Poets from W. B. Yeats to Seamus Heaney have used the National Library’s reading rooms, and the literary papers of many poets are part of the library’s manuscripts collections. Our printed collection includes the work of well-known and lesser known poets. The creativity and legacy of W. B. Yeats is celebrated in the popular exhibition Yeats: the life and work of William Butler Yeats.
Poetry Aloud is an All-Ireland poetry speaking competition for post-primary schools organised by the NLI and Poetry Ireland. The idea originated in Wesley College, Dublin with English teacher Niall MacMonagle. The first national poetry speaking competition was held in 2006 and coincided with the opening of the Yeats exhibition. The National Library and Poetry Ireland jointly organised Yeats Aloud in 2006.
In 2007, the competition became Poetry Aloud and has been running since as an all-Ireland poetry speaking competition for post primary schools on the island of Ireland. The NLI and Poetry Ireland have worked in collaboration on Poetry Aloud for the past 10 years.
To celebrate 10 years of Poetry Aloud as a national competition, join Professor Margaret Kelleher, Chair of Anglo-Irish Literature and Drama, UCD for a short talk followed by a conversation with some former winners who will read their own favourite poems. Niall MacMonagle will introduce the evening.
All welcome! Booking not required.
