Public given chance to take virtual tour of £3.8m Seamus Heaney centre in Bellaghy

Members of the public are being offered an opportunity to get a sneak peek at the new Seamus Heaney centre in Bellaghy.
By Michael McGlade
Published 31st Jul 2015, 17:35 BST
Seamus HeaneySeamus Heaney
Seamus Heaney

On Saturday [August 1] a free event will be held in the Bellaghy Bawn focusing on the famous poet, with crative writing classes and traditional music.

As part of the open day, visitors will be able to take a virtual video tour of the new centre.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It is hoped that the £3.8m facility will be completed and opened in 2016.

Pictured at the official cutting of the sod for new Seamus Heaney visitor centre in Bellaghy on Tuesday afternoon of this week were the late Seamus Heaney's brothers Sam and Hugh Heaney alongside Cathal Mallaghan Chairperson of the Mid-Uster Council and Kate McEldowney Chairperson of Magherafelt District Council.INMM5114-433Pictured at the official cutting of the sod for new Seamus Heaney visitor centre in Bellaghy on Tuesday afternoon of this week were the late Seamus Heaney's brothers Sam and Hugh Heaney alongside Cathal Mallaghan Chairperson of the Mid-Uster Council and Kate McEldowney Chairperson of Magherafelt District Council.INMM5114-433
Pictured at the official cutting of the sod for new Seamus Heaney visitor centre in Bellaghy on Tuesday afternoon of this week were the late Seamus Heaney's brothers Sam and Hugh Heaney alongside Cathal Mallaghan Chairperson of the Mid-Uster Council and Kate McEldowney Chairperson of Magherafelt District Council.INMM5114-433

Some 2,000 of the poet’s personal books, reference materials and manuscripts will be housed in the centre’s library, while a large exhibition space will link the people, places, landscapes and traditions which influenced and inspired Heaney and also include a selection of his personal belongings, from his signature duffel coat to his fountain pen.

A 160-seater theatre and performance space will also form part of the build, with specific learning, activity and creative zones designed to meet the needs of children and young people, as well as large tour groups.

The open day in Bellaghy Bawn will be held from 12noon until 3pm.

Related topics:Seamus Heaney