Poet in Residence | Translink

Introducing Niamh McNally Translink’s first Poet in Residence at Belfast Grand Central Station.

Belfast Grand Central Station isn’t just a place where journeys begin and end—it’s a hub of movement, connection, and stories waiting to be told. That’s where Niamh McNally comes in. As our Poet in Residence, she’s capturing the rhythm of travel, the voices of passengers and the magic of shared journeys through poetry.

An Ulster University graduate and up and coming Belfast poet, Niamh is passionate about public transport, sustainability, and the stories that unfold along the way. Whether it’s the daily commuter lost in thought, the student setting off on a new adventure, or the family heading home for Christmas, she’s turning these moments into poetry—transforming the station into a space for creativity and reflection.

A photograph of a train crossing a bridge near Belfast Harbour at night

A Passion for Public Transport and Sustainability

As a regular public transport user, Niamh understands the power of shared journeys, the connections they create, and the role sustainable travel plays in building a greener future for us all. Passionate about ecology, sustainability, and environmental storytelling, she sees public transport as a vital part of reducing carbon emissions and making cities and communities more accessible for all. Through her residency, she will explore these themes in her poetry and interactions with passengers, highlighting how rail and bus travel can support a cleaner, healthier, and more connected world.

A Residency That Moves With the People

Throughout her residency which lasts from now until early May Niamh will be;

Leading travel and poetry workshops with primary and post-primary schools

Helping young people explore the themes of journeys, connection, and creativity through verse.

Writing a series of blogs

These blogs will highlight the connections public transport offers, featuring her own journeys to and from Belfast Grand Central Station. Through these stories, she will explore the places people can travel to, from bustling cities to scenic rural getaways, showcasing the accessibility and reach of our network.

Engaging with passengers

Niamh will meet and speak with fellow travellers, hearing their personal stories about where they’re coming from, where they’re going, and what public transport means to them. From daily commuters to once-in-a-lifetime adventurers, she’ll weave their voices into her writing. If you see her Niamh wants you to come over and say hello.

Creating a public poem for Belfast Grand Central Station

As a lasting legacy of her residency, Niamh will write a poem about Belfast Grand Central Station, public transport, and the connections it creates. This poem will be installed in the new station, ensuring that future generations of passengers can engage with its message.

Promoting the new ‘Poetry in Motion’ book

As part of her role, Niamh will also help launch Translink’s Poetry in Motion poetry book, celebrating the power of words and the voices of poets who have found inspiration in travel.