Stopped there to see what they had done to commemorate this most famous son of Bellaghy and although we only had time for a short visit could see that it wan an inspiring with a carefully curated to celebrate a very special person. We used the cafe as a pit-stop as we had travelled from London that morning and can only praise that as well for an excellent breakfast that was very tasty and great value. All of our interactions with staff were very pleasant.

Visiting the HomePlace really was a lovely experience. The staff were so welcoming which made me feel like I was in someone's home! Rebecca was also so informative at the start of our tour. I was actually stuck for time on the day of my visit, but once inside I really got lost reading and listening to the voice of Heaney and his life's story. The magic of his work and the beautiful layout of the museum made me forget the time.

I’ll be honest - I had never heard of SH, notwithstanding his Nobel prize. Clearly a failing of my own knowledge and education. Therefore I found this an interesting visit - and enjoyed in particular the resource that allowed you to choose from those that new him or were influenced by him and heard their insights and also in many cases their reading of his work. The audio guide was also good - with the screens also providing access to the analysis of the poems that I found insightful. Whilst the museum walked you through his family and its poetry connections, what I did miss was any commentary of his politics and I found this a strange omission, particularly where the video on his Nobel prize had clear relationships with the PM and presidents of the republic and this left questions for me. Overall a worthwhile visit.

A centre created with love and care We were greeted by a member of staff who was warm, very enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. There is real love for Seamus Heaney in this place. The exhibition concentrating on his life and background brings his work and personality to life. I could have stayed longer to listen to his poems. Few poets read their own work as well. A screen which enables you to access friends and personalities speak of Heaney and read his poetry is utterly absorbing. Upstairs is a more personally creative section with an invitation to explore ones own creativity. Gave me an insight into how the adult Heaney could home in on a detail from his past and weave an unforgettable poem from it. Good video about the Nobel prize also

When I found out we were staying 15 mins away from here I knew I had to visit, but I wasn't sure about bringing the kids along. I needn't have worried as there is a large activities area for Children to read or dress up or draw based on the themes of Heaney's poetry. This was staffed the day we visited by Louise, who was endlessly patient with the energies of a 6 and 3 year old. As their Dad stayed there with them that left me free to roam around and immerse myself in the exhibition. Add to that, kids under 7 get in free and adults were £10 each, so a very good value couple of hours out as a family. You get an audio handset when you enter, which as you go around you can listen to the appropriate poems for each section, all read by Heaney himself. Nothing quite compares to hearing a poet read their own work and it is quite special to see the stories and photos of the people and things that inspired them at the same time as hearing them. There is also an on site cafe which was reasonably priced and very tasty, and don't miss the sensory garden to the side of the building (past the allotments) where Heaney's poems are displayed next to the nature that inspired them.

A must see if you’re in this part of the world. Seamus Heaney is undoubtedly one of the worlds finest poets and this is a world class tribute to him. Well done on whoever created and curated this very special place. I really enjoyed it as did my children. Reignited my appreciation for Heaney and rural Ireland.

A beautifully thought-out museum celebrating the life of Seamus Heaney in the village where he was born and grew up. I particularly enjoyed the family photos, the readings by Heaney and the testimony by admirers, ranging from local schoolchildren to Bono. Everyone at the museum and the cafe (which serves excellent, moderately-priced food) was very welcoming. Clearly the community is proud of Heaney and I found that very moving. I can also recommend the Open Ground tour, especially Lough Beg and the Moyola river. We enjoyed the entertainment by Henry Normal in the delightfully intimate performance space.

This is a wonderful tribute to Seamus Heaney and is educational, informative and heart-lifting. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, the building bright, interesting and very well maintained. The contents are, of course, the reason why so many people visit and it is so very well curated. One could spend a complete day here, but a few hours are a must. One gets to know A little of how talented he was as a genius of a poet, but how humble and generous he was as a man. Do go, you will be rewarded in so many ways for your visit. Excellent, I could not fault anything.

Can't speak highly enough about this special place. A world-class cultural venue and an inspirational setting for one of our greatest poets. We did the one day experience, which was incredibly good value. Scones and coffee on arrival, the exhibition, packed lunch and then the Open Ground tour. From the cafe to the customer service to the library, everything was outstanding. We spent all day there and I'd still go back tomorrow. Our 12 year old is now a huge Heaney fan and thoroughly enjoyed the arts and crafts centre and the sensory garden in particular.

Wonderful that this exists - thank you. Gentle question: isn't the guide's introduction, however well-intended (and of course nothing personal) a banal, redundant, ironic reduction of the poetic to the prosaic? Perhaps save it for school groups only? Or put it on a wall somewhere? If a volunteer, maybe save it for those who ask? If paid, please possibly spend the money on a young poet? Thank you again. What a life-changing, oxygenating genius he was. RIP.