Stepping into Homeplace

10th Apr 2017

As part of our work for the Pushkin project we have been studying Seamus Heaney poetry and we have been really captivated by the simple beauty of the images and emotions he can conjure up in just a few phrases. We were delighted to have the chance to visit the Seamus Heaney Homeplace in Bellaghy to learn more about one of the greatest poets Ireland has produced.

Here are some of the things our class had to say about our day....

Homeplace was fascinating and enjoyable. It was a joy to learn about Seamus Heaney. I absolutely loved writing my own poem too - Eva Quinn P7

I loved our trip to Homeplace! My favourite bit was reading "When all the others were away at Mass" in front of everybody. Although my heart was in my throat I really enjoyed the experience. I would 100% recommend the centre to all aged visitors. I have always viewed Seamus Heaney as an inspirational character and hope that other people see him that way too- Emer McNicholl P7

I really enjoyed Homeplace because I love writing poems! I loved learning about Seamus Heaney's life and his poems- Michael Walls P6

I loved being able to listen to Seamus Heaney reading his own poems on the audio device. It felt like he was actually standing in front of me! - Kate Noonan P6

I highly recommend the Seamus Heaney Homeplace for a visit. I enjoyed it so much that myself and my family have agreed to go back during the summer for a visit. He was a great poet and it is brilliant that there is somewhere to view his work. - Emma Doherty P6

I found it very interesting and I gained lots of information there. I think his poems have character and are very enjoyable to the reader. I could imagine being there and can see the things he described in his poems- Jonathan Hunt P6

I had a fabulous time at Homeplace. We did amazing activities like making up a poem from an image and reading it in front of everyone in an auditorium. I learned a lot about Seamus Heaney- Katie McGuigan P7

As you can see we are definitely huge Heaney Fans in P6/7! We are still deciding our favourite poems but so far "While all the others were away at Mass" seems to be winning. Read it and decide for yourself why it was voted Ireland's favourite Poem in 2015!