Derek Mahon

Derek Mahon is prescribed for the 2027 Leaving Cert English exam. His poetry is elegant, precise, and haunted by history. He writes about abandoned places, lost communities, and the persistence of meaning in a world that seems determined to erase it. His formal skill is exceptional, and examiners notice students who can discuss how his careful craftsmanship serves his themes.

Prescribed Poems

Click any poem below for a full study guide with analysis, key quotes, themes, and exam strategy.

Day Trip to DonegalView notes EcclesiastesView notes As It Should BeView notes GrandfatherView notes After the TitanicView notes AntarcticaView notes RathlinView notes The Chinese Restaurant in PortrushView notes A Disused Shed in Co. WexfordView notes KinsaleView notes

Go Beyond the Notes

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English Hub Plus

Know the poem. Now write the H1 answer on it.

Plus has a full marked H1 sample answer for , plus short videos for every prescribed poet, so you walk into Paper 2 knowing exactly what to say.

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