Famous poet visits Mayo students to share her experience

Students at Sancta Maria College in Westport were given a unique and inspiring opportunity recently as Irish poet Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin visited the school to speak about her work.

The visit was particularly significant for Leaving Certificate students, who are currently studying Ní Chuilleanáin’s poetry as part of their English curriculum. Travelling from Dublin, the poet spent time engaging directly with students, offering valuable insights into her writing process and the inspirations behind her work.

During the session, she spoke in depth about the themes and ideas that shape her poetry, giving students a deeper appreciation of the texts they have been analysing in class. Her passion for language and literature was evident throughout, as she discussed both the technical and personal aspects of her craft.

Students also had the opportunity to ask questions, with Ní Chuilleanáin providing thoughtful and detailed responses that helped bring new clarity to her work.

Among the poems discussed were On Lacking the Killer Instinct, Street, and The Bend in the Road, all of which students said took on new meaning after hearing directly from the poet herself.

The visit allowed students to experience the poems in a new way, with many describing it as a memorable moment in their studies.

READ MORE: Mayo town event to explore future of Ireland’s small towns

Ní Chuilleanáin has enjoyed a distinguished literary career, including lecturing roles at University of Oxford and Trinity College Dublin, and is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s leading contemporary poets.

The event was organised in partnership with Poetry Ireland, which supports the promotion of poetry across the country.

School staff said the visit was a valuable educational experience, giving students a rare chance to connect directly with a writer whose work they are studying for their exams.