From Seamus Heaney and Samuel Beckett to C.S Lewis, Northern Ireland has been home to giants of the literary world who drew inspiration from the lands of their childhood to conjure up magical fantasy lands and poems which paint pictures on the page.
Northern Ireland’s cultural heritage and its mix of wild coastal areas, calm countryside lakes and soaring mountains have fuelled the imaginations of generations of esteemed writers.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of World Book Day (3rd March) and to celebrate you can write your own chapter of memories by visiting the lands which inspired some of the greatest literary figures the world has ever known.
Seamus Heaney’s HomePlace
Seamus Heaney, nicknamed ‘Famous Seamus’, is widely regarded as one of the leading poets of the twentieth century.
He received the Nobel Prize “for works of lyrical beauty and ethical depth, which exalt everyday miracles and the living past.”
Now many of the places which inspired his work are celebrated at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy, Londonderry, a special place where you can visit and expect to be led on an inspiring journey through his life.
Situated between Heaney’s two childhood homes at Mossbawn and The Wood, and only a few hundred yards from St Mary’s Church, Bellaghy, HomePlace is a place where you can sense the warmth of Heaney’s relationships with local people and landscapes, and 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 and his words. Additionally, atmospheric video projections and touchscreen books, as well as personal artefacts and a collection of manuscripts and first editions are among the items on display.
Belfast for booklovers
Towering over Belfast, Cave Hill is distinguished by its famous ‘Napoleon’s Nose’ and according to some, the hill’s silhouette resembles a giant’s profile staring upwards to the sky and many say it was one of the inspirations behind Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels.
Swift was a fan of Belfast, visiting frequently, and so Cave Hill is one of the most popular spots to visit to capture those all-encompassing views of the city. It is also ideal for walkers, hikers and cyclists who want to explore the area and catch the beautiful sunrise or sunset.
Down the hill and into Belfast city, you won’t have to look far for a cold refreshment and a good spot to grab some tasty grub. Literary gastropubs don’t get better than the John Hewitt in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter where you can mingle with local pub goers, writers, musicians and more, before wandering through the city’s cobbled streets and of course, Writer’s Square.
Inspiration for CS Lewis and Narnia
Rediscover The Chronicles of Narnia with a walk through the captivating CS Lewis Square in the east of the city, a public space commemorating the Belfast-born author. Featuring seven bronze sculptures from ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’, including Aslan, The White Witch, Mr Tumnus, The Beavers, The Robin and The Stone Table, it is a stunning display of public art.
CS Lewis Square is located at the intersection of the Connswater and Comber Greenways, beside the EastSide Visitor Centre, where you can access information on the city’s attractions from interactive screens, interpretative panels and a wall map, connecting people to EastSide’s famous faces, places and industries.
If you are feeling energetic and ready for some more adventure, head to the mesmerising Mourne Mountains in County Down, where Lewis spent much of his childhood holidays and was evidently a huge inspiration for his spellbinding world of Narnia.
When you are there, you can also join in on The Narnia Trail with Walk NI. This family friendly loop trail takes you through the charming woodland at Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor where you can walk in the footsteps of CS Lewis and feel part of the creation of the magical world of Narnia.
Get to know Jonathan Swift and Samuel Beckett
At Armagh Robinson Library, Armagh, you can step back in time and feel the wonder of the oldest library on the island of Ireland. Slip on your protective gloves and delve into the pages of literary history, culture and a treasure trove of rarities.
With incredible first editions to explore, including illuminated manuscripts and early books printed before 1501, there’s even a first edition of the classic Gulliver’s Travels corrected in Jonathan Swift’s own handwriting.
Have a word with the Verbal Arts Centre in Derry~Londonderry
Samuel Beckett and others continue to inspire Northern Ireland’s writers and the Verbal Arts Centre is at the heart of curating and encouraging all aspects of the spoken and written word. The Verbal Arts Centre is devoted to literature and the language arts and provides a vibrant schedule of events, workshops and education and training programmes encouraging everyone to read, write and tell their stories.
The centre publishes graphic novels and illustrated books by some of the most anticipated new and emerging writers, so why not take some time out and call in for a coffee and a snack and a browse around?
For more information, and to help you build your perfect literary inspired itinerary, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.
