‘There is no better way to discover the “everyday” landscapes that inspired much of Heaney’s poetry than with Eugene Kielt’

Catherine Mack in The Guardian

The late Seamus Heaney, poet and Nobel Laureate was regarded as one of the major poets of the twentieth century. One of the most easily recognized faces in Ireland during his lifetime, he was lauded throughout the world by critics and the public alike. We were honoured to have been involved in promoting Seamus Heaney’s work down through the years and to have known him during that time. The On Home Ground Poetry Festival that took place at Laurel Villa in 2013 and 2014 turned out to be a very powerful and fitting tribute to him. We continue to pay homage to the poet and the man through our poetry exhibits, our collection of early and later published works, Heaney memorabilia and through our Seamus Heaney tours.

Laurel Villa is located in what has become known as ‘Heaney Country’ and we are just 3 miles from his birthplace at Mossbawn. Much of his poetry draws its inspiration from his first world, those very special townlands and parishes around his birthplace Mossbawn near Castledawson. He is buried in Bellaghy, just a ten-minute drive away. The Seamus Heaney HomePlace arts and literary centre opened in Bellaghy village in 2016 and a visit to its exhibition or attendance at one of its events will complement perfectly a stay at Laurel Villa or Eugene’s 5 Star Tour of Heaney Country.