Poetry Ireland announces twelve poems selected for Poetry Day Ireland 2025
Poetry Ireland announces twelve poems to be showcased across the Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) network and in libraries nationwide as part of Poetry Day Ireland 2025. Following an open call to respond to this year’s Poetry Day Ireland theme of ‘May Day’, nine poems have been selected by Poetry Ireland’s Poet in Residence, Anne Tannam, as well as three Irish-language poems chosen by poet and editor Aifric MacAodha.
The selected poems are May Day by Gabriel Rosenstock, Thank You by Othuke Umukoro, We Carried May by Róisín Leggett Bohan, Tea Break with Tin Mug by Enda Coyle-Greene, The Laying Hen by Rosamund Taylor, The Sun’s Return by Lorna Shaughnessy, I Carve a Future into the Year by Jo Bear, Hawthorn by Stephen de Búrca, Duplex by Stuart Barnes, Lá Binn Bealtaine by Alan Titley, Lá Bealtaine by Diarmuid Johnson, and MayDay! by Gormfhlaith Ní Shíocháin Ní Bheoláin.
Each of the selected poems touch on ‘May Day’ symbolism: as the midpoint between the spring and autumn equinox, May Day is deeply rooted in ancient traditions, including the fire festival of Bealtaine, which celebrates renewal, hope, and abundance. May Day is also recognised globally as International Workers’ Day, a time for reflection on solidarity, unity, and collective strength.
Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann said: “We are delighted once again to support Poetry Day Ireland this year. The display of poems on our services are enjoyed by all of our customers who travel with us. Train travel brings us on adventures and these poems give us the opportunity to travel to other worlds”
Liz Kelly, Director of Poetry Ireland, says, "We are delighted to once again partner with Iarnród Éireann to give everyone an opportunity to take a moment to enjoy, appreciate and celebrate poetry. Our theme this year of “May Day” is a hopeful one, celebrating the flourishing new season and solidarity. Our aim with our Iarnród Éireann partners is to travel far and wide in reality and in our imaginations.”
You can read all Poetry Day Ireland 2025 selected poems online at poetryday.ie. For more information on Poetry Day Ireland 2025, visit poetryday.ie. However you choose to celebrate, Poetry Ireland invites you to take part on Thursday, 1 May 2025. Whether attending an event, reading a poem, or sharing your love of poetry online, be sure to tag @PoetryIreland across social media and use the hashtag #PoetryDayIRL.
Poetry Day Ireland is supported by The Arts Council Ireland, the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Iarnród Éireann, RTE Supporting The Arts and Dublin City Council.