Online Book Club | Sweeney Astray
'I prefer the elusive rhapsody of blackbirds to the garrulous blather of men and women.'
Join us on Teams for a discussion of Sweeney Astray: A Version from the Irish, Seamus Heaney’s reimagining of Buile Suibhne, based on J. G. O’Keeffe’s 1913 bilingual edition. Heaney began working on the poem in 1972 after moving to Wicklow, and it was published by Field Day Publications in 1983, later winning the 1985 PEN Translation Prize for Poetry.
This medieval Irish tale follows Suibhne mac Colmáin, king of the Dál nAraidi, who is driven mad by the curse of Saint Rónán Finn. Transformed into a bird-like wanderer, he travels across Ireland, reciting verses that trace his exile, solitude, and moments of revelation. Together, we’ll explore Sweeney’s physical and emotional journey, and the powerful poetry that shapes it.
This poetry book club is open to all — no prior knowledge needed.
Come to listen, read aloud, or simply enjoy the conversation!
