Poet in Residence
From Belfast to Bellaghy and Beyond
Niamh McNally, Translink Poet in Residence Travel Blogs
Poetry on the motion – capturing the journeys, connections and everyday stories across Northern Ireland.
As Translink’s Poet in Residence, Niamh McNally set out from Belfast Grand Central Station and travelled right across Northern Ireland on our services. Along the way, she spoke with passengers, listened to stories shared between stops, and brought poetry into the heart of the station through workshops with local primary and post-primary schools.
Her blog series captures these moments of connection—conversations with everyday commuters and first-time travellers, memories rooted in Belfast’s industrial past, and the stories that weave through our towns and cities.
Each piece reflects how public transport is more than just getting from A to B—it’s a place where people meet, share, and inspire one another.
Read about Niamh’s journeys to discover how poetry can bring the movement, rhythm, and meaning of travel to life. And if you spot her on any of our services across the network don’t be shy—your journey might just inspire her next poem.
Delving into the Mysticism of Ard Mhacha