To celebrate Poetry Day Ireland, there are poetry happenings taking place nationwide - find an event near you here, and find some choice recommendations below...
If you’re looking to start toning up for the summer, try…
Letterfrack Poetry Trail Guided Walk
Thursday 27 April 3pm
Letterfrack Poetry Trail, Connemara National Park
Tickets: FREE
Joan McBreen and Brian Leyden will lead a walk along the Letterfrack Poetry Trail. Meet in the Connemara National Park foyer, bring rain gear and walking shoes.
You might also check out this poem: The Prophets Are Weeping by Michael D. Higgins
If you like Kendrick Lamar’s new album, check out …
Word Up Collective: Felispeaks, Tebi Rex, JyellowL & Anti-One
Thursday 27 April, 6.30pm
The Liquor Rooms, Dublin 2
Tickets: €6
The coming together of like-minded souls in the worlds of hip-hop, soul, RnB, funk and spoken word, the Word Up Collective has built a reputation as the home of quality, intelligent music and lyrics. ID essential.
You might also check out this poem: Europe Is Lost by Kate Tempest
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, indulge it at …
An Afternoon of Coffee, Chocolate and Poetry
Thursday 27 April, 2.30pm
Tramore Library, Co. Waterford
Tramore Library will host an afternoon of coffee, chocolate and poetry. The library’s Classic Book Group members will each bring a favourite poem to recite on the day.
You might also check out this poem: Swineherd by Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin
If you’re a big fan of Seamus Heaney…
Reflections on The Haw Lantern
Saturday 22, Sunday 23 & Thursday 27 April, 12 – 5pm
Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy
Reflections on The Haw Lantern is a site specific sound installation created by visual artist and curator Varvara Shavrova in response to a poetry cycle by Seamus Heaney
You might also check out this poem: The Haw Lantern by Seamus Heaney
If you feel like poetry that's out of this world…
Stardust
Thursday 27 April, 12.15pm
Blackrock Castle Observatory, Co. Cork
In 2016 Blackrock Castle Observatory produced a space rap video with the local Youthreach group in Mahon, Cork. President Higgins saw the videos and was greatly impressed. He asked that a copy of his poem Stardust from his third collection of poetry entitled 'An Arid Season' would be passed on to the rappers - a gift from one poet to fellow poets.
For Poetry Day Mahon Youthreach will recite Stardust and perform All About That Space.
You might also check out this poem: Bright Star by John Keats
