Off the Record: Archaeology of the Heart released by Limerick writer Kieran Beville

LIMERICK writer Kieran Beville has published a new beautifully crafted collection of poetry.

With eloquence and romance, Archaeology of the Heart takes the reader through a wide range of subjects, including eroticism, which is part of Kieran’s poetic trade.

Published by Revival Press, Archaeology of the Heart has been described as a “charismatic book” similar to “traditional, honeyed Irish soda bread or dark chocolate truffles suffused with plenty of good Irish whiskey.”

With an attention to details and beautifully crafted verses, Kieran takes the reader on quite the journey, from Yonderland to the Vast Waters where the ‘sea sounds out the syllables of loneliness.’

Speaking of his new book, Kieran notes: “There’s a diverse range of themes. There’s sensual or erotic poems, poems about love, poems about loss and relationships. Things like that have been in the forefront of my mind.”

Historic Limerick post box returned following removal

Known locally as a poet, Kieran was appointed ‘Poet Laureate’ for Limerick at a civic ceremony in March 2022.

Previously, he taught English and History, and covered local arts and entertainment with his series of Spotlight articles for the Limerick Leader.

The Thomondgate native writes every day.

Speaking of why he writes, he says: “There are people who value my work. I have a Facebook following and a lot of people interact with my work there, and I appreciate the feedback, but I don't really write for people. I write because I feel compelled. I write for myself, and I think the older you get, the more you really kind of focus on things that are important.”

When asked who he’d like to have dinner with, dead or alive, Kieran chose Van Gogh, Seamus Heaney, and Thomas Hardy. “Thomas Hardy is possibly one of my favourite novelists. My favourite novel of his is Jude the Obscure.”

Kieran Beville is the author of Write Now – A Practical Guide to Becoming a Writer.

He has had a substantial number of poems and articles published in various newspapers, journals and magazines.

Archaeology of the Heart is his fifth collection of poems and is available via limerickwriterscentre.com