Poetry Day Ireland

Thank you for joining us!

Poetry Day Ireland is an annual island-wide celebration of poetry. This year it took place on Thursday May 1st, 2025 with the theme 'May Day'.

The theme 'May Day' is rooted in the ancient fire festival of Bealtaine, which celebrates renewal, hope and abundance. It’s also a day of solidarity and collective strength through it's global recognition as International Workers’ Day.

Poetry Ireland has selected twelve poems to celebrate Poetry Day Ireland 2025.

Discover May Day Poems

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Get Involved

All are welcome to get involved, with participation encouraged from artists, schools, arts organisations, venues, hospitals, community groups, poetry-lovers, and more. In the past, we have even had contributions from Paul Mescal, Margaret Atwood, Hozier and Mary Robinson. 

Poetry Ireland invites the public the celebrate poetry. 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.  

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