Powerscourt Estate hosts Poetry in Bloom this summer
Powerscourt Estate is encouraging people to connect with nature and be inspired to write, as part of the Poetry in Bloom initiative.
Poetry in Bloom is supported this year by Patrick Bergin, an award-winning actor, and a great supporter of the arts.
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 initiative.
Inspired by nature
Poetry in Bloom is open to everyone from 7-years-old upwards. The idea is to create a poem or write lyrics inspired by the surroundings of Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall, throughout July and August 2022.
All submissions are online and will automatically be entered into an open prize draw to win a variety of amazing prizes.
The initiative also marks the life of Shelia Wingfield, who was a gifted poet and a Viscountess of Powerscourt.
Speaking about the collaboration, Sarah Slazenger, Managing Director, Powerscourt Estate, said that nature has always been their guiding star.
“We are dedicated to working with nature and highlighting the need to protect the natural world—but also to enjoy its beauty. This has always been our guiding star since my grandfather bought the Estate, to generate hydropower from Powerscourt Waterfall. The tradition of custodianship continues to this day with our present journey to achieving certification as a Sustainable Tourism Destination.”
Submissions
Submissions opened on Friday the 8th of July and close on Sunday the 31st of August.
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 October 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.
Entries should 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, visit www.powerscourt.com/poetryinbloom.
