Building on nearly a decade of hosting world-class talent, Seamus Heaney HomePlace continues to honour the Nobel Laureate’s legacy with a vibrant autumn season of literature, music, and conversation, offering an inspiring and memorable finale to the year.
The season opens on September 5 with a special event marking the 10th anniversary of the passing of Ireland’s pre-eminent playwright, Brian Friel. Actor Stephen Rea and Dr Mark Phelan will reflect on the visionary ideals of Field Day Theatre Company’s ‘fifth province’, while acclaimed actor Seamus O’Hara will read from Translations.
The seasonal highlight is the publication of The Poems of Seamus Heaney, the long-awaited, definitive edition of his work which will be celebrated on October 11. Rosie Lavan, Bernard O’Donoghue, and Matthew Hollis will discuss the collection, with readings by Kathy Kiera Clarke (Derry Girls) and a special performance by Louise Mulcahy on the uilleann pipes gifted to her by Liam O’Flynn.
HomePlace welcomes an exceptional line-up of writers, journalists and poets to the Helicon this season, including poetry collective Femina Culpa on September 13 with powerful readings exploring the lives of 19th-century women entangled in the criminal justice system.
Newly appointed Ireland Professor of Poetry, Vona Groarke, will visit HomePlace on September 19 for a conversation with Susannah Dickey, marking the beginning of her prestigious three-year term.
On October 8, Channel 4’s Lindsey Hilsum joins former journalist Mark McFadden to reflect on her four-decade career as a foreign correspondent and discuss her powerful book I Brought The War With Me.
Dr Gary Wade and Professor Michael Parker explore themes of memory and family in Seamus Heaney’s work on November 1, with Wade also discussing his recent book, Seamus Heaney and Catholicism.
On November 14, Witness, Damian Gorman’s powerful sequences of poems, tells the powerful true story of Richard Moore – blinded by a rubber bullet as a child, who went on to found a charity and befriend the soldier who shot him.
Join best-selling author Stephen Walker on November 16 as he discusses his new book David Trimble: Peacemaker in conversation with Freya McClements — a revealing portrait of a pivotal figure in British and Irish history, based on over 100 interviews with those who knew him best.
This autumn’s programme features a rich array of musical events, beginning on 6th September with Songs and Souls – a vibrant blend of theatre, music and memory from playwright Deirdre Kinahan and fiddle-player Steve Wickham.
On September 27, Music, Poems and Songs For The Soul returns for an uplifting afternoon led by Anne Tracey with family and friends. This year’s event is dedicated to the late Dr Eamonn Baker, who would have introduced the performance, and will be honoured through some of his favourite poems, songs and tunes.
A sold-out evening with beloved Irish singer-songwriter Brian Kennedy on October 18 promises unforgettable music and connection.
Acclaimed musicians Neil Martin, Mary Dillon and Dónal O’Connor unite on October 25 for a spellbinding evening of traditional and contemporary music – a true seasonal highlight.
Seamus Heaney HomePlace will host a special film screening of Thomas Moore: Bard na hÉireann on November 20, with director Mal Marken introducing this evocative Imagine Media documentary celebrating Moore’s enduring impact on Irish song, story, and cultural identity.
Theatre takes centre stage on September 26 with Both Sides, a Samuel Beckett-inspired play by Belfast writer Jane Coyle. This powerful performance explores duality and identity, featuring performances by Irish actresses Mia Leahy and Hannah Coyle.
Nature finds its voice this autumn as ornithologist Seán Ronayne explores Ireland’s birdlife on October 4, blending science, story, and sound. The experience continues with a serene Dawn Chorus Walk at Lough Beg on October 5, in partnership with RSPB Northern Ireland.
No festive season is complete without Christmas at the HomePlace Hearth on December 13 - a warm evening of words and music with composer Neil Martin, singer-songwriter Anthony Toner, author Glenn Patterson and pianist Rod McVey.
The programme also includes a vibrant mix of workshops, offering opportunities to explore poetry, develop writing skills, and get creative with seasonal crafts.
From poetry to performance, this autumn at HomePlace promises something to inspire everyone.
