Poetry in Bloom – Nature Poetry Initiative

Poetry in Bloom – Extended deadline to 30th September 2023

“Poetry in Bloom”, was developed by Powerscourt, and will be supported again this year by renowned International/Irish/ Hollywood actor Patrick Bergin. Patrick Bergin is an award-winning actor, a lover of poetry and a great supporter of the arts, especially encouraging and supporting poetry and the arts in the young in London, Dublin, and LA.

Patrick will be reading through the submissions to “Poetry in Bloom” and helping to select a number of poems to be used as a basis of a short poetry film to close the last 3 years of the initiative.

This poetry initiative is an invitation to everyone from 7-year-olds up to create a poem or write lyrics inspired by nature they have observed at Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall.  All submissions are online through email (poetry@powerscourt.net) and will automatically be entered into an open prize draw to win a variety of amazing prizes.

The initiative is also marking the life of the “Poetess of Powerscourt”, Shelia Wingfield, who was a gifted poet and a Viscountess of Powerscourt.  She crossed paths, and was a contemporary of, some of the greatest literary figures of early twentieth century Ireland, including W.B Yeats.  Her writing and poetry clearly emanate from her love for nature, with many of her poems inspired by her surrounds at Powerscourt Estate.

Spending time out in nature is vital to our wellbeing and has provided the inspiration for countless stories, poems, and music throughout the ages.

Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall welcome all visitors to the Estate to reconnect with the natural world and be inspired to write a short poetic piece. Whether the piece is one or two lines that capture a moment or a multi-page poem, what is important is reflecting on the wonder of nature and imagination.

Submissions opened on Friday the 7^{th of} July and close on Thursday the 31st of August (Extended to 30th September 2023). During this time every visitor to Powerscourt Gardens is encouraged to immerse themselves in nature, be inspired, be creative and write a short poem or lyrics which will be included in a virtual poetry wall throughout August.

The first 20 entries who submit a poem or lyrics online will receive a Family Day pass to Powerscourt Gardens. To help visitors get inspired, a poetry trail featuring the ancient poem “Song of Amergin” has been installed in Powerscourt Gardens.

The overall winner selected in the open-prize draw will be announced at the beginning of September and will receive a year’s annual family membership to Powerscourt Estate and a gift card worth €250. The three runners up will receive annual membership to Powerscourt Estate.

Entrants to be submitted to – poetry@powerscourt.net with POETRY IN BLOOM SUBMISSION in the subject line.  For entry details, inspiration and more information about “Poetry in Bloom” at Powerscourt as well as full terms and conditions view details below.

Watch our wonderful video about the Poetry in Bloom competition.

Are you interested but not sure where to begin?

If you’re not sure where to start, before you visit Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall, take a look at the recent beautiful dawn chorus time lapse video in association with Tourism Ireland of the Gardens. Click here to watch.

Virtual Poetry Wall with 2023 submissions coming soon……

This year’s submissions will appear soon on the virtual poetry wall.  It’s a living collection of pieces submitted to the Poetry in Bloom at Powerscourt initiative.