The Seamus Heaney Centre Poetry Summer School is an annual intensive week of creative development for emerging poets, with seminars, workshops and one-to-one tutorials, alongside a programme of readings and other evening events such as the Seamus Heaney First Collection Poetry Prize Award Night. Time is scheduled for writing and the development of new work, as well as to explore and engage with the rich literary networks in the city.
The Poetry Summer School is led each year by Professor Nick Laird, featuring guest tutors from the Seamus Heaney Centre and beyond. In 2026, this will be held between Monday 22 - Friday 26 June 2026. Applications close on Tuesday 31 March 2026! Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by Wednesday 1st May 2026.
If you are successful in your application, there is a fee of £750.00 to attend. Some competitive bursaries are available, for those who would otherwise be unable to participate, and subsidized accommodation will be available at the university.
