New chapter for the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen’s as it opens landmark building

The building was officially opened by Marie Heaney, wife of Seamus, and President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s, Professor Sir Ian Greer, during an event on Tuesday, June 18.

Also in attendance were members of the Heaney family, guests including the First and Deputy First Ministers, Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly; Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray; Ciaran Hinds; Geraldine Hughes; and staff, students, and friends of the University.

Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s said: "This centre is more than just a building; it is a tribute to one of Ireland’s greatest poets, Seamus Heaney, and it will be a cornerstone of the University.

“The new centre will be a landmark on the island of Ireland that will look to the future, providing an inspiring environment for our students, staff, writers, and the wider community to engage in the study and creation of writing.

“The University has contributed hugely to the literary life of Belfast and further afield with many notable alumni such as Paul Muldoon, Medbh McGuckian, Ciaran Carson, and Lisa McGee to name but a few. This new space will harness the development of many more creative talents in the years to come.”

There is also a public exhibition area that will display the Seamus Heaney archive held by the University for the first time.

Director of the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen’s, Professor Glenn Patterson commented: “This beautiful new building is a recognition of how the Heaney Centre has developed in the twenty years since it was opened by Seamus Heaney himself under the directorship of the late Ciaran Carson. The ethos - the heart - remains the same, but the new premises offer exciting opportunities for study, for research, and for even greater community engagement.”

During the opening event, the square on Mount Charles just beside the new venue was unveiled as ‘Marie Heaney Square,’ in honour of Marie Heaney.

Catherine Heaney, daughter of Seamus said: “The Seamus Heaney Centre is really important to me and my family because it’s about education. So many people know my father as a poet, and Queen’s is where he started writing poetry, but also it’s where he studied himself and where he started his career as a lecturer and an educator. As far as we’re concerned, it plays a really important part in his legacy.”

The total cost of the building was £4.9 million, funded by the University's Capital Development programme and generous philanthropic donations and grants from around the world. £1.7 million has been raised to date through the support of our donors towards the new Seamus Heaney Centre Building, outreach activities, and academic positions. Lead supporters include the Wolfson Foundation, the Weston Foundation, and the Brennan-Glucksman Family.

The official opening event was part of several events taking place from June 17–27, many of which are open to the public.