Northern Ireland is a land renowned for its beautiful green landscapes and rich literary history where stories have been passed down through generations. These landscapes have inspired many famous writers in their time and led to the creation of world famous novels. We're here to guide you through some of the must-see literary landmarks and events in Northern Ireland. Whether you're a seasoned bookworm or a casual reader, there is something for everyone.
Historic Connections
Clive Staples Lewis, commonly known as C.S. Lewis, was born in east Belfast in 1898. He was a writer and theologian, most famous for creating The Chronicles of Narnia, a series of seven fantasy novels written for children. Lewis drew much inspiration from Northern Irish landscapes in the writing of these novels, particularly the impressive granite mountain range, the Mourne Mountains. In his book 'On Stories' he wrote, “I have seen landscapes, notably in the Mourne Mountains and southwards which under a particular light made me feel that at any moment a giant might raise his head over the next ridge.”
And it doesn't just end there. For fans of The Chronicles of Narnia, there are many attractions you can visit to find out more about the author behind the beloved novels. Take a guided tour of East Belfast and see where C.S. Lewis grew up. The C.S. Lewis trail starts at 'The Searcher' sculpture outside Holywood Arches Library and includes sites such as St. Mark's Church, where Lewis was baptised, No. 47 Dundela Avenue, where he was born and C.S. Lewis Square. The Square is dedicated to his life and work and contains seven Narnia inspired sculptures. Just up the road is The Lamppost Café. With a Narnia twist on traditional tea shop decoration and everything served on vintage crockery, you will feel as though you have stepped back in time (or into the wardrobe!).
Take a trip to Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor where you will find The Narnia Trail through luscious woodland. As a young boy, Lewis spent much time holidaying in Rostrevor, inspiring his creation of the magical world of Narnia. Lewis is reported to have written a letter to his brother saying: “That part of Rostrevor which overlooks Carlingford Lough is my idea of Narnia”.
Napoleon's Nose at Cave Hill Country Park is an iconic landmark in Belfast. The rocky outcrop that is said to resemble the profile of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, is visible from almost everywhere in the city. The legend says that Napoleon's Nose was the inspiration for the giant in Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels. See the landmark for yourself and trek to the summit where you will enjoy panoramic views across the bustling city and impressive landscape.
The Seamus Heaney HomePlace is dedicated to the life and work of Nobel Prize-winning poet Seamus Heaney. He was brought up in rural County Londonderry, “country of the mind” where much of Heaney’s poetry is still grounded. Discover how Seamus Heaney’s formative years in the Bellaghy area shaped his career and were a source of inspiration for much of his writing at the homeplace experience. He regularly drew upon the loughs and rivers that he visited in his younger years. Visit the boglands that inspired poems like ‘Digging’, the opening poem in his first collection, in which Heaney fondly wrote, "My grandfather cut more turf in a day than any other man on Toner’s bog."
Bibliophile's Bliss: Northern Ireland's Beautiful Libraries
Northern Ireland boasts some truly stunning libraries, each with its own unique charm. At the Armagh Robinson library discover literary treasures. Founded by Archbishop Robinson in the heart of the City, the library was built to display his impressive collection of books and fine art. You can now visit and see Jonathan Swift’s personal copy of Gulliver’s Travels from 1726, with corrections in his own handwriting. The building also has books, signed by Swift, from his own library and other letters, including one about buying a horse for the love of his life, Stella. Once you push open the great Georgian door, you will feel like you have stepped into the 18th Century. The elegant georgian windows illuminate the rare books stored here. There are around 42,000 printed works, covering a range of subjects from science and history to theology and travel.
Dive into a world of books at Belfast Central Library! This stunning building, opened in 1888, is one of Northern Ireland's first major public libraries. Its architecture is an outstanding representation of a public structure during the height of the Victorian era, and it was designed to reflect the aspirations of Belfast's expanding city.
The Linen Hall Library, founded in 1788 as the Belfast Library and Society for Promoting Knowledge, is the oldest library in Belfast and boasts unique collections on Irish and local studies, including the Northern Ireland Political Collection and the C.S. Lewis collection. The general lending shelves are stocked with the great literary and classic novels. Linen Hall members are able to borrow from the outstanding collection of thousands of titles. There are excellent Ulster-Scots and Irish-language books available. Don't forget to check out the Linen Hall Cafe, gift shop and Charity Bookshop which offers an eclectic range of good quality pre-loved books and rare editions.
Book Festivals and Events
Aspects Festival (September & October)
Held annually in Bangor, Aspects festival facilitates a wide range writing events in celebration of Irish Writing. These cover many diverse genres include crime, songwriting, poetry, politics, memoir, nature writing and storytelling, featuring writers from all over Ireland as well as talented local writers.
Belfast book festival (5 - 12 June 2025)
The annual Belfast Book Festival features readings, talks, and workshops by a host of international authors. Join the largest literary festival in Northern Ireland at The Crescent to meet, watch and listen to storytellers; to write and to get crafty. Since it began in 2010, the Belfast Book Festival has grown from strength to strength each year.
