A new film entitled A Journey to HomePlace, which is narrated by Hollywood actor Liam Neeson OBE, showcases Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy, Northern Ireland.

Seamus Heaney was a Nobel Prize winning Irish poet, playwright and translator who grew up in the small village of Bellaghy in County Londonderry and HomePlace celebrates his life and work. As well as highlighting the important role of HomePlace in commemorating the Nobel Laureate, the short film reveals the beauty of the surrounding countryside and its inspiration for Heaney’s work.

The film was developed by Mid Ulster District Council and Seamus Heaney HomePlace in partnership with Tourism Ireland and was launched at a special event at The Bloomsbury Hotel in London.

The invited audience included influential representatives of the British travel industry and media, as well as members of the Heaney family. They heard award winning actors Adrian Dunbar and Brid Brennan perform Seamus Heaney’s poetry, and Professors Roy Foster and Bernard O’Donoghue took part in an ‘In Conversation’ about Seamus Heaney and the influence of Bellaghy on his work.

Tourism Ireland have also launched a new Seamus Heaney webpage on Ireland.com as part of its wider campaign with Mid Ulster Council to promote Seamus Heaney HomePlace.

Julie Wakley, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Great Britain, said: “We are delighted to host this special Seamus Heaney evening along with Mid Ulster Council, celebrating the life and literature of one of Ireland's greatest writers and his links with Bellaghy and this beautiful area. The new film, A Journey to HomePlace, and the new webpages on Ireland.com will help to showcase further what makes this area so special.” 

Kim Ashton, Mid Ulster District Council Chair, said: “Responses to HomePlace from all sources have been quite remarkable. Thousands of comment cards, emails, reviews and social media posts have all been used by visitors to express the impact on them. They are overwhelmingly positive and very often talk about the emotions generated and the memories recalled.”

Julie Wakley, Cllr Kim Ashton, actors Adrian Dunbar and Bríd Brennan, and Catherine Heaney at the launch event.

Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel and Tourism, added: “Seamus Heaney is one of the giants of 20th Century literature and HomePlace is a wonderful celebration of his life and work. This new film highlights the beauty of his writing and the important influence that the breath-taking local countryside had on him.”

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of Northern Ireland, following in the footsteps of cultural icons such as Seamus Heaney, please do contact our friendly team today.