Discover Lough Neagh
In the heart of Northern Ireland you will find Lough Neagh, the largest lake in Britain and Ireland. Lough Neagh captivates visitors with its tranquil atmosphere, un-spoilt scenery, secluded bays and skyward views. Lough Neagh is a haven for wildlife with many viewpoints around the shoreline. There is so much to see and do from history and heritage, visitor attractions to land and water based activities.
Walk in the footsteps of Ireland’s best known writer and a poet of true International stature; come right into the heart of Heaney country to partake in a unique experience. You will be staying in Laurel Villa – a very special guesthouse right in the heart of Magherafelt. Whether you are a Seamus Heaney enthusiast interested in finding out a bit more about him and the area he came from or if you have an interest in Seamus Heaney and Irish writers or poetry – this is the weekend for you.
Programme
Friday Arrive at Laurel Villa between 3.00pm and 7.00pm. Introductory talk by Eugene Kielt and the chance to view a rare collection of Heaney First Editions, Heaney Broadsides and Heaney ephemera in the unique Exhibition which compliments the excellent Heaney collection and archive at Bellaghy Bawn nearby. Followed by dinner in one of Magherafelt’s ten restaurants.
Saturday After breakfast, depart on your day tour personally conducted by local Heaney enthusiast Eugene Kielt who is a Blue Badge Tourist Guide. As you travel across Heaney country of South Derry and Tyrone, Eugene will set the geographical, social and political context of this important writer’s work.
You are sure to leave with a much greater insight into such poems as Mossbawn, Digging, Death of a Naturalist, Mid Term Break, Casualty and The Strand at Lough Beg etc. Come and look at the landscape which inspired his Bog poems... you can even try your hand at working at the very anvil immortalised by Heaney in his poem The Forge.
On this day, lunch is included at Laurel Villa.
Evening Return to Laurel Villa. Evening at leisure in with the restaurants and pubs of Magherafelt, just steps from your accommodation.
Sunday Depart Laurel Villa by 11.00am. From 11.30am-12.30pm take part in a walking tour of Magherafelt
Laurel Villa 60 Church Street, Magherafelt, Co. Derry
This fabulous Victorian Villa is Magherafelt's longest established accommodation. This charming guesthouse offers superb accommodation and great value for money in the very centre of Northern Ireland. The walls are adorned with Seamus Heaney poems and memorabilia, regular poetry evenings are held on the premises and the whole house reflects the owners’ interest in Irish writers and Irish culture. At Laurel Villa only the finest produce is used, locally sourced and as fresh as the wind that blows off the nearby Slieve Gallen. Laurel Villa is recommended by the Daily Telegraph and Guardian newspapers as well as a number of respected guidebooks, including the Cadogan Guide. This classy and unique accommodation has a pedigree stretching back over decades and is one of the best-known and best-loved places in Northern Ireland. This is not a run-of-the-mill guesthouse or B&B. If you value good food, good accommodation and good taste, then you are sure to love Laurel Villa, Magherafelt's only period guesthouse. The addition of stunning interior design schemes personally created by the owners Gerardine and Eugene Kielt make this a truly special place to stay.
