American Civil War.
- more info
Saturday, 10th October 2026 - Saturday, 10th October 2026
Poetry & Prose: Nick Laird & Zadie SmithPoetry & Prose: Expect a compelling evening as Zadie Smith and Nick Laird read from and discuss their literary work.
- more info
Friday, 16th October 2026 - Friday, 16th October 2026
Fergal Keane In ConversationFergal Keane In Conversation
- more info
Saturday, 17th October 2026 - Saturday, 17th October 2026
Brian Kennedy in ConcertFollowing a sold-out show last year, we are delighted to welcome the legendary Brian Kennedy back to Seamus Heaney HomePlace on Saturday 17th October 2026.
- more info
Saturday, 24th October 2026 - Saturday, 24th October 2026
A Hosting: Martin DoyleJoin Martin Doyle as he reflects with Martina Devlin on decades of conversations with acclaimed authors, the evolution of Irish writing, and stories behind some of its most celebrated books.- more info
Saturday, 24th October 2026 - Saturday, 24th October 2026
Silver Linked Bracelets WorkshopLearn traditional jewellery-making techniques including piercing, soldering, shaping, texturing and polishing as you craft a beautiful piece to take home. With Diane Lyness.- more info
Friday, 30th October 2026 - Friday, 30th October 2026
An Evening with Daniel MulhallJoin Daniel in conversation with Mark Hennessy for an engaging discussion on diplomacy, literature, Irish identity and his remarkable international career.- more info
Saturday, 31st October 2026 - Saturday, 31st October 2026
Intro to Screenwriting for Film/TV Workshop with Paul CareyJoin award-winning screenwriter Paul Carey for an intensive introduction to writing for film and television.
- more info
Thursday, 5th November 2026 - Thursday, 5th November 2026
Scene of the Crime: Eoin McNamee & Adrian McKintyEdgar Award winner Adrian McKinty and Booker Prize-nominated Eoin McNamee discuss crime writing, Northern Ireland and the inspiration behind their acclaimed work.- more info
Friday, 6th November 2026 - Friday, 6th November 2026
Brian Bilston - How To Lay An Egg With A Horse InsideBrian Bilston presents new poems from How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside - a night of wit, wordplay, and unexpected heart.
- more info
Saturday, 14th November 2026 - Saturday, 14th November 2026
Home Again: Creative Writing Workshop with Stephen de BúrcaHome Again: A creative writing workshop with Stephen de Burca, exploring memory, home and belonging through readings, prompts and the landscapes that shape us.- more info
Sunday, 15th November 2026 - Sunday, 15th November 2026
Lír Pictures and Afternature Productions present: Boa IslandLír Pictures and Afternature Productions present: Boa Island, a groundbreaking interactive film prototype where ancient myth meets modern empire. With Leandros Ntolas, Niamh Gormley and Brian Gormley discussing the making of the immersive film.- more info
Monday, 16th November 2026 - Saturday, 21st November 2026
Sunday, 22nd November 2026 - Sunday, 22nd November 2026
Boa Island Immersive ExperienceBoa Island Immersive Experience
- more info
Friday, 20th November 2026 - Friday, 20th November 2026
John McGahern: A Writing Life with Frank ShovlinAcclaimed scholar Frank Shovlin discusses the life of John McGahern, drawing on decades of research, exclusive interviews and previously unseen archives.- more info
Saturday, 5th December 2026 - Saturday, 5th December 2026
Christmas Wreath-Making WorkshopGet into the festive spirit by creating your own beautiful Christmas wreath in this ever-popular HomePlace workshop.
- more info
Sunday, 6th December 2026 - Sunday, 6th December 2026
Film Screening: Midwinter BreakJoin us for a special screening of Midwinter break, followed by a discussion with Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe-nominated actor Ciarán Hinds.- more info
Saturday, 12th December 2026 - Saturday, 12th December 2026
Christmas at the HomePlace HearthWonderful readings, music and craic: four talented friends reunite for a return visit to The Helicon for what should prove to be one of the highlights of the winter calendar.
- more info
Video
- Journey to Seamus Heaney HomePlace – read by Liam Neeson