Seamus Heaney Poetry Summer School (23 - 27 June 2025)
The Seamus Heaney Poetry Summer School is an annual intensive week of creative development for emerging poetry writers, with seminars, workshops, tutorials and other evening events. Learn to write like the famous poet, Seamus Heaney, the school's namesake.
Ballyscullion Park Book Festival (10 - 11 May 2025)
Not too far from the Seamus Heaney homeplace is the Ballyscullion Park Book Festival in Bellaghy. The festival brings together readers, writers and art lovers for a weekend of cultural delights. Over the two days, attendees can choose from up to 50 talks, readings and panel discussions, as well as enjoying live music, local food stalls, artisan products and an art exhibition. C.S. Lewis Square regularly hosts a range of literary events including the annual C.S. Lewis Festival. This festival celebrates creativity and C.S. Lewis’s own very special connection to east Belfast.
Book Week Northern Ireland (October)
Each year in October, Libraries NI and BBC NI host Book Week NI. This week brings together communities to celebrate reading through a variety of events, author interviews, activities and discussions designed to inspire all ages. Read all about it!
Other Ways to Experience Northern Ireland's Book Scene
Join a book club
If you are looking for a fun and social way to experience Northern Ireland's literary scene, join a book club! It's a great way to connect with other book lovers and explore the rich literary heritage of Country. Find a book club near you and get started. There's even a club for the kids. We recommend starting with a book by a Northern Irish author (We've heard the Chronicles of Narnia are quite popular).
Take a literary walking tour
The streets of Belfast are rich with stories of the past. Book a literary walking tour of Belfast and discover what the writers had to say about this fascinating city. There will be readings of extracts by Ciaran Carson, Seamus Heaney, Michael Longley and many others.
Find a bookshop
Northern Ireland has a multitude of quirky bookstores. Set in the secret garden in the Courtyard, Carrickfergus, is The Secret Bookshelf. This hidden gem has everything with a great selection of new, pre-loved and kids books, as well as a literary-themed gift section. On Stranmillis Road, Books Paper Scissors has a curated selection of new fiction and non-fiction, gift books, stationery and poetry. They also host a Book Club each month. No Alibis bookstore on Botanic Avenue regularly hosts concerts, book launches, poetry readings, and lectures. It has a special shelf dedicated to local authors and writers. Keats and Chapman is one of the last independent bookstores in Belfast with with 30,000 second hand books with prices starting at just £1. All of these are worth a nosey. Time to make a list and get started!
Northern Ireland is a must-visit destination for book lovers. With its rich literary heritage and stunning scenery, there is something for every genre of person. The story doesn’t end here, find out more about the literary legends of this country or plan your own book adventure in Northern Ireland.
"Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea" (Percy French) The popular song has made the Mournes the best known mountains in Ireland. Distinctive and self contained, they are tucked away in the south east corner of Northern Ireland. Dominated by Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest peak, this area of outstanding natural beauty is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
An exciting public space at the heart of the Connswater Community Greenway. It features over 300 native trees and 7 statues by Irish artist Maurice Harron who was inspired by characters from C.S. Lewis’ 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'.
This trail will take you to the places that inspired the young C.S. Lewis, one of our most famous literary sons, best known for his magical world of Narnia.
Join a professional guide on a tour of the East Belfast of the author’s childhood.
The famous writer, C S Lewis, as a young boy, spent much holiday time in the Mournes and Rostrevor in particular, allowing him to imagine, dream and wonder, and inspiring his creation of the magical world of Narnia.
EastSide Visitor Centre provides a base from which visitors can explore the east of the city. Visitors can access information on attractions from digital screens with interpretation panels and a wall map.
Seamus Heaney HomePlace takes you on an inspiring journey through the life and work of one of Ireland’s greatest writers. Situated between his two childhood homes at Mossbawn and The Wood, and only a few hundred yards from St Mary’s Church, Bellaghy, which he chose as his final resting place, HomePlace is at the heart of the area that inspired so much of the poet’s work.
Cave Hill Country Park gets its name from five caves, which could be early iron mines, located on the side of the main Belfast cliffs. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views across Belfast from vantage points on the hillside.
Step into the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, and discover the world-renowned poet in his beloved hometown. Journey through the life and works of this literary giant, greatly valued worldwide for his decency and humility, and experience the place, the people and the landscape that so inspired his work.
Established in 1771, Armagh Public Library is one of the oldest libraries in Ireland, holding rare and valuable books, ancient Irish artefacts, and print, gem and coin collections. Visitors and researchers, individuals and groups, are all welcome.
Founded in 1788, Linen Hall Library is a truly unique institution. As the oldest library in Belfast and the last subscribing library in Ireland, it has an impressive Irish and Local Studies Collection and houses a significant genealogy section.
Ballyscullion Park Book Festival is a celebration of literature, music and art in the heart of Seamus Heaney country.
Discover The Secret Bookshelf in Carrickfergus' Courtyard, Ireland's top indie bookstore. We offer unique books, gifts, and accessories, host events, and support writing classes. Book hunts and unique finds await!
