In the Footsteps of Seamus Heaney | Private Car Tour

5.0 (3 reviews) 6–7 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

3 reviews

5.0

Heaney Old & Young at HomePlace — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Seamus Heaney's Beloved Lough Beg — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

InSite Tours Ireland provides travelers with award-winning, customized experiences that highlight the finest aspects of Ireland's culture, history, and landscapes.

This unique and intimate journey offers a profound connection to the landscapes and moments that inspired Nobel Prizewinning Poet Seamus Heaney, brought to life by Fergal Kearney's personal stories and insights. Whether you're new to Heaney's work or deeply familiar with it, the tour promises an emotionally enriching experience, steeped in the poet's heritage and the beauty of his homeland.

This Seamus Heaney tour provides an exclusive, immersive journey into the poet's world, offering guests a deep, personal connection to the landscapes and inspirations behind his work.

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At a glance

Duration: 6–7 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–3
Guide: English
Operated by: InSite Tours Ireland

Ages: Adults (16–85 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Professional guide
Included: Bottled water
Included: Live commentary on board

Not included

Not included: Food and drinks, unless specified
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Queen's University

30 min

The beautiful Lanyon Building at Queens is one of Belfast's landmark architectural gems, but adjacent to this is the Seamus Heaney Library, dedicated in his honour as both student and teacher.
Stop 2

30 min

We will take a detour to take in the panorama of Seamus Heaney's beloved South Derry, a living breathing map of the places celebrated in his work. We will stop at the ancient coaching inn at Crosskeys for some refreshments.
Stop 3

25 min

In his seminal poem 'The Lough Neagh Sequence' Heaney charts the astonishing journey of the Lough Neagh Eel from the Sargasso Sea, across the Atlantic and upriver on the Bann to Lough Neagh. On this visit you will see the existing Fishery which keeps the tradition of Eel Fishing alive in this community.
Bellaghy

10 min

We will take in the local GAA grounds where the Heaney's played Gaelic Football, then pass by the Forge at Hillhead, which features in one of Seamus Heaney's earliest poems from A Door Into the Dark.
Stop 5

30 min

We will not be taking to the water, but we will visit The Strand at Lough Beg, Seamus Heaney's 'favourite place in the world'. Here you will listen to his poem of that name that commemorates his cousin who was murdered during the Troubles.
Stop 6

one hour Admission not included

We will visit the award-winning Tap House Bar and Restaurant to enjoy a sumptous local lunch, prepared using locally sourced produce. Extra Cost.
Stop 7

15 min

When Seamus Heaney died in August 2013, he took the local community by surprise by choosing his native Bellaghy as his final resting place. He he lies, his gravestone facing westwards over his beloved Tamlaghduff with the simple epitaph 'Walk on Air Against Your Better Judgement'.
Stop 8

15 min

Seamus Heaney's final public act for this community in Bellaghy was the unveiling in April 2008 of The Turf Man by artist David Annand. Inspired by his seminal poem 'Digging', Seamus said of the sculpture at its unveiling, 'it is the right image, in the right place'.
Stop 9

2 hours Admission not included

Before we visit the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, we will stop for lunch at the adjacent Tap House Bar and Restaurant. The HomePlace is a purpose built museum the pays homage to the great poet and his lifetime's work. During your tour you can hear Seamus hauntingly reading his own poems as you take a journey through his life.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

Go to the front entrance of The Guildhall. You will be met there by your driver/guide.
Go to the front gates of Belfast City Hall. You will be met there by your driver/guide.

End point

Go to the front entrance of The Guildhall. You will be met there by your driver/guide.
Go to the front gates of Belfast City Hall. You will be met there by your driver/guide.

Pickup points

Europa Hotel
Belfast Intl Airport

Please be weather prepared for all experiences. Ireland has a damp climate and weather can change in an instant. Good walking footwear is also recommended for all tours.

Using your ticket

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

Be weather prepared. Our climate can change quite suddenly so always bring wet/cold weather clothing.

If you have not already specified, you MUST advise supplier as soon as possible your Ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and departure time so that appropriate arrangements can be made

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.