Seamus Heaney Centre among ‘top 20 places to visit in 2016’

The Seamus Heaney Centre in Co Derry, which is currently under construction, has made it on to The Independent’s ‘Top 20 places to visit in 2016,’ list.

The £4.2 million cultural and visitor centre, which is being built on the site of the former RUC barracks in Bellaghy, appeared at number 19 on the list- beating the popular Middle Eastern destination -Abu Dhabi.

The centre, which is expected to attract upwards of 50,000 visitors a year, will open later this year.

Some 2,000 of the poet’s personal books, reference materials and manuscripts will be housed in the centre’s library, while a large exhibition space will link the people, places, landscapes and traditions which influenced and inspired Heaney (pictured) and also include a selection of his personal belongings, from his signature duffel coat to his fountain pen.

A 160-seater theatre and performance space will also form part of the build, with specific learning, activity and creative zones designed to meet the needs of children and young people, as well as large tour groups.

Councillor Linda Dillon, chairperson of Mid Ulster District Council, has welcomed the news.

She said: “To be listed in the top 20 hottest travel destinations, with places like Athens, Dublin, Botswana, Abu Dhabi and huge natural attractions like the Great Barrier Reef is quite an achievement and also an honour. It is testament to the significance of Seamus Heaney’s work and his standing as one of this country’s literary giants.

“I attended the Holiday World show in Belfast last week and large numbers of people of all ages and backgrounds were talking about the new facility and there is enormous interest from around the world. We’re looking forward to opening later this year.”